December 1985.....the Hong Kong Peak is issued by missionaries of the ABFMS.

ASIAN BAPTISTS

The Hong Kong Baptist Missionary group has never been large. At present 11 missionaries work in quite diverse areas of service. But we find a common goal in our devotion to Christ through the two basic thrusts of evangelism and education. In the 33 years American Baptists have worked in Hong Kong, we have seen this city grow into a modern metropolis of 5.5 million people. Not more than half a million people claim to know Christ as Savior. Our task here is not yet finished.

However, Hong Kong Baptists have expanded their concerns to include other Southeast Asian Baptists in fellowship and evangelism. Recently Keith Tennis attended the COUNCIL ON EVANGELISM in Bangkok, and files this report.

Thirty-two delegates from Swatow Baptist Churches in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong attended the 8th biennial meeting of the Southeast Asia Swatow Baptist Council on Evangelism which met in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 27 - 29. Keith Tennis of the Hong Kong Baptist Mission, Lee Tak-fai, chairman of the Hong Kong Swatow Baptist Churches Association, and Chung Leung-ming, chairman of the Mongkong Swatow Baptist Church attended from Hong Kong.

The delegates to the council participated in the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the construction of the church building of the Maitrichit Chinese Baptist Church in Bangkok where the meetings were held. Also, Mr. Samuel Kho, who for many years has been active in Swatow Baptist work in Thailand as a layman, was ordained into the ministry.

The delegates of the various churches gave reports concerning the ways in which they are trying to minister and evangelize in their particular areas, and they shared some of the difficulties they are experiencing. Their ministries range from outreach to the banana grove workers in Malaysia to those in the urban settings of Singapore and Hong Kong.

Discussion was held concerning the necessity to broaden their outreach. "Southeast Asia", "Swatow", and "Baptist" are all limiting terms and though they are helpful in defining who they are, they must not limit their vision as to whom they would reach. For instance, the church at Yala in southern Thailand ministers to Swatow Chinese people, but uses Mandarin and Thai as languages for ministry and worship.

The group will give financial assistance to the Alor Setar Baptist Church in Kedah, West Malaysia, which is expanding its work and requires an extension on its building. Scholarship assistance is also given to young people studying in seminaries. An important part of the council meetings was the encouragement the delegates were able to give to one another during times of prayer and fellowship.

Mr. Kee Keng Tee of Thailand was re-elected chairman of the Council.

SWATOW BAPTIST WOMEN'S 30th ANNIVERSARY
Estelle Schock

November 16, 1985 marked the 30th anniversary of the Hong Kong Swatow Baptist Women's Association. Almost 400 women met in the Kowloon Swatow Baptist Church for a full day of thanks giving, praise, worship and fellowship. The combined women's choir of about 50 women presented special music, and we were challenged by messages from Miss Tan Siu Yin and Rev. Joseph Yin. The celebrations included a feast in Kowloon City at noon. They had decided to give their offering of the day to the building fund of the Wu Oi Christian Center in Long Ke and collected almost $6,000. This was presented the following Wednesday in Long Ke to the Wu Oi director by 20 of the women.

As we looked back during the years of the great refugee influx into Hong Kong, there were only a few Swatow Baptist churches. Many people needed assistance in housing and relief as well as a church home. However, a few women's groups were formed, and they soon gathered together for fellowship, prayer and training which became the women's Association. The women took an active and faithful part in home visitation which became a significant factor in starting home meetings and chapels.

Today a new generation of women has come up: better educated, many with a career, and also more affluent. However, they are equally faithful and enthusiastic in serving God in their homes and churches.

The Women's Association is part of the Asian Baptist Women's Fellowship, and some of our leaders have attended meetings in Singapore, Korea, and Thailand. This wider fellowship has helped to enlarged their vision of mission outreach and giving to people in need in other parts of the world.

In recent years some of our women have immigrated to the United States, Canada and Australia. Their witness of the gospel remains strong and faithful where they have settled. This blends with what we are striving for through our theme for 1985: "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen." Isaiah 4 3: 1 0.

