March 1978.....the Hong Kong Peak is issued by missionaries of the ABFMS.

FAREWELL TO THE OLLEY FAMILY

John and Elaine Olley, and children David, Linda, and Catherine, left Hong Kong on December 15, 1977, to return to Australia. Some time ago John had accepted the invitation of the Western Australia Baptist Theological College in Perth, to join the faculty there.

The loss of the Olleys is deeply felt by our Mission family and the whole Christian Church in Hong Kong. While their main involvement was in the Theology Division at Chung Chi, they related effectively to a broad spectrum of Christians in Hong Kong. John's facility with Cantonese made it possible for him to preach in Chinese, and he was often invited by the Swatow Baptist Churches and chapels. The possibilities of deeper and more extensive participation by the Olleys in the development of these churches, to which American Baptists are specifically related, was increasing, and the loss to this aspect of our work is keenly felt.

Elaine was a leader in fellowship activities for faculty families at the Theology Division, as well as with faculty newcomers at Chung Chi College. She also was a volunteer worker with the Hong Kong Society for the Blind, transcribing high school textbooks into braille.

On the Olleys' last night in Hong Kong, all the Mission staff gathered at June Sutton's apartment for a combined Farewell and Christmas party. A rosewood tray of dishes from Tao Fong Shan Christian Study Center was presented as a token of affection, wishing them God's rich blessings in their call to His service in Perth.

MISSIONARIES COMING AND GOING

June Sutton returned to Hong Kong in September, 1977 after completing her M.A. program in Communications at Wheaton College, Illinois. She has again assumed her many responsibilities for Christian education in the Swatow Baptist Churches, as well as supervising Moon Lok Kindergarten and Christian Center, and administering scholarships through STEP (Student Tuition and Expenses Program.)

Loren and Ruth Noren returned from a two-year furlough in July, 1977. Loren was National Coordinator for the American Baptist Attack on Hanger. He is now Hong Kong Mission Correspondent and Treasurer and continues as partner-to-pastors in Swatow Baptist Churches, in addition to numerous interdenominational efforts. Ruth is advisor to Swatow church women and teaches English as a second language. The Norens' lively apartment, on many bus routes, has become a convenient meeting place for a wide variety of groups, including a newly formed group of married couples.

NEW AREA SECRETARY FOR H.K.

Ms. Alice M. Giffin is the new B.I.M. Area Secretary for Hong Kong. She took over her administrative duties from the Rev. Robert G. Johnson who is continuing his responsibilities for Thailand and has other added work at Valley Forge since the retirement of Clayton Smith. We appreciate "Bob's" years of concern and counsel.

"Alice" is uniquely qualified to relate to the Hong Kong Mission field because she grew up in China where her parents were lifetime missionaries. She speaks Mandarin and Hakka, and has numerous friends among Chinese Christians in Hong Kong.

ASIAN BAPTIST WOMEN'S CONFERENCE IN KOREA

Swatow Baptist women plan to participate in the Asian Baptist Women's Conference to be held in Korea the first week in May. Several delegates are working with Ruth Noren improving their English, studying program materials, and preparing for Christian fellowship with Asian Women. Swatow women were part of the enthusiastic hospitality when this group met in Hong Kong in 1968.

Theme of this year's Conference is "Christ is Our Strength and Our hope." Hong Kong women may observe in Seoul how Korean Baptists relate to urban problems. And the Swatow women will be asked to share their methods in family visitation and neighborhood worship, which have proved amazingly effective in Swatow Baptist Church growth in Hong Kong.

by Ruth Noren

HONG KONG GOVERNOR OPENS L.I.B.A BUILDING

The Lingnan Institute of Business Administration bas moved into its "permanent home" in a newly constructed building named after the father of Mr. Y. K. Pao," a prominent Hong Kong shipowner who donated the funds.

Dr. John L. Espy's office overlooks beautiful Tolo Harbour. The major activity continues to be the two-year, full-time M.B.A. program. There were twenty graduates in the Class of 1977 and all of them obtained responsible positions in Hong Kong. The Class of 1978 will have 30 graduates.

TRAINING FOR BUSINESS MEN

The Chinese University of Hong Kong has received HK$5 million from two Chinese businessmen for a part-time program of study for men already in business leading to the degree of Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).

We designed a curriculum, prepared publicity and announced the new program in February, 1977. The response was overwhelming. By April 15 we had received over 700 applications. Entrance exams and interviews reduced the number to 30.

