Harvest Bible Chapel | Going the Wong Way HK

2018 … what’s next?

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Happy New Year friends!

It’s been quite a while since we have shared with you on our Blog and what better time than now to update you with what’s been going on with Team Wong.

For the past month we have continued with our galavanting around Hong Kong, going to different restaurants, sites and eventually ending up at the Happiest Place on Earth! Yes, Disneyland! We love Disney! It was definitely our happy place.

As we approach New Year’s in a couple of hours, there is much to reflect on. There is much to be thankful for. There is much to consider.

2017 has been a year of change in our family, if you haven’t guessed already! Haha! As I reflect back on what God has done, what He is doing, it’s amazing that we’ve lasted Hong Kong as long as we have.

Our time in Hong Kong has been challenging in many ways. We continue to look for a church that we can call home. I believe that God is working in my heart with regards to this. Not sure what the lesson is at this moment, however, I do know that I need to be in the Word consistently and be praying more fervently. Our Family Worship during this season of life has been way too sporadic, and that’s my fault for not leading better. This indeed is an area of my life that I need to work on in the New Year.

As for fellowship is concerned, our SG is growing closer to one another. We continue to study the book of Colossians and hope to be done soon, however, the time spent digging into the Word together has been meaningful and it’s a joy to lead, even though there are days when I feel so inadequate. I think the fact that we all (with the exception of one member) have a Harvest Bible Chapel connection has bonded us quickly. We actually call ourselves Harvest Hong Kong (unofficially) but our love for the Word and Worship that we have all experienced at Harvest Brampton, York or Durham bring us together like family.

I have appreciated my time teaching at ICS. The faculty, leadership are encouraging and I absolutely love my class. My students are so much fun!! Every year, students have given me a number of different nicknames, ranging from Wong to Wongy to Mr. W and now, Mr. Ping Pong, Mr. Kapong and Mida Wong … haha! There is a family / community feel at ICS which has made the transition so much easier. Thank You ICS.

We are also thankful for our 7th Floor family here at ICS as well. Doing life with friends who are going through exactly the same thing has been a comfort, knowing that we are not the only ones who struggle with life here in HK. God indeed has been faithful.

My reflection of 2017 does not just start and end with our time in Hong Kong. I can still remember the lead up to our departure. Last minute decisions that had to be made, getting together with close friends “one last time”, Malachi running back into our home on July 21 taking a “last look” brought tears to our eyes … and still does when I think about it. Moving on!!

Our ride to the airport with our dear friends, the conversation that I had in my vehicle, and I’m sure Gloria in hers. Our Small Group hosting a farewell party for us, we were super appreciative! We miss our friends. We miss Harvest Durham. We miss good, solid preaching.

More recently, I had the opportunity to touch base with some staff members back at Norman G. Powers. Do I ever miss teaching at NGP! I miss the “off comments, jokes” that we shared, certain staff members who use strong adjectives, the relaxed environment, Friday Treats!! NGP, I do miss all of you dearly!! Let’s Skype in soon!!

Finally, to close out the year 2017, we were thankful for the many visitors that we had from home. It was so special for us to spend time with Vivian, Gabby, Samuel, one of my best friends Dennis and more importantly, my Mom who came to visit and stayed for 6 weeks with us here in Hong Kong. We miss our friends, but definitely miss our family. We were able to create new memories with my Mom, our boys spent valuable time with their Grandmother and it allowed us to have meaningful dialogue with one another. Malachi and Timothy especially miss their Uncle Duncan. We are looking forward to having more visitors in 2018 and to be given the opportunity to grow in our friendships and relationships.

So what’s next? Well, as a family we desire to be in God’s Word more consistently with much regularity. We will continue to seek the Lord with regards to church. Praying for much fruit with my Grade 4 class. We look forward to developing strong relationships with our new friends here in Hong Kong. Praying for our Small Group – to grow in our love for the Lord. Pray that we would use our time wisely as we mentor / disciple others.

2018 will continue to be a year of change, a year of growth, a year of dependence on the Lord.

