December 1988.....the Hong Kong Peak is issued by missionaries of the ABFMS. GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY AT KOWLOON CITY
By Becky Trask Combined church choirs filled the air with beautiful music as they sang tributes to God as the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church celebrated their Fifty Year Anniversary. It was a joyful time of celebration as Christians came together to give thanks to God for the ministry of the church with which He has blessed them. Thanksgiving to the glory of God was lifted up as the Reverend Joseph Yiu Shun Kwok, senior pastor, led the service to give tribute to the excellence of service Christians over the years have given to the spread of the gospel in Hong Kong. Mr. Caleb Ngai Wai Ming, chairman of the diaconate, gave the welcome and opening remarks as other leaders followed in presenting the history and special remarks for the celebration. The service was highlighted with the ordination of Kowloon City's young associate pastor, Mr. Lee Dak Wing. A special invitation to join this happy occasion was given to former missionaries, Dr. and Mrs. Loren and Ruth Noren, who faithfully served in Hong Kong for forty years. It was during these years the church shared God's love with many Swatow Chinese as they moved from China into Hong Kong with thousands of other Chinese refugees. Loren gave a heartfelt greeting in the Swatow dialect combining humor with memorable thoughts from their many years of service. Since 1938, the Swatow Baptists have sought God for direction as they endeavored to reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ. God blessed them greatly through these fifty years overcoming the poverty in Hong Kong and in starting eight daughter chapels; six of these are now independent churches with mission outreach of their own. In recent years the church has Joined with the Mission in supporting a Christian youth center where a worship service may one day start a new chapel. Taking a look at history gives encouragement and motivation for future challenges. The Reverend Lloyd James, acting Mission Correspondent, gave the sermon to do just that. He challenged the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist members to evaluate their past service and then eagerly move forward to the opportunities confronting them as they face 1997 and the growing needs of urbanization in Hong Kong. Paraphrasing Esther 4:14, Rev. James said, "Who knows, given your history and the tremendous challenge of the future, but what you have been called into the kingdom for such a time as this? Do you have the same strength and faith as those of 1938 to continue on in the next ten years to meet the present needs and the future vision of expansion?" Please pray that this challenge is implanted in the hearts of the church leaders and members as they move forward with a major proposal to reconstruct their church building for their growing church ministry and future mission expansion. Through the faithful service of these dedicated Christians God has touched the lives of thousands as many Christians have been called out to be ministers in sharing their evangelistic and mission zeal. They look forward to seeking the guidance of God's Spirit as He leads them to deepen their faith and spiritual commitment in prayer and service to Jesus Christ in the furtherance of His Kingdom. FROM CHAPEL TO CHURCH
By Eileen James The excitement of the celebration began the moment we approached the entranceway of the Swatow Baptist Chapel on Victory Avenue. We were warmly greeted at the door by church members and all the way through the hall and in the elevator to the third floor of this twenty-one storey building in Homantin where the chapel is. The sanctuary was more than full, and many sprays of flowers from well-wishers decorated two sides of the room. This was the long-looked-for day when the chapel would become a church. In 1961, this Christian body had started as people worshipped on the roof-top of a seven-storey resettlement building where the Swatow churches were operating a kindergarten as a service project. It became the Wong Tau Hom Swatow Baptist Chapel and was supported and nurtured by the mother church, Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church. Many photos in the beautiful program book attest to the growth and strength of the chapel through the years. In 1983 the congregation moved to the present location on Victory Avenue. As the name of the street had a good connotation, they changed their name to Victory Avenue Swatow Baptist Chapel. Rev. Joseph Yiu, pastor of the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church, presided at the service on August 14, 1988, when the chapel became an autonomous church. Dr. Jachin Chen, President of the Hong Kong Baptist Convention was the chief speaker. The pastor, Mr. Chan Ho Cheung, grew up in this church. Dr. Harold Schock is advisor. The event was further celebrated with a Chinese feast. CHUK YUEN CHAPEL BECOMES A CHURCH