We secured three highly qualified people from overseas and lined up several local teachers to help us on a part-time basis. Classes began on September 6th with 44 participants. The students are experienced businessmen in their thirties who are eager for more formal training in business. It was a real joy to teach them "Principles of Organization and Management' during the first semester, and I am looking forward to a continuing association with the program.

by John L. Espy

HONG KONG CHURCHES WELCOME THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese families at New Year's Eve Flower Markets expect a glorious abundance of orchids, dahlias, chrysanthemums, and kumquats. Dinosaurs and airplanes, bigger than the children who laughingly maneuvered them through the crowds, were an unexpected surprise this year, produced by Hong Kong's plastic toy industry.

American Baptists from Benton, Ill. (Bob and Marg. Gallamore) enjoyed it with us, having already spent a day visiting our Mission work here in Hong Kong.

On New Year's morning many of the Swatow Baptist Churches were wellfilled at services of thanksgiving. Loren Noren spoke in Kowloon City Baptist Church, and then (because of parking problems) had a prearranged fast ride to the Castle Peak Church, to speak again.

On three consecutive nights most of the churches had New Year services, for member-families, with a special welcome to non-Christians. The number of those who expressed their intention to follow Jesus Christ is very heartening. At least two families followed the old fashioned custom of using a special ritual to remove idols from their homes. Some churches had every member visitation, and others organized neighborhood worship for inquirers and seekers. Many had outings to the countryside.

Drinking tea in missionary homes is a custom we enjoy during New Year week. Some callers appear unannounced. But one tea party was planned in the Noren home. Two representatives from every Swatow Baptist Church attended. It was an occasion of joyous fellowship and recommitment. Sweet sesame dumplings were the main dish.

Ruth Noren's English Bible Classes had discussions on the theme "new persons in Christ." We enjoyed family reunions with long-time Chinese friends.

Though Lion Dances were seen and heard frequently all week, 1978 is actually The Year of the Horse. Loren has had some joking over the fact that according to Chinese Almanac he was born in this year, along with numerous famous heroes of the world!

by Ruth Noren

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF Thomson Road Baptist Church Singapore

This Swatow Baptist Church was founded in December, 1937, and today is a strong Church with two congregations, one using primarily Swatow Chinese and the other English. The latter grew into a strong Congregation under the leadership of Carl and Louise Capen during their years in Singapore. They had not anticipated being in Asia at the time of the Anniversary but the request that Carl serve in Bangkok as Mission Correspondent for a year made it possible for both of them to attend.

Carl officiated at the opening of the new educational building and preached at the Morning Worship. Loren Noren preached at the afternoon 40th Anniversary Service. Rev. C. T. Lee and Rev. Andrew Wong, both former pastors of the Church, now working in Hong Kong, also participated in the celebrations. Rev. Thomas Eugene West, who served as Interim Pastor at one time, was also able to be present.

Music by the choirs of the Church was unusually fine.

REWARDING STUDY OF THE WORD

A Bible Study Group is held weekly for Chung Chi College faculty members. Meeting at the Espys' apartment, the group includes Baptists, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and a Baba'i, who are Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, and Chinese. The Olleys were members of the group before their departure from Hong Kong, and the Paul Claspers are also active participants.

Preparation for Community Work at Hong Kong Baptist College

The Department of Sociology and Social Work at Baptist College is the largest department in the college. Hong Kong youth are concerned about the improvement of their society, and we had the largest number of applicants for our department in our history. As we could only accept 11 - 12 % of those who applied, the selective process was more complicated than ever before. We are getting substantially higher qualified students, both in academic standards and social consciousness. This augurs well for the future of the department and contribution our students can make to the community.

By Bill Hackett

FACTORY WORKERS SEMINAR

The Hong Kong Government has passed a new law. It requires factory employers to give their employees 7 days annual leave in addition to the ten statutory public holidays. Many factories decided to close for an extra week following the 3 days' Chinese New Year holiday.

Many young people in the Swatow Baptist Churches are factory workers. They are busy with long hours of work and some even attend night schools. Their day off Sunday, is spent at the church, serving as Sunday School teachers, choir members or leaders of the youth groups.

Now some of these young people were to have their first "holidays" with time for leisure. Why not have a factory workers' retreat? Young people from two Swatow Baptist Churches responded. They wanted to discuss their problems as factory workers and receive training in witnessing for Christ in their places of employment.