May God continue to bless the efforts of the women in the days to come.

BAPTIZING IN THE NAME OF CHRIST
Keith E. Tennis

One of the joys of Christian work is to see people respond to the Holy Spirit and accept Christ as Lord of their lives, following Him through the waters of baptism. Last year (1984), 163 people were baptized in the fifteen Swatow Baptist churches and chapels with whom we work here in Hong Kong. Though records are imcomplete for 1985, there will be a like number responding. There is a steady response and growth in the churches.

Earlier this year, I was privileged to be called upon to conduct the baptismal service at the Yuen Long Swatow Church of Christian Truth. Three new Christians were baptized. One was a woman who had recently come to Hong Kong from China. The loving concern of this congregation spoke to her of Christ's love and she was happy to be able to openly declare her faith through baptism. Another of the candidates was a woman who had lived in Yuen Long for some time, but who had never accepted Christ as her Savior and Lord. The third person who was baptized was a young woman who has been active in the life of the congregation who wanted at this time to declare her witness and testimony as a disciple of Christ by being baptized.

The Yuen Long Swatow Church of Christian Truth is a small congregation of approximately thirty people. It was started a few years ago by Pastor Tse, and has recently come into association with the Swatow Baptist Churches. The Homantin Swatow Baptist Church is now serving as a Mother Church, giving the congregation assistance with leadership and development.

WU OI HAS NEW WOMEN'S CENTER
Harold Schock

Four miles is a long way to walk if you have missed your morning heroin fix. But this has been required of all women addicts who have joined our Gospel rehab program for the past four years. Perhaps we should move.

Our prayers for a new location began to be answered by a phone call from Mr. Wong. He had bought a twostorey house in a village at the edge of the suburban town of Shatin, but he thought it was too valuable to use just to live in. So he called Wu Oi to see if we had need for such a house in our program.

In August we signed an agreement with Mr. Wong to use this house for two years, rent free. We painted, cleared the jungle from the half acre hillside and planted a garden. Our staff of two women and two clients moved in on 1 October, and on 15 October about 50 guests helped us have a meaningful dedication service at which both women residents gave their testimony.

Within a week two more women addicts had registered for the program and became residents by mid-November. Two more have registered. All this helps us to feel that indeed God's approval rests upon this new venture. Pray for us.

LONG KE DORM DEDICATION
Harold Schock

Five years ago Wu Oi signed an agreement with the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese permitting Wu Oi to use their chapel in Long Ke village for five years rent free. That five years has passed, and a letter to the Diocese requesting another five years was quickly granted by the Bishop who also expressed his appreciation for the good work Wu Oi has been doing in Long Ke. So now we are assured the use of this nice chapel until the end of 1990. We thank God for this answered prayer.

Shortly after moving to Long Ke with our Gospel drug rehab program, we made application to government for land near the village on which to build our own facilities. Land was granted, building plans were approved, and early in 1984 construction began on the first of four small houses. The attractive design fits government restirctions of 400 square feet and 131/2 feet high, and yet give us bed space for 14 men and a study / devotional room. During our building project, we had 40-50 men in the village program. God had sent us men with almost every construction skill. So without any outside help, our men built all four houses including making over 30,000 sand bricks, in about 16 months. Every item of building material was paid for before it was put on a junk to sail to Long Ke. (Long Ke is not on an island, but no road comes into the village). The men moved into the new dorms on 1 June.

Our annual Open Day fell on 17 June, 1985, so we combined this occasion with the dedication of the dorms. Over 800 people were shuttled to the end of the road where they began the mile hike into the village. Several government officers came including the Hong Kong Commissioner for Narcotics. For admission charges, we asked each person to bring two tins of food.

The one hour dedication service under two giant banyon trees included two testimonies and an evangelistic message as well.as several songs by the village brothers. For the climax, all men present who had come off drugs and had become Christian through the Wu Oi Program were invited to come to the platform to sing "Amazing Grace". Over 75 men came, then while still singing, fanned out among the guests to express appreciation to all who helped bring God's amazing grace into their hearts.

