December 1989.....the Hong Kong Peak is issued by missionaries of the ABFMS. WHAT RESPONSE TO THE BEIJING JUNE 4TH CRACKDOWN?
by Donald Keesee Perhaps quite a few Christians in the U.S. have almost forgotten about the June 4th crackdown on the pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing. But as one might guess, almost no Christians in Hong Kong have forgotten. We hear about or at least think about the tragedy almost everyday. We still hear reports now and again from the Chinese leadership denying much of what everyone else in the world knows did in fact happen. We still see pictures of the fallen students on Tiananmen Square. The massacre and its aftermath can be a very depressing thing for people living in Hong Kong--people who know that in a few years China will have sovereignty over their city. There are many things that could be said about what Christians in Hong Kong think and feel about the things that have transpired this year in China, especially in light of the fact that China now seems intent on limiting more of the freedoms Hong Kong people will have after 1997 when China will assume sovereignty. But I think it might be good to discuss some possibilities concerning what our attitudes should be rather than what they are or have been. It seems to be a nice thing to be able to place trust in a government, looking to it to watch out for our well being. I might wish I could say that the People's Republic of China had such a government, though, of course, I cannot. But when we really think about it, how much trust should a Christian put in an earthly government anyway? We all know what Jesus said on this matter: "My kingdom is not of this world." And in all truth, if His was not, ours should not be either. It is not that we should not appreciate having a good government or that we should not attempt to have a positive influence on a bad one, but ultimately our true government is above and not of this earth, and we are setting ourselves up for great disappointment if we put our trust in any of the world's political systems. What, then, should our response be to last summer's events in Beijing? Well, there are many things a person might say about this, but it seems clear that one thing should stand above all of them: we should realize that our happiness cannot ultimately depend upon the good or bad deeds of heads of state or their governments. Our happiness should be based upon trust in the Lord. The Beijing crackdown, in a very dramatic way, has reminded a great many Christians in Hong Kong of this fact. May the Lord help us not to forget it. A HEARTFELT NEED FOR UNITY
by Becky Trask Over this past year there was a need expressed from several pastors to bring together the pastoral staff of all the Swatow Baptist Churches for pastors' prayer meetings. In response to this need missionaries and pastors met three times for mutual spiritual renewal as we lifted hearts to God in seeking His strength and in intercession for the churches. For over 15 years the Swatow Baptist Churches regretfully have had division, but God's Spirit is bringing church members together in different ways of fellowship and is mending past hurts. The pastors, more than other Christians understand the importance of coming together in Christian unity, and what better way to do that than in prayer! At the first prayer meeting, the Rev. Chan Hay Him, General Secretary Of the Chinese Christians for Overseas . World Evangelization, a Swatow Chinese, joined the prayer meeting giving a strong call to unity in the Spirit for the churches. God's Spirit touched many and the pastors shared freely their desire for bringing the churches together. It all begins with prayer and ends with prayer! Praise God! Our second time of prayer together was immediately following the tragedy on June 4th in Beijing. Dr. Jaquin Chan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Baptist Convention, shared the need for mutual support, in particula among Baptists. Hong Kong people were in shock, as was much of the rest of the world, so we came together to pray for the people, and for the future direction of the church in Hong Kong and China. The third time the pastor's shared present needs in their churches and the concern for more pastoral leadership now and in the future as more and more people including pastors are emigrating to the States and other countries seeking a more secure future as 1997 draws near. It is the hope of the pastors and missionaries to continue to come together for mutual prayer support and fellowship, and for seeking God's healing and vision for the Swatow Baptist Churches. I NEVER DREAMED