Twelve young people spent a happy day together. The success of the retreat was evidenced in the factory workers' interest in the seminar topics, their sharing of ideas, their excitment in learning a new approach to witnessing and their request for another retreat. One young person said "I have learned a new way to speak about my Lord and Savior. Previously, when I asked my factory friends to believe in Jesus Christ they told me they didn't want to hear about Him. Now I can talk to them about their problems, which are like mine, and tell how Christ helps me."

by June Sutton

CHINESE CHRISTIANS IN MACAU

The Sino - Burmese refugees in Macau are very much in our hearts and minds. I go over to Macau two weekends a month. My normal visit involves leaving here early Sunday morning, arriving just in time to administer communion, jointly with the Chinese pastor, to a mixed congregation of Chinese and English-speaking members. Then, I usually preach in English.

Lunch is with Chinese or Burmese members, after which we make five or six calls on Burmese families. As many of the young people work seven days a week, we cannot hold the Burmese service until 8:15 p.m. We continue with singing, Bible study, and fellowship until 10:00 p.m. I give a short sermon, and time is spent in prayer. All of us who work with them find these refugees more open to the Gospel than the local Macau residents.

by Bill Hackett

Chung Chi College Consultation with United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia

Recently a consultation was held at Chung Chi College between representatives of the College and United Board to discuss some of the implications of the reorganization of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Dr. Paul Lauby was here from New York and Dr. Chandy and Dr. Shen, members of his Board were present. I was also asked to attend representing United Board. President S. W. Tam, several faculty, and some members of Chung Chi's Trustees attended on behalf of the College.

The discussion on the nature of a Christian College, Chung Chi's role in the reorganized university, and ways in which United Board can continue to be of help to Chung Chi were refreshing and stimulating. Faculty and Staff showed excellent, mature Christian insights in articulating how Chung Chi continues to make a solid Christian impact. Present enrollment is 1358 students.

by Loren E. Noren

Asian Missionary from India to Zaire

Louise Paw, Chairperson of the Baptist Council on World Mission, joyfully reports the appointment of Dr. Amrutha Raj Joseph as the first missionary of the Council. He is a young Doctor from India and has volunteered to go to Zaire where there is a great need for medical doctors.

Dr. Joseph goes in April to France for language study before proceeding to his assignment in Zaire.

Applications are being processed from other Asian Baptists planning to be missionaries in other lands.

Cantonese Braille Bible in 48 Volumes!

Ruth Espy has updated the complicated telephone directory at The Chinese University-in braille!

When one of the blind telephone operators was married recently, Ruth and John assisted in preparation for the wedding. Ruth relates: "A few weeks later the bride asked us if we would take her with us some Sunday to Chapel on campus. She went with us a few times and was pleased to realize that she could follow the sermon in English quite well. The organist explained the capabilities of his instrument and helped her to understand what she had been hearing.

"Then, she mentioned that she felt she would understand Christianity more if she could have a Bible in Cantonese braille. Were there any available that she could buy? I forwarded this question to the Bible Society, and a few days later was told that we could pick up the volumes at our convenience-the Bible complete in 48 volumes!"

Last fall two more Chinese blind students began college level work; so now there are one first-year and two second-year students in the University of Hong Kong and one student in Social Work Studies at the Polytechnic. For these students braillists have been transcribing textbooks this past year.

Ruth is a volunteer two days a week at the Hong Kong Society for the Blind. Only John knows how many hours of diligent brailling she does in her "leisure" time at home! In addition, Ruth spends two days a week at the Library in Hong Kong Baptist College cataloguing, proof reading, revising catalogue cards, processing books in foreign languages.

CHINA AND THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

The lease on the New Territories (about 350 of Hong Kong Kong's 400 sq. mi.) expires in June, 1997. Hong Kong residents have tended to be so busy with the opportunities of the present that they didn't talk much about 1997. When we returned to Hong Kong we noticed many spoke of 1997-but as a date not really having much significance. Life would go on and doubts and uncertainties were not prominent in their thinking and planning.

The year 1977 ended with several news reports from The Peoples' Republic of China. One was a reassuring message to the people of Hong Kong indicating that, though China considered Hong Kong as Chinese territory and a problem left over from history, there was no need to be nervous about its future. China is concerned about the life of the people in Hong Kong and a steady supply of food, etc. would continue. The question of Hong Kong would be dealt with amicably when "the time is ripe." Whether the rate of development in Hong Kong in the years ahead will depend on continued reassuring statements or a decision about the future remains to be seen.

