Page 34 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

Chairperson's Remarks

Why should it go on using up the soil?

At every annual general meeting, reflective thoughts are evoked: a year flashed by and what did we accom­
plish within the year? Did we make any progress towards the prescribed targets? What impact did we make in
Hong Kong society? Did we play the roles of prophet and servant according to our predetermined policy? Amidst

the economic downturn in recent years, when hardship in livelihood and numerous social issues are battering us,
have we missed the opportunities to bear witness to the Lord, share our beliefs and stand up for ourselves? Have
we built multiple bridges between churches, or rather partitions, deliberately or not? Have we still remained

superficial in the goal of church unity? In time, have we made progress in the relationships with local churches,
with churches in China, and with the ecumenical church? Have we worked for the benefit of the poor? Have we
spoken up against social injustice and evils? ... Such a host of questions has conflicted our thoughts, although
there are positive reflections from these questions. There are exciting outcomes, yet there are also those negative

outcomes that are disappointing. Nevertheless, we should still be grateful to the Lord, for He has cared for us
until this day and taught us how to review and be reflective. As we review, we are willing to revise. At the same
time, He is faithful to offer us new opportunities and new obligations. He is willing to rid us of stones in our heart,

bestowing on us a new heart and a new soul. (Ezekiel 11:19)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in
me and lead me in the way everlasting.” （Psalm 139:23-24)

Personally, I am convinced that the annual general meeting is the time for us to review and be reflective,
aside from reporting the year's events.

In the Bible, Jesus told this parable: t4A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for

fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on
this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil7, He replied, 4Sir, let it alone for
one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you
can cut it down.’” （Luke 13:6-9)

‘Why should it go on using up the soil?’ These words are a serious warning to us. They remind us in no
small way that if we do not bear fruit, we take up the soil in vain and we are to be axed! Hence, at the retreat
meeting for executive committee members and staff at the end of August, I initiated a review and in-depth