June 1966.....the Hong Kong Peak is issued by missionaries of the ABFMS.

Service to Servicemen

The Rev. Frank H. Knight Jr. has been assigned to serve as chaplain to United States servicemen in Hong Kong, and started his work on April first. The local committee to whom he is responsible is the Protestant Committee for Work among Servicemen, which is related to the Committee on Ministry to Service Personnel in the Far East, of the National Council of Churches of the United States.

The major portion of his time is given to Servicemen's Guides. This is a civilian, non-denominational organization, whose purpose is to render both material and spiritual aid to United States servicemen visiting Hong Kong. The policies of the organization are outlined by a committee composed of American businessmen and religious leaders; they are carried out by a Protestant and a Roman Catholic chaplain. During a month, an average of 10,000 to 15,000 Navy men visit Hong Kong. Men from other arms of the services, numbering about 400 a day, fly into Hong Kong from other parts of the Far East.

There are many opportunities for counseling. Some of the problems pertain to homesickness, the Christian attitude toward war, the difficulty of making a Christian witness among fellow shipmates, the problem of excessive drinking while on the beach, the difficulties of maintaining loyalty to wives and sweethearts during long separations and in the moral climate of the Far East. The men seem to be surprised, and yet pleased, that through the chaplain and the program and facilities provided for them, the Church does remember them, and does care. The Church has made a good witness in this area for these men away from their home churches. The Chaplains preach on Navy ships when no military chaplain is available. Among the facilities offered are a place to change money, to buy snacks and photographic supplies, and to get information of all kinds.

In addition to the program of Servicemen's Guides, there is a Protestant Lounge open to all servicemen. This provides liaison between the men and local missionary representatives of their churches in the U. S. A. Free tours of mission work are conducted. Occasionally work projects of a service nature are set up. Many sporting facilities are made available. The lounge itself provides music, free coffee, television, reading material, stationery, gym facilities, and a place to relax. The Protestant Chaplain is available to the men.

Mr. Knight says, "We pray that we may be of Christian service to these men who are serving their country so faithfully, so far away from home."

Comings and Goings

The Rev. Hugh Smith, Ann, and children left Hong Kong on April first for a short furlough. They expect to return early in September. During these months they are making their home near the children's grandparents in the Boston area. Hugh is "on the go" much of the time. Their address after their return to Hong Kong will he not No. 5 Lancashire Road as previously, but No. 3 Lancashire Road, Kowloon.

- - - Furlough time is coming for Loren and Ruth Noren, and Debbie. They will leave Hong Kong in July 1966. Awaiting them in the States are Carl, U. S. Navy, now stationed at Long Beach, and joy who has completed her first year at Ottawa University. Joy will be on the student staff at Green Lake this summer; Loren, Ruth and Debbie will be there also during the month of August. After September 1, 1966, the Norens' address will be: Care Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Seminary Heights, Kansas City, Kansas. Loren will do some teaching there, in addition to deputation.

Baptizing Them

Jesus said, "Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The Swatow Baptist Churches in Hong Kong seek to obey our Lord's words. Classes are arranged for baptismal candidates. Baptism is explained and the privileges and responsibilities of being followers of Jesus Christ are taught.

During 1965 and the first half of 1966, 259 persons have been baptized. In the Hong Kong Church, 45 were baptized, bringing the membership of the church to 456. On the day after we celebrated the birth of Jesus, 22 persons from the Shumshuipo Church signified by baptism that they had been "born again by the Spirit of God." In 1965, in the Mongkok Church, 14 people were baptized, bringing the membership to 295. On Easter morning, 1966, at the Homantin Church, 14 persons followed their Lord through the waters of baptism. In the Kowloon City Church, which is the largest of the Swatow Baptist Churches, 152 people were baptized. The membership of that church, including the chapels which it sponsors, is now, 2,287.

Some of those baptized found Christ as Savior as they joined with other young people in the youth group of the church. Some of the older folk were brought to the church by friends and relatives. Some, although they were unable to read their Bibles, discovered that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the preaching of Christ."

The graph below shows the baptisms in the Swatow Baptist Churches from 1955 to 1964. It is taken from the booklet commemorating the tenth anniversary of the joint Committee.

Two Deaths

The Rev. Koo Gek Sua passed away on May 21 at the age of 69, following a long period of poor health. He retired in February 1962. The son and grandson of Christians, Pastor Koo had served in the Chao An district of South China. In 1953 he was jailed by the communists, only to be released ten months later - - - not guilty! He made his way to Canton, and across the border into Hong Kong, where he became the minister of the Mongkok Swatow Baptist Church. Later he served the chapel in Brotherly Love Village.

Many visitors to Hong Kong will remember his son, Marvin, who is in the Swatow linen business.

- - - Deacon Tang Tak Tso of the Hong Kong Swatow Baptist Church, died in May also. For years he had been active in the program of the church, and of the Joint Committee of the Swatow Baptist Churches. At one time he served as vice chairman of the Joint Committee, and he regularly attended the meetings.

New Leadership in the Curriculum Project

The Rev. Samuel Wu who served with Miss Mildred Proctor on the South East Asia Chinese Sunday School lessons, has left this assignment to enter the ministry of a church. Miss Doris Kaan (Mrs. Yu) will be Chinese editor, beginning August first. Miss Kaan is a graduate of Chung Chi College, and has an M. R. E. degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York. It is hoped that she will help not only with the editing of materials, but with the training of teachers to use them effectively.

Missionaries....
Mr. and Mrs. John Espy
Rev. and Mrs. Frank Knight
Rev. and Mrs. Alvin D. Koons
Rev. and Mrs. Loren E. Noren
Miss Mildred Proctor
Rev. and Mrs. Hugh W. Smith 
Miss June M. Sutton