by Harold Schock In the early 1950s some Swatow-speaking Chinese living in hillside squatter shacks began to hold worship services outside in the shadow of Lion Rock Mountain. Soon this group was encouraged and nurtured by the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church, which then officially became its mother church. This area received the attention of the Church World Service which built many stone cottages and a sizeable community hall in the early 1960s. The growing group was invited into the hall to conduct its worship services and Sunday School, and it became known as the Chuk Yuen Swatow Baptist Chapel. A kindergarten with almost 200 children was successfully started, Christian Center activities attracted many Chuk Yuen youths, and a succession of pastors developed a strong, praying nucleus of Christians within the chapel. Worship services on Sunday and Friday nights averaged from 50 to 80 people. The day for the complete dismantling of the Chuk Yuen hillside village finally struck in 1980. Progress through redevelopment is the way of life here in Hong Kong. But fortunately most of the chapel members were moved to two new estates about a mile apart. Nevertheless, this group of Christians seemed homeless and rudderless. For five years many members joined with the mother church for worship. But small groups met in homes for prayer, a mother's group was formed, and the youth held prayer meetings every Sunday night in different members' homes. Not far from their new homes they found and purchased the second floor of a newly constructed building. They decorated it nicely, bought 125 new chairs to fill the hall, and dedicated their new church building to the Lord on 25 September 1985. Just three years later they satisfied all requirements of their deacons and the mother church, and at a celebration on 25 September 1988 they became recognized as a fully independent church. Located in a new geographic area, they assumed the name of the district and called themselves the Ngau Chi Wan Swatow Baptist Church. At this organization ceremony a strong bank of local pastors and leading deacons shared the afternoon service. The sanctuary crowded in almost 150 people. The choir sang, the chapel's long history was chronicled, names of 188 members were read, and of course there was praise through Scripture and sermon. Perhaps the five years they were homeless and had to worship in small groups in cramped homes and found mutual comfort in prayer, created for the Chuk Yuen Chapel members a binding sense of oneness in the Spirit of Christ. A strong feeling of "family" crossed generations making this celebration a happy, friendly gathering. Mother church representatives seemed quite satisfied to release such a vibrant chapel from its surveillance. The Ngau Chi Wan Swatow Baptist Church seemed exuberant in its new church status. All agreed this was for the greater glory of God. RIBBON-CUTTING CELEBRATION
By Lloyd James The Shaukiwan Swatow Baptist Church observed a milestone in its history on Sunday, June 19, when Keith Tennis, Mission Correspondent, cut the ribbon to open the new premises for worship. The church sanctuary, which will seat 500 of its 600 members, was packed as Interim Pastor Peter Chiu led the congregation in giving thanks to God for leading them to that important day. The church was founded in 1954 as a mission of the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church in an area housing mostly low-income factory workers on the eastern side of the business section of Hong Kong island. They met first in a wooden building and the work grew until by 1986 they had baptized 842 members. They had also moved to better quarters on Shaukiwan Road, and had started a mission in Causeway Bay. With the loss of members by transfer to the Causeway Bay Chapel, death, and departure from Hong Kong, the membership by 1986 stood at 590. God's hand was evident in the three events that accompanied the acquisition of the new land and building in a very special way. Early in 1986 they learned that they would have to vacate their premises due to fire code regulations. Within a short period of time a company made a good offer for their premises at that time, and they were able to locate an ideal place in an area where three new housing estates were in the process of being built. The third miracle was that financing became possible through a better than expected-price for the old premises, a lower than expected price on the new, and temporary financing plus a grant from the Board of International Ministries. The rest the members of the church sacrificially provided. The new premises are spacious and brand new. For the first time the church has ample space for Sunday School and youth training events. It is in a good position to offer Christian services to the growing community around it who will be moving into the new housing estates. A dedication service is being planned in early 1989. REJOICING AT LONG KE