Other news reports from China indicate a more liberal treatment of the families of Overseas Chinese, a renewed welcome to visit China, and an encouragement to identify with the history and life of the countries in which they reside.

by Loren E. Noren

DAILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

The Swatow Baptist Churches in Hong Kong conduct Daily Vacation Bible Schools during the summer vacation. This work has been assisted by Vacation Bible Schools, Inc. U.S.A. It was a privilege to have Dr. Edward Murray, President, and his wife, Muriel, visit Hong Kong. They met some of the teachers of the Daily Vacation Bible Schools and heard reports of these programs. They visited the crowded areas surrounding several of the Swatow Baptist Churches.

Their concern for people and interest in God's work are an encouragement to us as we work among children in Resettlement Estates. For many, a week of Bible stories and activities in a Swatow Baptist Church is a welcome relief from sitting in a cramped apartment, or roaming around the concrete estate area. In some churches these programs have been extended into a weekly afternoon meeting for children and junior young people.

by June M. Sutton

Moon Lok Community Center Lively With Neighborhood Events

The Moon Lok (Full of Happiness) Kindergarten and Community Center' is set in the center of a huge housing estate. The Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church and the American Baptist Mission use this two-story Center for outreach programs to the 60,000 people who live nearby.

The two-session Kindergarten has 400 students, almost all from non-Church families. Interest groups have included Sewing, Tailoring, Piano, Typing, Guitar, and English as a Second Language.

David Chi, Director of the Center and Pastor of the Chapel, conducts Sunday Services. 0ther activities include the Sunday School, Youth Choir, Women's Circle, and Retreats for families held in the quiet countryside.

Twice a year the Center sponsors an evangelistic program. The Kindergarten children present folk dances and a youth choir sings. On Christmas Eve 200 adults and teenagers watched family members perform, and listened attentively to the Christmas story, illustrated by large sketch pictures. For most, this would be the only occasion when they would bear the real meaning of Christmas.

New programs at the Center include a Children's Choir and a Children's Sunday Afternoon Club with Bible stories, singing, and handwork.

by June M. Sutton

90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHRISTIAN LITERATURE SOCIETY

This Society was founded in China in 1887, and the Chinese Christian Literature Council in Hong Kong is a continuation of that work. So a Service of Thanksgiving was held in St. Andrew's Church, followed by a dinner at the Ambassador Hotel. Dr. Chow Lien Hwa preached the sermon. I was asked to organize a Minister's Double Quartet to sing.

Moses Hsu (now with the Bible Society in New York but formerly with C.C.L.C. in Hong Kong), Dr. Marion Van Horne (DOM/NCCC), and Rev. James Sutton (Conference of British Missionary Societies) were overseas guests present.

At the dinner two literature awards were presented and both went to young Christian Chinese women writers. One accomplishment of the 90th Anniversary year was the completion of the Revised "Hymns of Universal Praise".

As a member of C.C.L.C. Committee for many years, I am thrilled at the excellent program of Christian publication and distribution which has achieved self-support under the superb leadership of Dr. Heyward Wong and his associates. He is now with the Bible Society in Hongkong but continues to serve as Chairman of C.C.L.C. Mr. Ho Sai Ming has come out of retirement to serve as Publisher for the Council.

by Loren E. Noren

CHINA VISIT

On March 19 I crossed the Hong Kong border into The People's Republic of China, as a tourist. We visited three cities in southern China-Canton, scenic Kweilin, and Nanning.

Everywhere our tour group went, people waved and smiled at us. We were told, ,you are friends of the people." In Nanning, we were followed like the Pied Piper down the main street. Most seemed curious about foreigners. Some frightened faces demonstrated that not all saw us as friends.

Chairman Hua has stated that China is to push ahead with the "Four Modernizations" i.e. in agriculture, defence, industry and technology. Much has been done since 1949. Famines have been avoided but the faded patched clothing, the mud brick houses and antiquated machinery we saw make the need for modernization imperative. Utopia has not been achieved. Signs on factories urged "use science to modernize industry."

The people we met were committed to "serving the people." They were enduring separation from families, doing uninteresting jobs assigned to them, attending political meetings after working a 48 hour week-all for the "Motherland."

