January 1969.....the Hong Kong Peak is issued by missionaries of the ABFMS.

Mission Conference

American Baptist missionaries met together in early October for three days of consultation and fellowship. The direction of our work is almost entirely in the hands of Chinese leaders, but there are benefits which come from talking together, sharing experiences and ideas, praying and worshipping together, getting a picture of the total task and how we fit into it. Decisions regarding the direction of the churches' program are not made by this group; some suggestions as to how missionaries fit into the program are made.

Even with this type of missionary fellowship, it has seemed wise to have a constitution, and so there was considerable discussion of a constitution. We also heard reports of work being done, for each one works along his own lines with his Chinese colleagues, and from time to time it is needful to catch up on what is being accomplished, and being planned. The Baptist evaluation team which visited Hong Kong in September 1967, had sent a report which was reviewed and discussed.

Dr. Francis P. Jones, author of "The Church in Communist China", spoke to us of the history of the church in China, and of its present situation as far as we can ascertain it. He urged us to encourage Christian life, in contrast to the strengthening of institutions and programs. Dr. and Mrs. Jones are spending a year in Hong Kong, while he is working on the translation of theological books.

John Olley led the Bible study periods speaking on "Priesthood". He asked what it means for us to be priests of the living God. What sacrifices do we offer? In the short devotional periods, Harold Schock used the theme, "But, God- - -", emphasizing that it was God's plan, God's power, God's will which prevails. Marion Hackett and Frank Knight prepared the Sunday morning service, which was deeply appreciated.

The children, 12 in number, carried on :activities of their own, with the help of Miss Judy Butler of the Methodist mission. A fine swimming beach is within easy walking distance of our place of meeting. One would gather that not only the children played, but that the adults bad some play time, and that is true.

A final word should be said about the conference site. The American Methodists have built a training center near Silvermine Bay on Lantao island. The buildings climb up the steep Mountainside, each level giving magnificent views of the bay with islands off in the distance. The chapel, dormitories, bungalows, and dining hall very adequately housed our group; meals were excellent. The nearby beach provided a place not only for swimming, but walking, and an evening funtime. A Chinese junk, which is often called upon by Servicemen's Guides, carried us all and our baggage between the Center and the Kowloon Public Pier.

Christmas in Hong Kong - - 1968

Christmas in Hong Kong is a festive time. The larger stores and banks as well as many homes were gaily decorated, giving added beauty to our already wondrous harbor view. Poinsettias were everywhere. Among Christians celebrations center not so much in the homes as in the churches. All of the Swatow Baptist churches had special programs, on Christmas Sunday, on Christmas day, and indeed throughout the week. Some services were three hours long! All generations crowded into the churches for worship, for entertainment by the Sunday School children, and finally for Santa Claus who had cookies and oranges for each one. All the services took place over the street noises which were as loud as on any other day, because for most of Hong Kong the Christmas story is still unknown, and life moved on as usual. Music? There are not the great church choirs which so enrich Christmas in the States, but each one of the small and faithful choirs sang the beautiful carols which, around the world, express the deepest meanings of Christmas. Some youth groups went carolling to share with community and friends the joy of the message that "unto you is born this day - - a Savior."

Two Men Ordained

In November the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church celebrated the 30th anniversary of its founding, with a full week of special services. In a great service on the afternoon of November 24th, two men were ordained to the Christian ministry. Dr. Richard Cummings of the staff of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, preached to a congregation of more than a thousand people.

The two ordained were Mr. Yiu Jing Kwok and Mr. Choi Yuk Man both of whom have served faithfully in the work of the Swatow Baptist churches of Hong Kong. The total program of the Joint Committee of Swatow Baptist Churches has been strengthened by the addition of these two trained, dedicated, and experienced pastors. Further information about them may be found in the Hong Kong Peaks for April 1967 and February 1968.

Servicemen’s Guides Association

After a series of delays- the piling for the new building at Fenwick Pier has begun. It is hoped that it will be completed by mid-summer, for the service of the sailors of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. The one-story building consists of 17,000 square feet, on a land area of 35,700 square feet. The local American Protestant Committee, representing the NCCC/USA gave the first donation toward the total cost of U.S. $200,000.

The annual Thanksgiving Day service for the American community is the responsibility of the Protestant chaplain. In a very inspiring service, Mr. Edwin Martin, American consul general, read the president's proclamation, Bishop Otto Nall of the Methodist church gave the message, and other clergy participated. Students from the International School provided the special music. At Thanksgiving and at Christmas, over 150 servicemen were placed in homes of Americans to share the festivities.

Last year thousands of sailors passed through Fenwick Pier for rest and recreation. Frank Knight writes, "Joyce and I hope that we have been of service in the name of Christ to our military men so far away from home. Please continue to support these men 'by your cheerful letters, and your prayers."

Mr. Knight, who has served as the Protestant chaplain for three years, 1 has recently been appointed Executive Secretary of the Servicemen's Guides Association.

The Joint Committee Retreats

A free ride in a motorized junk would be an attraction to almost anyone. In October it enticed 45 representatives from our 5 churches and 13 chapels, most of them members of the Joint Committee of Swatow Baptist churches, to an all-day retreat on Chu Lap Kok Island. During the two-hour trip, the Rev. "Pearly" Gates, who was here for a visit, gave a devotional message, and reports on the World Youth Conference held in Switzerland, were heard.

