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CHAIRPERSON’S REMARKS

Rev. Dr. Li Ping-kwong

This is the last time that I write as the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Christian Council in its
Annual Report. And I do so with mixed emotions. I have participated in the Council's ministries in
various capacities since I became a pastor. The Council has become an inseparable part of my
ministry, and it seems that I have been intrinsically linked to the affairs of the Council one way or
another through the years. The Council's role has changed with the times but it has remained stead-
fast in bearing good witness to the community as a prophet, a servant and a companion. I am privi-
leged to be able to participate in this good work and to share in the ebb and flow of the Council's
movement. For this, I must give unceasing thanks to our Heavenly Father.

Over the past few decades, the Council has stood by the people of Hong Kong when the city and
the Church went through changes, as well as the struggles that came with these changes. We have
seen how the Church fulfilled the Great Commission in times of great crisis, thus turning such occa-
sions into fruitful opportunities, particularly in the lead-up to 1997 and the new millennium. I have

learned much in my service with the Council and experienced personal growth as a result of it. I have
served as the Chairperson of the Council for 10 years. It is by the grace of the Lord that I am given the
opportunity to serve the churches in Hong Kong. As I depart, I pray that the Lord will bless the Church
at this challenging time so that we could continue to follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ in
transforming the Word into flesh: representing the grace of our Lord among the people, accepting the
challenge to build more bridges and less walls, and going a step closer in the ecumenical movement.
Hong Kong was hard hit by economic downturns and SARS in the past year. Those of us in
Hong Kong are faced with an unprecedented crisis of confidence. In the midst of this trying time, the

Church comforted people with the words of Jesus: "Do not fear; only believe." The Council has also
carried out relief work for the unemployed and the victims of SARS. The Church has borne good and
powerful testimony. Light is most needed in the darkest hour. We must thank our Heavenly Father for
the bright and shining light that the Church emits on account of our Lord.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay my tribute to all church leaders, members of the
Council's Executive Committee and all staff members. I admire your dedication, your teamwork, and
your resilience. May the Lord reward your diligence with showers of His blessings.
May you find encouragement in the words of the Holy Spirit spoken to the church in Philadelphia
in Revelation: "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the
hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming

soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." (Rev 3:10-11)

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