By Albert Tang I never dreamed or dared to think of myself as a church pastor, but here I am. Seven months ago, I graduated from seminary and joined the staff of the Shaukiwan Swatow Baptist Church. How did I get myself into all this? The easy answer would be 'God's leading'. But one may also ask, "How has He been leading you?" I was born on mainland China in 1959. In 1962, my family left China and stayed for a while in Hong Kong before migrating to New Zealand. However, for some reason, I was not permitted to go due to the mishandling of papers by Chinese immigrations. Thus, I remained in Hong Kong to live with my uncle and aunt. It was 10 years later before I was able to see my mother again! Such a horror I do not wish on any child. During this time, I did not experience compassion or kindness. I received unjust punishment for my wrongs and neither praises nor rewards for good behavior. I had no sense of family warmth and the immense pressures of the Hong Kong educaton system did not help. With all this, I never dared to imagine my future. Those ten years passed. In 1972, my mother returned to apply for my New Zealand residentship. To me, this was a new spark of light, a change of destiny. However, starting a new life in New Zealand was not as easy as one would have thought. I found living with my mother a painful struggle as conflict arose. Culture shock added to my frustrations and I escaped by hanging out with friends, from whom i inherited many bad habits. Materialism filled my empty mind and to attain wealth, I left school to work full time in the family business. By the time I reached twenty, I started to ask questions. "Is this what life is all about? Life filled with gloom, punishment, sorrow and conflict? What about love, joy and a fulfilling life? Are they only ideals taught in school or preached in church?" I recalled my sister as a devoted Christian. She was an ordinary housewife, but seemed happy. She had shared her Christian faith with me years ago when I first arrived in New Zealand. I thought, "Is there really a God? Does He care enough for this miserable life of mine that He will give it a new dimension?" This led me on a search for a meaning to my life. God has been good! Although there were neither spectacular visions nor dramatic revelations, He did make Himself clear to me. I became convinced someone cared. When I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, my life began a gradual but positive transformation. Still busy at work, I learned other ways to spend my free time--running to get fit, evening courses at a Bible college and looking for ways to serve the Lord among the Chinese. A few years passed and my convictions for full-time service grew stronger, but not necessarily as a pastor or a missionary. However, with few achievements, what could I do? God opened a path allowing me to study full-time at the Bible College of New Zealand for three years--not an easy decision. I had to battle family and financial pressures, as well as academic discipline. However, these years meant a great deal to me. The experience was life changing. My feeble future plans were broken by God's amazing grace. Eventually, I found a way to study at a seminary in Hong Kong--an even greater hurdle. It meant leaving loved ones behind, re-adjusting to oriental culture and fmancing the costs. It proved to be the right decision. Though more difficult, I have greatly appreciated spending the time at Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary. Now, I am beginning to realize what humility really demands. From my experiences in the vast, complicated academic world and the inter-personal communication problems of congregation members to the realization of how God calls me to serve on His frontline--all of these drive me to seek His presence humbly acknowledging my own inadequancy. On the other hand, I am confident an effective ministry lies ahead. He, who has led me thus far by His grace, will also guide me in the future. MAJOR EFFORTS TO MINSITER TO PRESSING NEEDS
by Keith Tennis Radical and massive changes are always a part of the scene of Hong Kong, and no one is immune from them. The whole Diamond Hill area of the Kowloon peninsula is being changed because of the new tunnel which is being drilled through the mountain to make a road to the New Territories. Thousands of squatter shacks have been demolished and their residents moved. The Homantin Swatow Baptist Church and its Diamond Hill Baptist Social Service Centre are located in the midst of it all. A Development Committee of the church is making the plans necessary to continue an active ministry meeting the changing needs. The Hong Kong Government has offered a new Children and Youth Centre, to be located in a five storey building under construction, to the Homantin Church for their administration. this will allow their outreach to the children and youth of the Diamond Hill area to continue, and even on a larger scale than they have had before. The church is also submitting plans to the government for approval to allow them to operate a Home for the Elderly in the area, as well as to rebuild their church with larger and improved facilities. Under the capable leadership of the Rev. Simpson Shih, the church has been aggressive in its work and efforts to be relevant to the needs of people. Another church making ambitious plans to respond to the needs of the elderly is the Shamshuipo Swatow Baptist Church. They are seeking a plot of land from the government in order to build a Home for the Elderly which would be capable of housing more than 120 residents. Hong Kong's population is aging, and studies have shown that only 4.5% of those aged 70 and above are able to support themselves with their savings. There is a much needed ministry in reaching out to them in caring for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. MORE CHURCH PLANTING BEING PLANNED