by Harold Schock Planning for Open Day in Long Ke on October 19, 1988, had occupied our thoughts and energies for many months. Our threefold purpose for the occasion included dedication of the new dining hall and kitchen, inviting family members of our 45 male residents to Long Ke, and a general P.R. exercise for Wu Oi's gospel drug rehabilitation and training program. On the beautiful autumn morning Long Ke beach resembled some civilian "D-Day" as an army landing craft and four junks disgourged some 800 city invaders on the sand while another 200 descended on the village down the steep trail a mile beyond the end of the road. No preparation had escaped the attention of Johnson Ngai, Wu Oi General Secretary. The 700 square-foot dining hall and 400 square-foot kitchen were completed and painted white with reenforced concrete roofs painted red. Grass and flowers decorated the landscape, and many vegetables filled the surrounding fields. Besides families and church members from about 50 different Hong Kong churches, four government officers including the Commissioner for Narcotics joined the event. These officers plus one Christian TV star and the Rev. Lloyd James, representing the American Baptist Mission in Hong Kong, cut the ceremonial ribbon, thus declaring the new facilities open for use. An hour service followed, during which the Long Ke brothers sang several songs. One graduate of five years and now a successful businessman gave a testimony, and two pastors gave short talks. Of the several high points to the day in the village, two stand out. One was when the brothers and family members came together briefly during the service. Another was when all previous graduates from Long Ke's program who had come to the occasion joined the 45 present residents on the platform. Almost 100 men then sang our favourite hymn, "The Lord's Love", and filed down among the 1000 guests to greet them and to thank them for coming and for their concern, love and support. Escaping the notice of many, but firmly fixed in my memory was the final gesture of the Long Ke brothers as the landing craft pulled away from the beach with its heavy, tired human cargo late in the afternoon. With the waves lapping gently on their feet about 20 brothers stood in a loose circle, bowed their heads and prayed. For them t day ad started with an hour of prayer at 5 a.m. Now in the fading afternoon I am sure their prayers were of thanksgiving to their faithful, loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No wonder this proved to be such a successfL4 day. PO ON ROAD CHAPEL REJUVENATED
By Lloyd James What was once a chapel work that was almost abandoned and the premises sold had a happy event on Saturday, October 29th, when many friends and members of the small chapel gathered to dedicate the renovations recently carried out with the assistance of the Board of International Ministries. The flat on the first floor of a business estate was first purchased in July of 1959 as a mission of the Shamshuipo Swatow Baptist Church. At that time it cost only HK$5,000, one half of it provided by American Baptists and one half by Southern Baptists. The work did not prosper at first, and the Shamshuipo church asked the Southern Baptists to transfer title so they could sell it. Recently the Pastor, Rev. Calvin Chan, and members of the Shamshuipo Church have given renewed interest and efforts at making a witness in that area, and a full-time pastor has been found to have regular services, Bible study, Sunday School and youth services, and the work has grown steadily. It is hoped that it may continue to grow and that a full church may one day develop there. The Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention is considering assisting with a five-year decreasing grant for the program. A NEW START
By Nancy Keesee We are glad to be in Hong Kong after several years of preparation, waiting, and ministry. We had four and a half good years of pastoral ministry with our friends in Kansas. We miss the familiar faces and we appreciate the prayer support and letters we receive. Though we have looked forward to this phase of our work, we realize that in a very real sense we are "starting all over again". As we get to know the missionary staff with their diverse skills and ministries, we are encouraged by their accomplishments. We look forward to our assignment, working in the area of new church development with the Swatow Baptist churches, but what a challenge we see ahead of us. We are challenged first of all by the city itself with its millions of people and by its unique problems. There are endless opportunities for ministry and for learning on our part. During the past few months we have been formally introduced to Chinese language and culture. We realize that it will take us many years to "get the language right," as we hear a toddler whose vocabulary is greater than ours after our two months of language school. Yet, we are encouraged by the vision of church leaders with whom we have talked, who see the spiritual and human need that is here, and who also see answers to the many problems around us. There is a vision of ministry through serving others in all areas of Hong Kong, of making Christ known to all who need Him. We see many people who are dedicated to ministry, and we are encouraged by their commitment. We are honored to have this opportunity to work with our brothers and sisters in Hong Kong and took forward to learning much from them. Please pray that the Lord will direct our efforts, enabling us to meet the challenges ahead, and that the Lord will strengthen His workers here. ANNIVERSARY FOR ASIAN WOMEN