As a family we just finished looking at Psalm 121. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth … The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” We learned that God is our helper. He never slumbers nor sleeps. He is our shade. The Lord keeps us. What better way to enter the New Year than this? To be reminded that the Lord loves us. That He is faithful. He will never leave us. May we continue to look to the hills when we find ourselves struggling and to know without any doubt, that our God is there to help, encourage, support, love us. May we continue to lean into God daily. Praying that 2018 would be a year that our love for God would grow.

Friends, we miss you. It was a difficult Christmas season. Thankful for His provision. Thankful for His love. Don’t be strangers … we would love to hear from you. May we all have a desire to Know Him more this upcoming year.

You are loved!

Moving Forward

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Dear Friends.

We’ve officially passed the 2 month mark of living in Hong Kong. Yes, only 2 months. The past 60 odd days have seemed more like 730 days. In our last blog, we had mentioned and shared some of the struggles and trials we have endured, and to be quite honest, there’s more than what we had shared. We do need your prayers – for our transition, our boys, our marriage – we are thankful to many who have partnered with us to pray and to keep us accountable.

I am reminded though of what the apostle Paul writes in Philippians, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What is that goal? To know God, to be more like Christ. To mature in our faith, be sanctified. Our eyes should not be on the temporary, nor be short sighted. And so, at times, we must move forward, with intention, with a goal in mind.

It’s been 2 months and our family has yet to find a church to call home. We have visited many churches in Hong Kong – from Anglican to “Evangelical” to Charismatic – and still nothing. I am confident though that the Lord did not bring us to Hong Kong to be frustrated, tired, to be lacking in Christian fellowship. I do work at a Christian school, so there is a level fellowship. I teach Bible and my class has morning devotions everyday, and so, I am in the Word. Our family is back to having Family Worship as consistently as we can, and yet, we are still missing a piece to our puzzle.

We did start a Small Group here in Hong Kong. This is an answered prayer. We call this our Harvest Hong Kong Small Group. Serious. No joking here friends. Our Small Group comprise of people who have attended Harvest Durham, York Region and Brampton. We also have a member who attended a church in the Nashville, TN, area. We just like the name because of our desires, like mindedness toward Scripture.

Prior to leaving Canada, many people have asked if we were coming to Hong Kong to plant a church. Our answer was always, no … however, we were and are always open to the possibility. The longer we are here in Hong Kong, the intentional conversations that we’ve been having with friends, the reality of launching a home church is becoming more real. In fact, home churches in Hong Kong is the way to go for many people. This is definitely a mind shift from what we are used to back home in Canada.

Our prayer at the moment, to be wise with our decisions. Praying for discernment and direction. Launching a home church takes work, launching a church also takes a lot of work. Do we have enough people for a core group? I would say Yes.

My prayer is that the people of Hong Kong would truly desire to have a deep meaningful relationship with the Lord. That there would be a church that believes in Fervent Prayer, Bold Preaching, and Passionate Worship. We pray that a church in Hong Kong would be Intentional in Purposeful Disciple Making, Courageous Evangelism and be a Strategically Church Planting church. Some of you know where these characteristics come from … and I’m so excited for the days, months and years to lay before us.

Would some of you join us in prayer, petitioning before the Lord to move in ways that would have great Kingdom impact here in Hong Kong?

God is at work friends. Trusting Him to bring everything to pass, in His perfect timing.

You are loved!

Thinking out loud …

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Friends … well it’s Tuesday night, almost 10pm as I’m writing this blog. Today was / is Gloria’s birthday as she turned 25 again. We went out for dinner at a local restaurant in Tai Wai which is a few MTR stations away from where we are in Shek Mun. As a family, we thankful for Gloria and how she continues to faithfully love, comforts and encourages our family. During this season of our lives, she has tirelessly worked hard at making sure we are all well adjusted, that our boys have enough to eat, and often times than not, goes out multiple times to buy groceries because our boys are eating way too much!

Thank You Gloria … we love you!

It is also the eve of Typhoon Hato. Many of us are hoping that it lands, hits, comes, rains, on Hong Kong. I’m liking it to the equivalent of having a “snow day” in Canada … but that never happens because the Board that I used to work for never really cared for the safety of the teachers. That’s another blog. So … we wait for the rain and the high winds to come. Will blog about the experience if it does come!