Finally several dignataries cut the traditional ribbon, and the new dorms were toured. Then picnic lunches sprouted everywhere before the trek out of the village and back into the city. We all felt the memorable day was not only a happy one, but also was a glory to God.

MELODY IN HARMONY
Becky Trask

What would you say if you heard of a person giving up a full-time job in a garment factory making $1800 a month to work part-time with less than half the salary? Melody did just that! Cheng Yu Yam (Melody) with a growing desire to devote more time in evanglism quit her job and took the risk of trusting God for her needs. Soon she was moving in harmony with the Lord's will for her life. Melody has grown in her commitment to Jesus and has also matured emotionally and intellectually demonstrating quality leadership amongst her peers and in her local church.

It is true that as we come into harmony with God's plan for our lives "all things work together for good". Melody's life is a beautiful example of the harmony that is in Christ. Although her formal education ended with sixth grade she is now teaching and training others in essential Bible principles. Coming from a background of insecurity and lack of assertiveness she is now teaching a young adult Sunday school class, and is often sought out by young people struggling with personal problems.

Melody's new life is also bringing other lives to know the harmony that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Although her job is part-time, she along with her partners spend much more than that in preaching the gospel to whomever will listen. Melody does much of her door to door evangelism in temporary housing estates, but she often has opportunities to lead people to receive Jesus on public buses and in parks. She says, "You need only have a desire to share what Christ has given to you and be prepared to use every opportunity that He provides for you. It isn't easy but I trust the leading of the Holy Spirit and work hard."

Melody gives valuable leadership to the Y.E.T. (Youth Evangelism Teams) in monthly outreach near their local churches. Over a three year period over 600 people have received Christ, but leading a person to accept Christ as personal Savior is only the beginning. Follow up is essential to help them become disciples of Christ. Melody realizes this need and grows in her commitment to the many new Christians. Melody, through her commitment to what she believes, is bringing harmony to the urgent call to preach the good news of Jesus Christ in Hong Kong.

ENJOY FELLOWSHIP OUTING AT BAPTIST CAMP

185 residents of the Moon Lok Public Housing units in Tsuen Wan enjoyed an outing at the Baptist Camp November 12th. That day being a school holiday, the Moon Lok Kindergarten and Community centre, which are under the sponsorship of the American Baptist Mission, together in cooperation with the Tsuen Wan Swatow Baptist Chapel, planned the activities of the day as a time of fun and fellowship for the residents of the housing units.

Most of the residents are factory workers and have little time or money for special family activates, and so were happy for the opportunity of getting away from the city for a day in the countryside. A variety show was scheduled as well as games for fun. The noon meal was prepared by the camp staff. Besides the time of fellowship, the day also afforded the opportunity of sharing with the people the work, service and ministry offered by the Kindergarten, Centre and Chapel.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES
by John Espy

For many years after the Second World War, refugees from China poured into Hong Kong seeking employment and a better life for their children. Hence, there was an urgent need for relief work of all types, and many overseas church-related organizations (like Church World Service) responded by providing food, blankets, clothing and basic medical supplies to the refugees and other needy people. During the past twenty-five years Hong Kong has experienced phenomenal economic growth, and most of the overseas organizations have passed their work over to local "social service agencies." Many of these agencies are sponsored by local church groups, and the needs for their services (to children, youth, the elderly, the handicapped, discharged prisoners, former mental patients, and individuals and families with special problems) have increased rather than diminished. Fortunately, the Social Welfare Department of the Hong Kong Government is willing to provide financial support for many of these services. There are now well over one hundred social welfare agencies in Hong Kong, most of which are members of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

In 1983 The Hong Kong Council of Social Service asked certain members of the MBA Division of The Chinese University of Hong Kong to design and offer a program of courses in "Executive Management" for the directors and deputy directors of these agencies. The resulting program is composed of six courses, each of which consists of twelve three hour sessions. Although I normally teach management and finance in the MBA Division, I was asked to teach the final course, which was entitled "Strategic Management." Thirty participants from twenty-four different agencies completed the course this past June. It will be offered again next spring.