by Estelle Schock From July 4-8 1 went with 19 other Hong Kong women to attend the seventh Assembly of Asian Baptist Women, which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. A total of 700 delegates from 15 countries gathered to praise God, to share the past, and to plan the future for developing Christ's work among the women of Asia under the theme: "Called to Commitment and Growth" (Ephesians 4:1, 15.) Each day there were inspiring Bible studies, worship, helpful workshops, beautiful music, and varied cultural presentations. The Assembly also celebrated its thirtieth anniversary with a gigantic cake, candles, and an historical drama. The highlight came on the final night at the installation of new officers and a call to rededication of every woman to serve Christ. In the basically Muslim country of Indonesia, and with delegates from Buddhist, Hindu, Shinto, and secular societies, the women struggle daily with problems of tradition, superstition, male domination, conflicting beliefs, and materialism. The conference encouraged and challenged the women to be faithful and obedient to the Christ to whom they are committed in faith, in work, and in witness. We were also urged to develop self-esteem and to grow in spiritual strength and Christian grace. NEWS AND VIEWS FROM ROOM 1424
by Lloyd James The view from the 14th floor of this commercial building is both beautiful and challenging. Being in a corner room, we look out toward Hong Kong island to the south past the YMCA and many housing estates before we see the high-rise Connaught and other commercial buildings across the harbor. Through the window looking eastward, we see the very large Kwong Wah Hospital serving hordes of people; we see housing estates and frequent large aircraft arriving at or leaving Kai Tak Airport. Looking downward at the streets, we see them filled with tiny antlike appearing people going to and fro on their busy way. What is challenging about this view is the understanding (though only partial) of the teeming and complex life that is going on in this fabulous city. When asked what the major religion of Hong Kong is, the answer frequently comes back, "Money!" Actual statistics place the number of Christians of all persuasions at approximately 10%, with folk religions comprising 50%, and a mixture of other religions the balance. The question that comes to my mind as I look out on this scene is, "How do you get such busy people to stop long enough to consider the advantages that life through Jesus Christ has to offer?" Many churches and religious groups are at work in Hong Kong - I have not yet seen a register of all, ut there must be dozens. American Baptists have hat might be considered a small mission compared to others, with only nine missionaries on the field at resent serving with a total of sixteen Swatow-speaking churches. But though small in number, I have found that there are many signs of vigour in the churches. I have placed on the wall of the office a map of Hong Kong and Kowloon and New Territories and have put in pins showing the location of the churches and chapels (I need it to get around in this confusing pattern of traffic), and there are green pins for three chapels and three worship places which represent outreach by existing churches. Additionally, since I have been here two chapels, Victory Avenue and Ngau Chi Wan Chuk Yuen, have become full independent churches. The American Baptist Board of International Ministries has been deeply involved in the growing witness here in Hong Kong during 1988, as I discovered in noting the appropriation notices that have come here during the year. We had a major part in aiding the Shaukiwan Swatow Baptist Church find and renovate new premises right in the middle of three large housing estates being constructed. We also helped purchase property for two of the chapels in Tsuen Wan, and we are helping with the renovation of the Po-On Chapel. Additionally, we have made major grants to enable the very active Kwun Tong Swatow Baptist Church to make renovations that will expand and enlarge its witness in the crowded area where it is located. Finally, we are prepared to give important assistance to the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church when it rebuilds its facilities to prepare it for a better witness in these years running up to the changes that may take place after China resumes the territory in 1997. Are these works "A bandaid on a cancer"? That's how critics of missions refer to mission efforts in view of the magnitude of the task. Or are these works investments in the future in the name of Christ who is adding His blessings to the work of the Christians here daily? To me in my short experience here while relieving Keith Tennis, the churches and missionaries have been doing some solid and faithfull planning for Christ. TRANSITIONS IN PROGRESS
by Becky Trask It seems there is no end to transition in life as we move from one place to another; experience changes in relationships and work situations, and we pass from one condition to another. Entering another culture, even though a familiar one, brings about a double dose of transition and adjustment. Ace and I were warmly greeted at the Hong Kong airport by both Chinese and missionary friends. It was fun! My commitment to serve God in this fast-moving city had not wavered during the year away, and Ace's enthusiasm to return gave me joy in my heart. We have both had adjustments to new schedules of school and work, but I find Ace's agility to weave in and out of the thronging crowds of Hong Kong has more style than my own. Weaving is an excellent picture of how God is creating His tapestry in the world today. Hong Kong is very important in the purposes of God's completed pattern. As one thread in His tapestry, I was excited to hear how God is leading His