Upon our arrival, the group joined in a service of dedication for the camp. It had proved its value during the summer just past, and in this service we expressed our gratitude to God.

After a good meal, we gathered around to discuss the report of the Evaluation Team. Lots of talk showed a real concern for a more energetic church., Later, the group visited the Christian families who have their farms on the island. The whole day increased our feeling of oneness in Christ; the sense of accomplishment spurred the group to plan immediately for another retreat.

Forty-five also attended the next retreat in January 1969, this time in the beautiful chapel at Chung Chi College. Four groups discussed specific matters from the Evaluation Team's report, such as evangelism, the future of our primary schools, and long range goals. Since many of those who, attended, although deacons, are not members of the Joint Committee, how the Committee works was explained, and why it needs the cooperation of all the churches.

Our prayer is that these retreats will develop into sessions of two or three days, so that we can tackle problems at a deeper level. We praise God for these opportunities of growing together in understanding of our Christian tasks.

Mission Fellowship Meetings

Twice a month the mission staff meet for an evening of fellowship. The host or hostess is responsible for a devotional period. The rest of the program varies. In October the Rev. Miss Lee Ching Chee of the Church of Christ in China, reported on the World Council of Churches assembly in Uppsala. The Rev. Franklin Woo, chaplain of Chung Chi College, told of his experiences in a situation of racial unrest while in the United States on special assignment during the summer. Two evenings we discussed the needs of youth in Hong Kong, and how our churches could better meet them. From time to time we share matters of interest and concern from our own work. And sometimes we just have an evening of fun and talk. Early in February the Southern Baptist missionaries will be the guests of our mission. The speaker will be Mr. Edwin Martin, American consul general in, Hong Kong. Both Mr. Martin and his wife are children of missionary parents, and have a strong interest in Christian work.

An Eclipse, and a New Year

It happened that the mission conference dates coincided with the autumn festival. At this time adults gaze at the moon, and children carry gay lanterns in its honor. But this year, on that very night, there was a total eclipse of the moon, a combination of circumstances which has occurred only one other time this century. Old superstition explains an eclipse by saying that a dog is trying to swallow the moon. Those who have lived in mainland China recall how gongs were beaten, and there was a great uproar to try to frighten the dog away. It was always successful! On this night gongs were only vaguely heard, witnessing no doubt to increasing scientific knowledge. The moon reappeared in all its beauty, for us to enjoy, and for mankind to continue to explore.

Those who like to keep up with the Chinese calendar should know that Chinese New Year falls on February 17 this year. We shall be leaving the Year of the Monkey and entering the Year of the Cock. Those born in the Year of the Cock are said to be very clever! The cycle repeats itself every twelve years.

Ling Ling Say Say which, broadly interpreted, means Miscellaneous

- - - - - Bill and Marion Hackett, having served with the A.B.F.M.S. in Burma and Hong Kong for twenty-five years, were presented with pins recognizing their length of service at a mission fellowship meeting late in November. Dr. Richard Cummings of Valley Forge made the presentation.

- - - - Mrs. Helen Wigginton arrived in Hong Kong on October 17, for a two-year stay and has been so busy ever since she has hardly had time to see the sights of the city. She is used to being busy. During the past six years she has served as assistant to the president of Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia. A similar responsibility has been given her here in the Hong Kong Baptist College. During the short furlough of Dr. Maurice Anderson, she is in his vice presidential office. After his return she will continue to serve as his assistant. The rest of her time she gives to the office of the mission secretary, Loren Noren. Many of our readers will remember Mrs. Wigginton as a member of the Board of the W.A.B.F.M.S., and the first chairman of the integrated Boards.

- - - - The Hong Kong Baptist College is operated by the Hong Kong Baptist Association with substantial assistance from Southern Baptists. Although our mission has been associated primarily with Chung Chi College, we have also helped at Baptist College when requested from time to time. Ruth Noren has taught social work and Sharon Parks is now teaching English in the college. Many of the young people of our churches attend the college, and it is making a significant contribution to higher education in Hong Kong as a non-residential, city college.

- - - - - The South East Asia Chinese Sunday School Curriculum seems to move slowly but it does move. The lessons for four younger departments have been in use for some time. The editors have been preparing for the Senior Department, about 15 to 17 years of age, materials which could be used either in Sunday School classes or in youth fellowships. The course will be printed in six half-year books. The first book was sent to the press in December, and the second in January. It is hoped that by June four of the six books will be in print. In addition to lessons, the Editorial Board occasionally produces booklets for the training of teachers. "Working Together will Gcd", which is a series of short articles for the home as well as for church leaders, written by Mildred Proctor, came out in December.

Missionaries....
Mr. and Mrs. John Espy
Dr. and Mrs. William D. Hackett (Marion)
Rev. and Mrs. Frank Knight (Joyce)
Rev. and Mrs. Alvin D. Koons
Rev. and Mrs. Loren E. Noren (Ruth)
Rev. and Mrs. John Olley (Elaine)
Miss Sharon Parks
Miss Mildred Proctor
Mr. and Mrs. John Reed (Kathleen)
Rev. and Mrs. Harold Schock (Estelle)
Rev. and Mrs. Hugh W. Smith (Ann)
Miss June M. Sutton
Mrs. Helen Wigginton