Teaching this course proved to be a great learning experience for me. There was considereable two-way communication as the participants discussed current problems of their respective agencies. Several of my assignments required the participants to describe the work of their agencies, list their short-term and long-term objectives, identify their agencies' major strengths and weaknesses and develop strategic plans. the resulting papers taught me much about the needs of Hong Kong's disadvantaged people and how Christian organizations are trying to meet these needs. The papers contained inspiring examples of many Chinese Christian social workers who are sacrificing their own careers and opportunities in order to serve others. I can only hope that my lessons and assignments in management will help them serve others more effectively.

DIAMOND HILL CHRISTIAN CENTER
Harold Schock

Very few things in Hong Kong stand still. Our Diamond Hill Christian Center keeps pace with most organizations in terms of outreach and activities. The summer registered over 300 children from six to 14 years of age, and swamped a full time staff of five plus 20 volunteers. Study classes, interest groups (including a popular aerobicise group) and outings to 1 5 cultural or recreational areas filled our days.

A short breath of relief came with the beginning of the fall school term. But our director, Linclon Li, always anxious to try something new, insisted we try to develop a tutoring program for the many students in our area. So it didn't prove difficult to recruit 40 students who wanted and needed a special place to study where a tutor could answer questions and give help at levels up through high school. Each student pays HK$50 per month for three two-hour sessions per week. This almost completly covers the cost of the extra staff needed.

Many of those coming to our various programs now find our premises a natural place to be. That's good. Because now we have introduced two afternoon sessions each week, Thursday and Sunday, for singing and Bible story time. The kids don't quite fit into the more structured church youth groups, and there's no space for an extra happening on Saturday or Sunday morning. But who says each Bible story has to fit into a Sunday morning slot, or that each meeting must end with a benediction? So we are bringing the gospel to an unchurched clientel in a method that meets their needs. Equally significant is our arrangement to have the teachers who tutor, and thus display their measure of wisdom, teach the songs and Bible stories. Therefore, if 2 + 2 = 4 on Wednesday, then Jesus loves me must also be true on Thursday.

English, Mandarin, Music and aerobicise classes continue to fill the evening hours for older yough and young adults. One Tuesday night in my English class of ten young working people in their 20's, I told briefly the story of Christ, his death and resurrection. The class listened in stunned silence, for most had never heard this story before. However some had heard the name of Jesus. A Christian Center is expensive to operate, and I suppose you would agree that it is not a very cost-effective program. But then how do you measure the value of introducing the gospel to a group of children and youth who otherwise might never hear of Christ and his redeeming love?

NORENS RETURN TO HONG KONG

Dr. and Mrs. Loren Noren returned to Hong Kong December lst, 1985, after having been in the United States for the past five months. In June they went to attend the biennial meetings of the American Baptist Churches USA in Portland, Oregon. While there, Dr. Noren suffered a stroke and has been recuperating in the States since then. All those who have been concerned and have been praying for them are glad to know that his recovery has been remarkable.

The Norens, who have served as missionaries in Hong Kong for more than thirty years, will be meeting with the myriad groups to which they have related through these many years. They will also make preparations for departure from Hong Kong early in 1986, returning to make their home at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, California. The next issue of the PEAK we plan to have a full tribute to the Norens.

SCHOLARSHIP AID GIVEN
Linda Tennis

Ng Yuk Chu, Yau Pun Hoi, and Ng Tsun Lung are just three of the young people we are able to help through the S.T.E.P. (Student Tuition Expense Program) scholarship fund.

Although Ng Yuk Chu goes to a government school which offers free education, her mother finds it difficult to meet the cost of the transportation, books, and school uniforms that Yuk Chu needs to attend classes. The family of six children live with their mother and grandfather in a hill-side squatter home. They have never asked for help for more than one student at a time, and then they only apply for the minimum amount of aid.

