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Chairperson’s Remarks chailperson's
Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Soo
"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. " Remarks
(Psalm 31:24)
During the year under review, we faced many They also achieved some breakthrough in Project
Torch to support university education for students
challenges and difficulties. Everywhere around
in Mainland China. The recent Taiwan storm relief
the w orld there were both unfortunate natural
fundraising campaign was an additional effort in
disasters and hardships caused by humans such
their relief work. The Justice and Social Concern
as earthquakes and storms, wars and violence,
Committee has carried out several research projects
accidents and pollution, influenza and dom estic
and issued statements on major concerns for Hong
violence, economic downturn and financial tsunami
Kong's well-being - economy, medical and health,
etc. Hong Kong citizens were greatly affected by all
race relations, government polices etc. The Mission
these. Those suffering under these situations felt
and Ministerial Formation Committee was frequently
helpless. The Council, upholding our responsibility,
invited by M ainland counterparts for organizing
continued to spread m essages of hope to the
various training activities there. As for the Church
society. Facing the adverse environment, we still
Unity and Relations Committee, special effort has
played the roles of shepherd, prophet and servant to
been given to the airport ministry. Communication
serve the needy, offering them peace from God and
and Message Com m ittee has made substantial
helping them to face the adversity. Having faith in
im provem ents to the Council’s publications. The
God to create new opportunities, we bear the fruits
details of each com m ittee’s m inistries are fully
of the Spirit to glorify our Lord.
described in this report. For all the results, we give
The Council’s ministries have been steadily
thanks to our Lord.
moving ahead. We diligently worked closely with
At the very beginning of this year, the Council
our member churches and organizations to promote
was invited by the China Christian Council to visit
the Council's affairs in different arenas. Here are
churches in Shanghai and Beijing. By such visit, we
some of the highlights: The Sharing and Church
learned more of the church development in China,
W itness Committee spent much effort to support
enhancing the fellowship among the new leaders
fundraising for the Sichuan earthquake victim s.
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