Page 122 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

1 ■ Chairperson’s Remarks

In Christ, Be Committed
M r . Sim on S it

"It is God who establishes us with you in Christ,
and has commissioned us"
II Cor. 1:21
Many significant events have happened in the through theological education and training
world as it passes from the 80's to the 90's that have programs.
caused drastic changes in international
relationships and social order. These have had 3. To strengthen the churches in mainland China
impacts of varying degrees in different places and with human, material and financial resources,
have brought about some basic changes and reforms collaboration in ministry, and the sharing of
in social life. In the midst of these currents, Hong experiences.
Kong is also facing a series of changes as it moves
toward the transfer of sovereignty back to China in From another point of view, Hong Kong and China
1997 and in the wake of the effects of China's open have been keeping close contact in the areas of
policy in recent times. Confronting such a business, culture, technology and religion since the
situation, we greatly need to understand more adoption of an open policy in China. This is an
clearly Our task and mission. indication that there really has been mutual benefit
for both places. Hong Kong is known as a place
In this age of rapid change, especially when Hong with great potential for development. With China's
Kong is in the transition period before 1997, we open policy, the economic development of Hong
find many Hong Kong people emigrating abroad, Kong is more active than ever before. An active
deeply and widely affecting society. However, the growth in finance, property development,
seeds of the gospel also follow the footsteps of these international connection and massive construction
emigrants and spread among the overseas Chinese, projects has been increasingly implemented because
bringing forth a rapid growth of Chinese churches of the prosperous atmosphere here.
abroad. Many of these churches use Hong Kong as
a base for provision and rely on the support of Hong Because Hong Kong is a materialistic city, however,
Kong churches for manpower and other resources. a lot of conflicts have arisen. With China's open
Hence ministers and church leaders, as policy, many people from China have come to live
ambassadors of the gospel and pilots of the church, and work in Hong Kong. Their desire for economic
have to understand their responsibility and the role gain may run counter to the financial interests and
of the church in the future. I believe the future role opportunities of the Hong Kong people. Moreover,
of the Hong Kong churches should include three most of the people worry about the future because of
aspects: 1997. One consequence of this situation is people
focusing on making as much money as they can
1. To continue to act as a bridge between Chinese within a certain time. At the same time, the church
and foreign churches, so that communication is also affected by this situation. More Christians
can be maintained and collaboration in ministry apply to emigrate due to the lack of confidence and
developed. everyone's faith is undoubtedly affected by such
uncertainty and anxiety.
2. To serve the Chinese churches world-wide by
edifying the church and training church workers Fortunately, we have had many good examples
from history that have shown us when things are

119