This is the first year that Yau Pun Hoi has asked to receive assistance from the scholarship fund. The youngest of four children, he is trying to get more than just a basic education so as to enable him to find work which will be more meaningful and fulfilling. He was one of the young people who worked with the youth evangelistic teams this summer. His family, who are not Christian, decided it is time that he quit school and began earning some money to add to the family income. Consequently, they refuse to help him with his high school expenses. He is trying to bear the cost of schooling by himself, and S.T.E.P. has given him a partial grant.

Ng Tsun Lung is one of three students in a family of six. His mother is raising five teenagers by herself and wants them all to get a basic education. The mother is an evangelistic worker in one of our Swatow Baptist churches, and her meager salary cannot cover all the needs of the family. Because she does not want to be a burden to anyone, this is the first year she has asked for help with the schooling expenses of her five children.

This year it has been difficult in trying to allocate our limited S.T.E.P. funds so we can help where it is most needed. Though all applicants are deserving, we have not been able to help all those who requested aid. We are grateful, however, that we have been able to help some students. Seventeen are being given assistance this year.

We are very appreciative of the help that many brothers and sisters in Christ have given through specific gifts designated for S.T.E.P. The students express their thanks to the churches, Sunday School classes, women's groups, and individuals who have helped them. We ask that you keep all of our S.T.E.P. students in your prayers as they continue with their education.

AN EXPOSURE TRIP
Becky Trask

Culture shock is a common experience on a first trip to Hong Kong and recently one group had a double dose of it. The distance between mountain top villages in Nagaland and the steaming concrete of Hong Kong is made up of more than miles. Never before experiencing the computerized age that we take for granted, recent guests to Hong Kong were filled with the "oo's and aah's" of a kid with a new toy.

October 12 - 16 we entertained a special group of Christians from Nagaland, N.E. India. It is not often that Nagas have opportunity to venture to other parts of the world and very few Westerners are allowed to enter Nagaland. Their dream to come to Hong Kong was made possible by their commitment and hard work.

They Rev. Nitoy Achumi and three young women from the First Baptist Church of Zunheboto came to share their gospel singing ministry and witness to what God is doing amongst the Naga people. They not only had several opportunities to share their ministry but were also introduced to the machinery of the western world.

Although nothing had been planned for them ahead of their arrival God gave plenty of opportunity for them to share their beautiful singing harmony in both English and their native dialect. Their schedule was full as the churches in Kwun tong, Tze Wan Shan, and Homantin invited them to share their singing and testimony with youth groups, choirs, and worship services. They also visited the Wu Oi Shun Tin Centre to sing and give testimony.

Their exposure was full of first time experiences. Escalators, elevators, washing machines, the mass transit railway, cable cars, and the sparkle and splendor of big city living. h was a delight to watch their eyes glow in amazement at the "magic" of it all. Even the aspects of diet and crowded city living did not dampen their spirits as they enjoyed interacting with the Chinese people. They thoroughly enjoyed chatting with church young people and seeing the sights of Hong Kong. And of course, they took advantage of the shopping bargains in Hong Kong known by all tourists!

On their return to Nagaland they took back not only their bundles of packages but also the memories of sharing their gospel singing ministry in fellowship with other Christians in a different world.

SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING OLD
Summarized by Stephen Beasley-Murray

Missionary responsibilities in a large, modern city and related to a government accredited university do not quite fit the traditional sterreotype of missionary work. But as lecturer in "Introduction to Philosophy" in Baptist College, I have most of the amenities of a university lecturer in the States.

I have chosen debate as my primary teaching method covering the required six areas of philosophy and religion. The debates are designed to get students to think radically and fundamentally so as to make decisions for or against many competing opinions and values. I see my task as building bridges so that people can walk in any direction across them and begin to listen. As a Christian and a philosophy teacher, I want each student to think honestly and hope that some may see the point of the Cross as their reality.

The Apostle Paul used debate in Athens some 20 centuries ago, So perhaps my new methods of teaching are after all very old.

