November 1962.....the Hong Kong Peak is issued by missionaries of the ABFMS. Rev. and Mrs. Koons Share Their First Impressions… The S. S. President Wilson glided through the thick morning haze which enveloped the long-anticipated Hong Kong harbor. Alongside, the tiny sampans bounced upon the waves as parents and young children begged for food or "one Hong Kong dollar." Soon a ferry boat speedily passed, full of passengers headed for Hong Kong Island. As we shaded our eyes from the piercing sunlight, we began to see the tall, rugged peaks which form a protective arm about a thin, but heavily populated shore line. Suddenly we were no longer in a beautiful and impressive picture; this was the Pearl of the Orient. This was our new home! Our new friends led us on to the streets of Kowloon, streets full of impatient taxis, buses, cars, rickshaws, and people. It may take many months for us to sense a relief from the strong impact of three and a quarter million people living and working in an area designed for only 700,000. Our eyes tell us that they are here, but it is hard to believe. Then our ears pick up exuberant and musical sounds that make up words we can not understand. School children chant their lessons. Each morning the shoe repair man almost sings "la-ho-ee" as he announces his trade to all. Swatow Christians in worship, kneeling, unite in audible prayer as each individual petitions a God who hears and understands all who seek Him. With each new day of language study, these impressions and many more are fast becoming part of our own experience, an experience which we pray shall one day bear fruit for Christ. We are Called… Missionaries working among the Chinese, of necessity learn the Chinese language. We are given Chinese names by older Chinese co-workers, for easier communication. Chinese names are not only easier for them to say, but also for them to read and write than our unfamiliar English names. "The old 100 surnames" is an expression used in Chinese to refer to "the common people." Actually there are more than 100 Chinese surnames, but this number includes a large proportion of the people. The surname given us are among the recognized surnames; they are usually related in sound to our English names: Pah for Proctor, Na for Noren, Sz for Smith. Not all persons of the same English surname use the same Chinese surname, however. This Miss Edna Smith has the surname Si, different from that of Rev. and Mrs. Hugh Smith; it lessens confusion. The Chinese "given name" may be related in sound to the English surname also. For example, Dr J.T. Proctor, formerly of East China (and father of Mildred) was given the name - Pah Gow Teh. The "Pah" is the surname; it is one of the "100" names and means "cypress tree." Obviously it was chosen not for its meaning but because of its sound. The "Gow Teh" (meaning "high virtue") is the "given name." The three spoken together are not unlike "Proctor." Here are the names of some of the members of our mission, written as you might pronounce them, and their meanings. Remember that Chinese names usually are idealistic in meaning! MissionarySoundMeaning of the SurnameMeaning of the Given NameLoren NorenNa JingBlueBenevolent loveMildred ProctorPah May TihCypress treeBeautiful butterflyEdna SmithSi Sok NgiTo giveClear, rightHugh SmithSz Yiu HengHistoryHaving meritSeater-Margaret DreverTeh Bu ZengLead forwardService, truthSometimes American friends ask, "What is my name in Chinese?" Names from the Bible (such as Mary and John) have been translated; the translation of the names of some other persons (such as Martin Luther) have become standardized in Chinese literature. Aside from these, we can not say what a name is in Chinese. We would have to ask Chinese friends to give you a suitable name! The Seed Grows… Ten years ago God planted a seed in the heart of a Chinese Christian woman in the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church: there should be a woman’s missionary society in the church. This thought-seed grew into a plant, fruit ripened, and in turn spread seeds abroad, until now there are 10 women’s societies in the Swatow Baptist churches in Hong Kong. Six years ago these societies formed an association, which now has over 500 members. A yearly handbook and program are prepared by a group of the leaders; they use the theme of the National Council of American Baptist Women, but adapt the ideas to the life and needs of the women in Hong Kong. The horizons of the women are broadening gradually through Bible study, and interest in Christian family life, Christian work abroad, and throughout the Colony of Hong Kong. Two day-long retreats are held each year. An institute for the training of leaders of the women’s societies was held a few months ago. The women have participated in the Baptist World Day of Prayer, in cooperation with Cantonese-speaking Baptist groups. They have participated also in the interdenominational World Day of Prayer, and have been challenged to deeper concern for Christ's kingdom around the world. This concern is expressed in various ways; once year a cash offering was sent to earthquake victims in Africa; at another time to the Hay Ling Chau leprosarium here. The women look forward to the Asian Baptist Women's Union meeting in the Philippines, in April 1963. One delegate and an observer will represent the Swatow Baptist women of Hong Kong. The New Theological Seminary at Chung Chi For a number of years several of the church bodies in Hong Kong have felt the need for a more adequate theological training program. Existing efforts in this field in Hong Kong are limited in one way or another so that they do not really meet the needs of a large proportion of the churches. Some time ago the Chung Chi College Board of Governors discussed this Problem. The Board of Governors felt that its primary task is university education, and in Chung Chi College there is now a Department of Religious Knowledge and Philosophy. This does not, however, meet the need for the training of pastors. Therefore, it was voted to organize, under the Board of Governors a separate theological council composed of representatives of the Board of Governors, and representatives appointed by the churches cooperating in Chung Chi College. This special council will deal solely with the theological seminary. Representatives of the Swatow Baptist Churches on the Theological Council are Rev. C. T. Lee and Rev. Loren E. Noren. Mr. Noren has been elected English secretary and treasurer. The Seminary has officially begun. Five students are enrolled, three from the Church of Christ in China, one Baptist, and one Methodist. Located at Chung Chi College, the seminary benefits from cooperation in staff, library, courses, etc, with the College. Dr. Andrew T. Roy is acting dean until a full-time dean can be found. Missionaries....
Miss Seater-Margaret Drever
Mr. and Mrs. John Espy
Rev. and Mrs. Alvin D. Koons
Rev. and Mrs. Loren E. Noren
Miss Mildred Proctor
Miss Edna D. Smith
Rev. and Mrs. Hugh W. Smith | 