people here in the evangelism team outreach. I praise God as I see a continued commitment in the churches as the Holy Spirit moves the hearts of God's people to develop personal team evangelism. Five churches among the Swatow Baptist Churches including Castle Peak Road, Homantin, Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, and Shamshuipo have continued to reach out to the unchurched people of Hong Kong. Tse Wan Shan Brotherly Love Church is reorganizing their team following a time of inactivity. What started as a youth evangelism ministry is now also capturing the hearts of other church members. This last year the Shaukiwan church moved to a new location. Through the change to a new environment God has kindled commitment in the church leaders to begin a team outreach in the area around their church. It is true that where change occurs, there is room for Christ to touch the hearts of many with the good news. The burden to expand the Youth Evangelism Team (Y.E.T.) to be officially under the church began last year in the Kwun Tong Swatow Baptist Church. It became a vital part of the evangelism and mission outreach as they invited two women to be evangelists, Lam Yan Wai and Chan Kwan Chee, who had worked with me during my first term. The number of people with a burden to preach and follow up new believers has tripled as many continue to come to Jesus Christ. We praise God for His constant faithfulness and saving grace! Instead of continuing a "free-lance" relationship, I have made a new transition to be directly related with the Kwun Tong Swatow Baptist Church, working in evangelism and mission outreach. I will continue to assist other churches as a resource person and to work with Kowloon City's Tsuen Wan Swatow Baptist Chapel as pastoral advisor. Y.E.T. started six years ago and is now taking root in the churches. Evangelism is not an option; it is a command given to all Christians. Even as I share this good news of what God is doing through the evangelism teams, I am keenly aware that all our accomplishments will be as "hay and stubble" if we do not make that third transition of passing from one condition to another in our relationship with Jesus Christ. More than ever, God is stirring the hearts of His people to follow Him. If we are to follow, we must give up our self-effort. We must seek God with an st desire to give Him all the glory. God is weaving His tapestry; we are all part of it. He desires that we cease our striving and rest in Him, allowing Him to do His work through us, His chosen vessels. MISSIONARY ACCEPTS NEW UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENT After teaching in the MBA Programs of The Chinese University of Hong Kong since 1970, American Baptist missionary John Espy retired from his position as Professor of International Business. However, he immediately accepted a new appointment as Associate Director of the Office of Industrial and Business Development (OIBD). The OIBD was established in order to relate the University more closely to the many local and international business firms in Hong Kong that are developing, manufacturing and marketing new high-tech products. Experience in the USA and other advanced countries has shown that both the universities and the business organizations can benefit consider-ably from cooperative efforts in research, product development and staff training. Hong Kong has long been a "gateway to China and China's current modernization program is creating many opportunities for business firms which can provide the finance, technology, management and capital equipment that China so urgently needs. China is desperately short of people with "the right kind of training and experience" to fill many critical positions. The Chinese University of Hong Kong is playing an important role in helping China develop some of their own people who have demonstrated their potential for leadership. One of the major tasks of the OIBD is to enlist the help of business organizations, foundations and wealthy individuals in expanding these efforts. The OIBD has many other challenging tasks and responsibilities, and John will have no difficulty whatever in keeping busy. during his "first year of official retirement" from the University. In Memoriam MILDRED PROCTOR Miss Mildred Proctor, who served as an American Baptist missionary in China, Philippines, and Hong Kong, died September 26, 1988, in Redlands, California. She was bom in China and went back to serve there from 1934-1943; 19461949. Then she worked in the Philippines. From 1960-1971 she worked in Hong Kong, mainly preparing Christian education materials for Chinese children and youth, to be used throughout Asia. MARION HACKETT Rev. Marion Shaw Hackett was an American Baptist missionary to Burma and Hong Kong from 1941 to 1982 along with her husband, Dr. William D. Hackett. She died October 9, 1988, in Springfield, Missouri. In Burma she was known as a translator in the Pa-0 language and was ordained there in 1962. After leaving Burma in 1966, she served with her husband in Hong Kong, in spite of poor health, from 1967 to 1982 at Chung Chi College and Hong Kong Baptist College. Missionaries....
Dr. John and Ruth Espy
Rev. Lloyd and Eileen James
Rev. Donald and Nancy Keesee
Drs. Harold and Estelle Schock
Rev. Becky Trask
Dr. Stephen and Angela Beasley-Murray
Rev. Keith and Linda Tennis | 