Attitude changes in Chinese people have occurred. Corruption has been stamped out. Peasants are equal with others. But conformity is evidenced in stereotype answers even to questions about family, study or work. Church buildings we saw were used as warehouses or factories. Personal freedom seems greatly limited. People we met spoke and acted as directed.

This is the China I saw and felt.

by June M. Sutton

NEW SWATOW BAPTIST CHURCH IN TAIPEH, TAIWAN

In conjunction with a meeting Of the Southeast Asia Swatow Baptist Churches Council on Evangelism in Taipeh, October 1-2, 1977, the Taipeh. Swatow Baptist Church's new premises

were dedicated. B.I.M. made a contribution of US$23,000. The ground floor is for church meetings and the second floor is the Pastor's apartment. Devoted Christians are helping this new church located near a concentration of Teo Chiu people. The ordained pastor speaks Swatow, Mandarin, Hakka, Hokien, Cantonese, and English.

TWO MISSIONARY WIVES ON RADIO HONG KONG

Marion Hackett gave six brief messages on the Six-Forty-Five Program (A.M.!!!) on Radio Hong Kong, during the week of Christian Unity. Fortunately the talks are taped at the missionary's convenience at the A.V. Studio of the Hong Kong Christian Council.

Ruth Noren presented six messages on the theme of World Hunger. Comments from numerous listeners indicated that the radio audience includes a surprising number of early-risers.

MISCELLANEOUS PEEKS.........,

Harold and Estelle Schock expect to arrive in Hong Kong from furlough May 30th, 1978. As they return to a variety of work assignments in the heat and humidity of summer in Hong Kong, they may want to forget that marvelous memory of "the glowing fireplace" in their Yakima, Washington home.

Loren Noren gave a Lenten series on five Sundays at 9 A.M. (before his usual sermon in Swatow language) at the Academic Community Church in the new Christian Education building at Hong Kong Baptist College. Translating his sermons from English to Cantonese was Baptist College President Daniel Tse.

Paul and Janet Clasper and daughter Cathy organize a variety of refreshing study groups in their campus apartment at Chung Cbi, where Paul teaches in the Theology Division. Their combined talents in Art, Music, Writing, Family Communication, Theology, and Preaching (Christ Church) create a beautiful blend cherished in many settings by their students, colleagues, and neighbors.

When Ruth Noren telephoned an American friend living in Hong Kong, the friend whispered, "I'll call you back James Michener is here for lunch!" That's Hong Kong life-you never know who your next tourist will be.

Marion Hackett Says 1977 was a year of "Hallelujahs" for all the family. They spent 3 weeks together in Austria. Marion is teaching Bible at Baptist College, also writing, editing, and preaching occasionally.

IMPRESSIONS AFTER TWO YEARS

Hong Kong has changed a lot in the two years that we were in the U.S.A. The Mass Transit System is in full construction, the new Post Office building is finished, and many other new buildings are completed or under construction. A concerted effort in housing is evident, though one cannot help but wonder about the lack of controls in the price of land which forces costs up so much that the apartments get smaller and Smaller.

While one might not say the economy is booming, it is recovering steadily in spite of various forms of trade restrictions against Hong Kong. The place is still the same vibrant, adaptable, hard-working place it has always been.

No year would be complete without its day of intense tension. In late 1977 it was the police force reacting threateningly to pressures from investigations by the Independent Commmission Against Corruption. Many people questioned the Governor's decision to declare an Amnesty but apparently the situation was very uncertain and drastic decisions were called for. Anyway, things quieted down, the Governor made a rather extended visit to England, and a team of British experts have come to Hong Kong to advise the Police and the I.C.A.C.

The Education "Green Paper" is still being widely discussed, for the ramifications of some of the proposals are far-reaching. Areas in which we are particularly concerned are the call for the Chinese University, of which ChungChiCollege is a part, to change from a 4-year college course to 3 years, and the implications for Baptist College if no provision is made to give degree; to their students who have equivalent standards with the graduates of the two Universities. Equal recognition for equal achievement is not now assured since there is no examining body for graduates of Colleges other than the two Universities.

by Loren E. Noren

Missionaries....
Dr. and Mrs. John Espy (Ruth)
Dr. and Mrs. William D. Hackett (Marion)
Dr. and Mrs. Loren E. Noren (Ruth)
Rev. and Mrs. Harold Schock (Estelle)
Miss June M. Sutton