by Keith Tennis The Division of Mission Outreach of the Swatow Baptist Churches of Hong Kong is actively engaged in plans to establish new chapels in areas of the city where there are concentrations of Swatow-speaking Chinese. One area given high priority for their efforts is the Chai Wan area located on the eastern end of Hong Kong Island. Niney-three families who are presently attending the Shaukiwan Swatow Baptist Church are living in that area. Some of these families are willing to make the commitment to serve as the nucleus of a new congregation in the Chai Wan area. Through their experience and the leadership they could offer a new chapel could begin. The plan is for the Shaukiwan Church to serve as the mother church for such a chapel, giving it encouragement and assistance. Some financial assistance would also come from the other churches who are members of the Division of Mission Outreach of Swatow Baptist Churches, and from the American Baptist Mission. A small committee is presently working on the details of organizing the new work. Their first task is to find suitable quarters which could be rented. This is not an easy task in crowded Hong Kong. It is hoped that the new chapel could be established in conjunction with a Study/Reading Room which would offer a service to the people of the community. Another area given high priority for the start of a new chapel is Tai Po, a new town to which thousands of people are moving out in the New Territories section of the Kowloon peninsula. The Brotherly Love Swatow Baptist Church has indicated an interest in serving as a "mother church" to such a work. there is much to be done, and the Swatow churches are responding to the challenge. EXPANSION WITH NEW CHURCH PLANTING
by Becky Trask Just as any new birthing process takes time to go through its various stages, the newly restructured Missionary and Evangelism Departments of the Kwun Tong Swatow Baptist Church must also go through the process of a new vision for the church. The leaders have learned that implementing the vision to enlarge the church's witness has been risky, but in spite of difficulties, they remain faithful to God's leading. The church is enjoying the fruit of what God has done, is doing and will do in the future. Prayer has become a very integral part of bringing things to fruition. The Missionary Deapartment, beginning with the deacons, then the whole church is using mission education to help the church to grow in their understanding of God's global plan and how they can participate in overseas missions. As a result, the Kung Tong church working together with two other Hong Kong churches, in August, sent Mr. Tang Wai Ling and his wife, Au Lai Lin to train church leaders for the Africa Inland Mission in Kenya. The Missionary Department has also planned to support the churches in Shantou in their witness among over 20 million Swatow speaking people in Mainland China and have committed themselves to strengthening local mission outreach in Hong Kong. Please be in prayer that the leaders will listen closely for God's leading in carrying out His vision. The Evangelism Department has implemented a new church planting plan. The focus is to be in the Eastern District of Kwun Tong by expanding the church's existing gospel station in the Shun Lee Temporary Housing Area that began in 1984 into a chapel in the main Housing Estate. During the summer, the first phase of this new advance began with the church Evangelism Fellowship team going out to witness. Efforts are now being given to following-up 139 new believers that we hope will become the core of the new church. A second opportunity is being pursued to plant another church in Junk Bay New Town. The Hong Kong Baptist Convention Primary Education Committee will have a kindergarten in a new high rise housing estate and have invited the Kwun Tong church to plant a church in this building. Please join the church in praying for wisdom and a clear vision in planting these new churches. EQUIPPING THE SAINTS
by Becky Trask As the Youth Evangelism Team training has developed over the last six years we have seen increased growth in the churches. I have prayed seeking to know the strategy of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of evangelism. I have grown to understand His purpose is in transforming lives that they may grow in oneness with the Father through Jesus Christ. The initial focus of the ministry outreach was to go out and preach the gospel. The evangelistic thrust has grown from a simple obedience to Christ's command to a fuller understanding of the Spirit's strategy for the task of evangelism. As a result, the leaders of the evangelism ministry have strengthened the training of the young evangelists to focus on six areas for 'equipping the saints' for building the church of Jesus Christ (Eph.4:12). (1)to awaken the people in the churches to God's purposes for proclaiming His kingdom (Matt.28:18-20); (2)equipping people to serve in the power of the Spirit demonstrating the spiritual gifts which He gives for service (lCor.12:7-11); (3)obedience to the Word for holy living (Rom.12:1-2); (4)to lead people