Well, as I’m sitting here thinking about what to share with you all, a couple of things do come to mind.

First … we have now been in Hong Kong for a month. Yes … 1 month. Many of us share the same sentiment, which is, it feels like we’ve been here for a year. A lot of things have happened, challenges, new friends, relationships, new colleagues, learning multiple streams of media, cultural differences and adapting to the weather.

Second, and perhaps the most challenging aspect of living in HK … is looking for a new church family. We have not exhausted our search, however, it is becoming more difficult to find a church community that we can call home. The churches that we have visited have sincere people, a love for the Lord from what we see, great worship sets at a couple of churches, but, we have yet to find a strong Bible, Exposition preaching church.

Friends back home, be thankful for what you have. Be thankful for Ian, for his faithfulness in preaching the Word every week! Pray for him. Encourage him.

As for us, it is our prayer that we find a church that preaches the Word of God unapologetically, a church that lifts high the name of Jesus, a church that firmly believes in the power of prayer. We would appreciate your prayers as we continue to seek out a church to call home. Are we concerned? Not at all. In His time, we will be connected to a strong Bible believing church. I’m confident that the Lord did not call us to Hong Kong to see us flounder in our walk.

And so … time for some much needed rest friends. We are enjoying ourselves here in HK. Both Gloria and I have been given the opportunity to encourage many people, inside my class (side note: going through Philippians with my grade 4’s, we pray at the beginning of the day and we also end the day with prayer, we have worship in class, etc.) and with Gloria being able to encourage other women. Thankful for the opportunity to serve at Harvest Durham which has enabled / prepared us for this season of our lives. Also thankful for our time at Harvest York and serving at AWANA which was so timely as we prepped for our time here in Hong Kong.

Stand firm in the faith. Be faithful. Be obedient. God is at work friends.

You are loved!

A Day in the Life of the Wong’s

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Friends,

Apologies for not posting yesterday as it passed by pretty quickly! Haha! We are settling in much better, trying to create new routines that work for all of us … but definitely a “work in progress.” So, as I’m writing our blog, our boys are both on some tech doing homework / watching YouTube, Gloria is out doing some discount grocery shopping!! Here’s a glimpse to our daily lives – at least during the week.

6:00 am – Dan tries to wake up

6:15 am – Dan is awake, family still sleeping, Dan tries to get ready for school

6:30 am – Dan is downstairs in his classroom, prepping for the day.

7:35 am – staff devotions; Gloria and boys are probably getting ready to come downstairs. Next year, we will have to wake up even more earlier and take the MTR to school

7:50 am – I have to pick up my class everyday, EVERY day from their line and bring them up 6 flights of stairs to our classroom. No wonder I’ve lost weight!! Haha!!

8:00 am – school starts … not exactly sure what happens in our boy’s classes all day so here’s my day … generally speaking … start the day off with devotions, today we did Worship, other days we are reading Philippians, we had sword drill on Tuesday. After devos, usually have social studies – recess – Chinese class / my prep – or music / still my prep … then we have math. After we all have lunch. This pass week, I’ve been having lunch in the cafeteria with my students. It’s a blast!

*This was my lunch today at school. The school cafeteria does an amazing job each day!*

Once lunch is over, I usually have Writer’s / Reader’s Workshop … PE and Art is mixed in the afternoon schedule.

3:10 – school is over … phew!

3:30 – I’m assisting our U20 Girls Volleyball team (thankful to be back at it!); boys usually go and swim!

5:30 / 6 pm – Volleyball is over, swimming done, and we have dinner (M-Th at home); weekends eating out.

8:00pm – boys in bed … lights out @ 8:30pm

8:30pm and on – catching up with email, working on my class website, responding to student emails – yes my Grade 4’s email me – and yes you are reading this correctly or even WhatsApp- ing students. It’s not Canada folks! This is also my personal time for reading my Bible, watching online sermons, and spending time with Gloria unless she’s out shopping or spending time with other women. Gloria usually does her reading in the mornings when everyone is gone.

