Page 40 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

Chairperson's Remarks

Thanks be to God! By His grace, the Hong rock; and the rain fell, and floods came, and the
Kong Christian Council has successfully winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did
accomplished another year’s work. not fall, because it had been founded on the rock"
Throughout the past year, we have handled (Matt 7:24-25).
the Council’s business and faced a variety of In this "grandiose" society in which we live,
challenges with a pragmatic attitude and a positive we do not purposely pursue grandiosity, but
spirit. Although there wasn’t any grandiose submit ourselves to God’s power and will,
programme or super gathering, we were faithful in testifying to his glory and accomplishing whatever
small matters as a preparation for being faithful in we do for his greatness, believing that the God we
big ones. All great accomplishments start with believe in is the God who performs great works
small beginnings, like a rolling river that is an and wonders. In this rapidly changing society of
accumulation of many small streams. If we do well Hong Kong, while people are uncertain of their
in smaller matters, naturally we will do well in future, not knowing how to adjust to the changing
larger ones. Therefore, before we get involved in reality, I believe that the primary work the church
big programs, we should start with smaller ones; should do should be to follow the commandment
before we walk the second mile, we should finish of our Lord Jesus to be united in Him, to become
the first. one community belonging to one shephard. It is
I still remember a hymn that I learned in also our bounden duty to join together in one
Sunday School when I was a child: accord for the gospel’s sake, to preach the truth of
faith, hope and love, and to establish jointly
Little drops of water, little grains of sand, together the kingdom on earth, with justice, love
Make the mighty ocean and the beauteous land.
and peace, as it is in heaven. Actually, this goal is
And the little moments humble though they be, what we have been striving towards for many
Make the mighty ages of eternity. years; it is also the ideal and the mission that we
So our little errors lead the soul away, need to consistently establish and carry out.
From the paths of virtue into sin to stray.
Since the retirement of Dr. Heyward Wong, we
Little seeds of mercy sown by youthful hands,
have been fortunate to have had Dr. Tso Man-king
Grow to bless the nations far in heathen lands. return to Hong Kong from the United States to take
Little deeds of kindness, little words of love,
up the heavy responsibilities of the office of the
Make our earth an Eden, like the heaven above...
General Secretary. Throughout this past year, Dr.
Tso has been faithful in carrying out his tasks and
(Hymns of Universal Praise 554)
diligent in doing his work. Externally, he has
actively established better networking and
Although this is a children's hymn, still it gives relationships among churches. Internally he has
us a lot of inspiration. Isn’t it true that in adult renewed and strengthened the work of the Council.
society there are many self-acclaimed intelligent Hereby, on behalf of the Council, I express my
people who still make child-like errors? No wonder sincere appreciation to Dr. Tso, truly believing that
our Lord Jesus particularly emphasized this when his toils in Christ will not be in vain. Appreciation
he said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and is also extended to all my colleagues for their hard
become like children, you will never enter the work in promoting the work of the Council..
Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever humbles himself like I must also mention the "We Love Hong Kong”
this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Campaign, initiated by the Council as one of its
Heaven./1 (Matt 18:3-4). We have not forgotten primary programmes for the year. Although the

what Jesus said in this parable. "Every one then climax will come later, enthusiasm has been
who hears these words, of mine and does thern will steadily building up throughout the year. It is our
be like a wise man who built his house upon the hope that this very challenging and meaningful

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