to experience God, the Father, God, the Son, God, the Holy Spirit (John 17:21); (5)teaching Christ crucified and coming under the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives (Gal.2:20); (6)helping one another to grow in Christ producing the fruit of the Spirit to the benefit of all (Gal.5:22-23). In seeking to carry out this strategy we have boldly proclaimed Christ and placed a stronger emphasis on following-up new Christians and strengthening the discipleship training for all Christians. This summer, young people from the Homantin and Shamshuipo Swatow Baptist Churches participated in a six-week youth evangelism training sponsored by the Kwun Tong Swatow Baptist Church. We praise the Lord as two teams of 20 young people and their leaders lead 175 people to accept Christ as Savior. Each church is now working diligently in individual and small group follow-up to help these young Christians to grow in their new faith. As we see God's love transforming lives, our own lives are also being transformed into the likeness of Christ. INVESTING IN THE FUTURE THROUGH S.T.E.P. by Linda Tennis An investment in the education of young people is an investment in the future. For years, contributions made to S.T.E.P. (Student Tuition Expense Program) have helped many of our Swatow Chinese students with their tuition expenses. Now education in Hong Kong is free at government schools through the ninth grade. However, even with free tuition, students are responsible for their own transportation and must purchase their own uniforms and books. Also, because there are not enough government schools, many students must go to private schools. This year, S.T.E.P . grants have been awarded to thirty-one students and total more than US$7,000. The requests were for more than double the amount granted, but this program is entirely dependent upon the specific gifts we receive from friends and churches in the United States and there are limits to what we can underwrite. It is a difficult decision to make as to who we can help. We need to be in prayerful consideration about the use of the S.T.E.P. funds. An introduction to a few of those being helped with S.T.E.P. funds this year follows: Kwok Kei is ten years old and in Primary 5. His parents are divorced and he lives with his mother in government temporary housing. Her poor health makes it impossible for her to work and so they subsist on US$135. which they receive from the Social Welfare Department. Yee Chung is also ten years old and is being raised by her seventy-two year old grandmother. Her mother never visits her and her father only comes around to ask for gambling money. The only income for the grandmother is a small welfare cheque. Living on a hillside, Hei Shun's family of six is supported by the mother's factory labor income of the equivalent of US$360. per month. The father is disabled by kidney problems which require frequent hospitalization. In this family, three students are receiving S.T.E.P. funds in order to encourage them to continue their education. The temptation is to drop-out and work to get money for the family. Wai Kit's father and brother are both experiencing some mental disabilities. The mother has been a church worker for sometime. She feels that as a church worker, she should let others be first in line for any school assistance, but recently a new pastor at her church convinced her to apply for S.T.E.P. funds. This year, two brothers in this family are receiving financial help with school expenses. Your contributions to S.T.E.P. are helping to reach out to those in need. Thank you. 22 ENGAGE IN SEMINARY STUDIES
by Keith Tennis 1997, the year when administration of Hong Kong is relinguished by Great Britain and handed over to the people's Republic of China, places a huge question mark over Hong Kong and its future. There is a nervous anxiety which pervades the city and all of its institutions, including the church. No one know what the future holds. to what extent will there be greedom to believe and practice one's religion? Some believe there is little future here and they are leaving. Others have resolved to stay and work toward a better future inHong Kong. Twenty-two young people from ten of the Swatow Chinese Churches with which our American Baptist Mission works, have heard the Divine call to ministry and Christian service and have responded by dedicating themselves to proclaiming the Godspel in word and deed. These twenty-two persons have enrolled in five different seminaries in Hong Kong. Fourteen of them are studying at the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary, a very fine academically accredited institution, whose faculty is dedicated to training young men and women for fulltime Christian service. The Hong Kong Swatow Baptist Churches are encouraging their young people who take this. step of attending a seminary in preparation for. ministry. Most of them grant a monthly stepend to the young people to cover basic tuition expenses at seminary. Many also provide opportunities for service and work in the church on weekends. The American Baptist Mission has also provided some limited funds towards scholarships for those experiencing particular need. In addition, we have given encouragement to special service workers who have come to teach for specific periods of times at seminaries. Dr. James Chuck, pastor of the First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco, California, will be teaching at the seminary at Chung Chi College, a part of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, from January to May, 1990. While here, he will also be conducting seminars and training sessions for pastors and deacons in the Swatow Baptist Churches. There is always a continuing need for training and strengthening the leadership of the churches with whom we are priviledged to work. TEACHING ENGLISH AMONG THE YOUTH