SEMINARY ENROLLMENT IS UP
Keith Tennis

A recent survey among the 15 Swatow Baptist Churches and Chapels with whom our American Baptist Mission works here in Hong Kong has revealed that more and more young people are enrolling in seminaries in response to God's call to ministry. There are presently more than twenty young people from these Churches and Chapels studying in various seminaries throughout Hong Kong. Half of them are young women.

When talking with them individually, one discovers that they feel a strong commitment, not only to engage in pastoral counselling but also to evangelize in the Name of Christ. Some have suggested that in the light of 1997 when Hong Kong's administration will pass from Britain to the People's Republic of China, young people feel a special responsibility to strengthen the Christian Church here and undergird its life and ministry. Others see it as opening the doors to the possibility of their having more opportunity to travel and share their faith in China itself.

The seminaries report that enrollments have increased, and many of them are expanding to meet the need. The churches are providing some scholarship funds toward the expenses of the students, though the increased numbers have in some cases meant the lowering of the amount available to each individual. Pray for these students that they may be able to successfully complete their courses of study and effectively serve Christ through the churches here.

CHINESE CHRISTIANS START AMITY FOUNDATION

Earlier this year, Christians in China initiated the Amity Foundation as a new form of co-operative movement in Chinese society, whereby Christians and non-Christians, Chinese and non-Chinese, may work together for the overall humanitarian welfare of the Chinese people. Similar to Christian-initiated social service agencies else-where, the Amity Foundation is an organization whose purpose is the promotion of projects of a humanitarian nature. Chinese Christians view Amity as concrete expression of their Christian faith, in society and for society.

In late August, 22 teachers who had been recruited from Canada, the USA, West Germany and Hong Kong, went to Nanjing, China. They have been appointed to colleges in Jiangsu Province where they will teach in English and German language programs. The Rev. Lauran Bethell, who was commissioned this year as a missionary of the Board of International Ministries of American Baptist Churches, was one of the teachers in this group. Unfortunately, she has suffered health problems and had to return to the United States for surgery. Therefore she had to give up her teaching duties for the present time.

The Amity Foundation has reached an agreement with the United Bible Societies which will lead to the establisment of a modern printing facility under the directior of the Foundation in Nanjing.

This printing plant will give priority to the production of Bibles and Christian literature, but will also produce other materials for service to society.

The Amity Foundation has also responded to other needs. A contribution was given to the Jiangsu Artificial Limbs Factory for its work in the rehabilitation of those who have been incapacitated through the loss of an arm or leg. In addition, the Foundation contributed to the purchase of toys and equipment needed for physically or mentally handicapped children.

Other projects and social service initiatives are being considered. Funding for these has come from Christians in China as well as from overseas.

METAMORPHOSIS

Established Swatow Baptist churches have been vigorous in developing new preaching points which become well established chapels. Then the policy has been that when a chapel has matured in organizational skill, financial stability and able to maintain its own pastor and program, it can become an independent church. For over thirty years the Brotherly Love Swatow Baptist Chapel has been going in this direction. When government wanted to redevelop the land on which their first building was located, they got in exchange space in a new housing estate. Two years ago they bought their own worship place on the second floor of a new building. They have ordained their pastor, they have strong leadership, and have become financially able to carry their total expenses.

So on December 8, 1985, in a colorful service which was well represented by all the other Swatow Baptist churches in Hong Kong, the Brotherly Love Chapel became officially the Brotherly Love Swatow Baptist Church. Among the documents of congratulations read was one especially prized from our office in Valley Forge and signed by Ron Taylor, Russ Brown and Cecil Carder. We thank God for this faithful chapel which has over the years developed and matured into an independent church. He pray its enthusiasm in teaching, preaching and evangelism will ever continue to grow for the glory of Christ.

Missionaries....
Dr. Stephen and Angela Beasley-Murray
Dr. John and Ruth Espy
Dr. Loren and Ruth Noren
Drs. Harold and Estelle Schock
Rev. Keith and Linda Tennis
Rev. Becky Trask