We also use this time to FaceTime family and to communicate with dear friends back at home. Our desire is also to start inviting people over for dinner and to get back into some discipleship with the people we are developing relationships with!

Lately, we’ve been going (trying to) be no later than 11pm.

That’s basically our day friends. Malachi is in Grade 5 Instrumental Band, playing the trumpet, just like his dad!! This week, I’m planning for worship at our chapel time! It’s a blessing to be able to sing with my students in class and a privilege to lead worship at ICS for ES (Elementary School).

As for Gloria, watch her Facebook videos! Haha!!

We are thankful for being in Hong Kong. This is where God has called us to be. God is faithful – in His provisions, encouragement, bringing people alongside of us who are likeminded! More to share hopefully in the upcoming months friends. It’s 7:34 pm and almost time for our boys to get some sleep! Till next week!!

You are loved.

First Couple of Days of School

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Well friends the first couple of days of school have come and gone and … WOW!!! Thankful for the journey that God has brought us through and He is continuing to grow us into His image more and more. Let’s start from the first official day of school.

The day started with the ES (Elementary School) students in the upper gym. Thank goodness there’s air conditioning. Parents were every where … swarming the kids and it seemed like the paparazzi was there!! Parents taking pictures after pictures, angle after angle. It was crazy!! I have never seen nor experienced anything like this in my life!

After the kids were settled, we had a time of worship … sang a couple of songs. That was sweet!! Once we were done, the parents were asked to make way so that kids / classes could leave the gym. It was like the Red Sea was divided …. again … haha!!

School in Hong Kong is quite different. There’s an expectation from parents and students to excel, be successful, to be the top, number one. Because of this, there is a high level of stress, on our students. If you know me, seen me teach, I’m completely the opposite! One of my new colleagues and friend said, “he’s the most chill teacher on staff.” Haha!!

My class is great! Love the kids already!! Some are eager, others are focused, and the rest seem to be high energy, but lots of fun!! I did do some teaching with them yesterday and today and find that they work at an incredible pace. I asked them to read … they cheered and read 1/2 hour without any issues. Instructed my class to write the definitions to a couple of words (one was schema) and they did so without hesitation. Doing a writing piece about their summer vacation, one student asked “will I be graded on this?” On the same piece of writing, one of my girls wrote so well, with much descriptive words, clarity and organization … I was like “and this is only the second day of school.”

As a teacher, I’m definitely on my “A Game.” No choice and no complaints! It’s super refreshing. Thankful for my experience at NGP which has prepared me for this.

The best part though … being able to teach Bible. I start everyday with Morning Devotions. Decided to start the year by going through Philippians and teaching my class how to do an Inductive Bible Study. This morning, we went through Chapter 2:1-16, highlighting every time they saw Christ, God, Jesus, Savior, etc. in those verses. What a sweet time to be able to open God’s word each day!!

Friends, Hong Kong is where we are meant to be. We are thankful how God has continued to demonstrate His faithfulness. His provision and love for us. We are praying for big things … Why? Because we serve a big God!!

If some of you who are reading this and pondering what the Lord is asking you to do: one word of advice, Obedience. Obey Christ. Follow Him wherever He may be leading you. One thing we know for sure. If we had stayed in Canada, we would have missed out on everything that God has done in our lives during the last 3 weeks here in Hong Kong.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Don’t miss out friends.

Keep in touch. Would love to hear from you.

You are loved!

Open Letter … Harvest York

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

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Dear Harvest York!

8 years ago we stepped into Harvest Bible Chapel York. With some encouragement by friends who were attending Harvest Oakville and London, we decided to make the long drive from Brooklin to Markham. Haha. “Someone” in my home said it was a long drive for church, yet we shopped at Foody Mart once a week. Hmmmm …

We are glad that we did. We visited once, and that was it!! We never stopped coming. After a few Sunday’s I was asked to audition to be part of the worship team, and what a joy it was to serve alongside those who had a passion for worship.

Although we were part of the core group at Harvest Durham, we attended York regularly for more than a year. During that time Harvest York, you poured into us, you encouraged us, we made many friends, and continue to have great relationships at York. You loved us tangibly and we are super thankful and grateful.