by Nancy Keesee Mark Twain and the Mississippi River in Hong Kong?!! At least one well-read Hong Kong high school student surprised a former missionary when he gave his English name as Huckleberry! The language situation in Hong Kong guarantees some interesting moments. In the one and a half years that we have lived here, I have stopped counting the number of people who have asked me to teach them English, from neighbors, taxi drivers, laborers who didn't make it to college, to acquaintances made on the twenty-minute bus ride to the train station. Many people jump at the chance to try their language skills out on a native speaker. Unfortunately, with emmigration on the minds of many people in Hong Kong, it seems there is now even more demand for English teaching in Hong Kong than a year ago. The Swatow Baptist Churches recognize this interest, and though ninety-nine percent of their teaching is in Chinese, missionaries from time to time are asked to teach an English Sunday School class or English conversation classes as a Church evangelistic outreach. Former missionaries have taught many levels of Sunday School, lead conversation classes for a variety of groups, from wives of factory workers to university students. Presently, three of us are involved. Linda Tennis is teaching a group of young adults at the Ngau Chi Wan Clink Yuen Swatow Baptist Church in a study of the parables. In December, Don Keesee begins teaching an English Sunday School class with young people in the Shatin Swatow Baptist Chapel. I will begin leading a group of high school students in a conversation class at the student reading room of the Brotherly Love Swatow Baptist Church which is used as a service and evangelistic outreach. Pray that we would use these opportunities wisely. Besides being a service, English teaching can of course be a bridge between church people and non-Christians. Being around Christians in such an informal setting can give outsiders the courage to attend a service or ask questions to their new friends. Please remember these opportunities we have in and outside of the Church. 1, for one am looking forward to making some new friends, and who knows, maybe another Huckleberry. AMERICAN YOUTH MISSION ENCOUNTER TOUR Hong Kong is a strategically located city in Southeast Asia. Many tourists from around the world come to encounter the blend of East-West culture. The majority who visit the American Baptist Mission and the churhces with whom we relate specifically want to meet the Chinese Christians, the missionaries and to learn what God is doing through the Swatow Baptist Churches and other mission outreach. This summer a group of American youth from five different states, organized by the Rocky Mountain Region World Mission Support person, Mrs. Carol Willard and the Rev. Dave Stratton with his wife, Judy, from the First Baptist Church of Boulder, Colorado, came to Hong Kong for a week of indepth cross cultural encounters with the churches and fife in Hong Kong. The youth shared their faith in singing, puppetry, mime and testimony in several different churches and their vacation Bible schools, they followed along and witnessed Chinese youth evangelism teams who witnessed to people in a temporary housing area, and hiked to the Wu Oi Long Ke Drug Rehabilitation Village to meet former drug addicts who now put their trust in Jesus. In the midst of these encounters the youth learned of the depth of faith among the Chinese Christians. Altogether the interactions were a growing experience for all participants who realized the importance of learning about people in other parts of the world to understand different ways of living and to learn how God is working in people's lives to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. HAROLD SCHOCK RECEIVES BADGE OF HONOUR In a special service in the chapel of Northern Baptist Seminary, Lombard, IL., on November 28, 1989, Dr. Harold D. Schock received the Certificate of Honour granted in the name of Queen Elizabeth II of England together with the Badge of Honour. The award was presented by Mr. F.R. Mangay, British Consul-General of Chicago. The honour was given in recognition of the valuable services rendered by Dr. Schock to Hong Kong through his work with the Wu Oi Drug Rehabilitation Centre. Following the presentation ceremony, a reception was held to honor Drs. Harold and Estelle Schock. Missionaries....
Rev. Donald and Nancy Keesee
Rev. Keith and Linda Tennis
Rev. Becky Trask
Dr. John and Ruth Espy
Drs. Harold and Estelle Schock
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