During that season, Gloria was pregnant with Timothy, had some complications and required emergency surgery. I was at a lost in terms of who to contact, so I contacted Pastor Paul. Like a shepherd, he prayed for us and encouraged me at that particular time. Pastor Paul also called me and asked me where I was …. and eventually he showed up at the hospital to be by our side. Both Gloria and I will never forget your love and genuine care!

Fast foward to the present … we continue to be encouraged by those at Harvest York. It was a pleasure for Gloria and I to serve at AWANA, to have our boys part of AWANA for 2 years, developing great relationships, more importantly seeing them grow in their desire to serve and love the Lord, as well as having our boys attend Harvest Summer Kids. Your love for kids is evident. Your passion to share the Gospel is obvious! Thank you for pouring into our boys.

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When we shared that we were moving to HK, we were overwhelmed by the love, support and prayers by many at HY. Thank you to many – it’s been a joy to attend Harvest York. We started our time at York and Gloria and I both decided that we would end our time in Canada at Harvest York. I don’t think this is the last time we’ll see one another again. We are trusting in the Lord for great things to come in the days and months and years ahead!

“Harvest York, you will always have a special place in our hearts. Every time we come and visit, it’s like coming home. We are always welcomed by you. Your love is evident. Our boys love being there! Thank you Sue for praying with me today after the service. Thank you Pastor Paul for your warm and kind words. Words cannot express how we truly feel about HY. It was very difficult for me to leave … and I haven’t stopped crying. Dan has to type this for me. We love you all very much! We will be praying for you. ~ Gloria”

Thank you for your heart for missions. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your leadership.

Harvest York … You are loved!

An Open Letter …

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Dear Harvest Durham Family

We can’t believe how fast the time has past since we launched the church. So much has happened! At the beginning there was only a handful of us. We would worship at Harvest York every Sunday for a year, we had our very own Durham Small Groups – 2 to be exact. Some of us were single, getting married, or recently just had kids. It was very different, that’s for sure. We can still remember meeting for small group in Ajax which eventually led to meeting in the basement of one of our dear friends. At the time, we didn’t even know Ian. I met Ian at Sunset Grill in Ajax one day to discuss our possible involvement with Harvest Durham – one conversation which led to many opportunities to serve the Lord. We are thankful.

From our time in the basement we would see the core group grow, knitted together with a common bond to see a church that would Proclaim the Word of God Unapologetically every week. We would go through video series, had a time of worship, and break out for prayer. Ian would show up from time to time via Skype and eventually actually be present in the flesh.

Fast forward to open houses, meetings, Servant Leadership Team, memorizing the entire book of Colossians, more meetings, laughs, driving around Durham looking for a location – Donald A Wilson Secondary School, which would become our eventual home for Harvest Durham. Before launching, we had our transition from the basement to Pickering Christian School … that was exciting. I can still remember when the sound equipment arrived, the banners were made and put in place. Some of you who are reading this will remember those days.

I remember praying for a location, that God would draw His people to His church, that God would provide drivers for the trailer, prayed for people, prayed that God would provide finances, etc. Firmly believing in the power of Prayer. Over the past 7 years, its amazing to see how God has provided. He is faithful.

Over those past 7 years, we have experienced a sweet joy in serving our Lord. Both Gloria and I had the privilege of serving in Harvest Kids in various roles, thankful for the opportunity to launch Harvest Kids Summer Adventure, hosting lunch in our home for new comers, Party with the Pastor, Pre-Service Prayer, hosting SG training at our home in Brooklin, Praise and Prayer Nights, looking after Assimilation, working with some pretty amazing people – some who are still at Durham as well as others who have left. Being SG leaders over the past 7 years was both a season of trials and growth. There were years when it was super challenging as well as times of sweet fellowship. I also had the joy and still do, leading men through Systematic Theology. Meeting with men once a week to discuss Theology and Doctrine. These were and are still some real good times. At one point we even included a small workout session! One of our highlights during our time at Harvest Durham was the opportunity to travel to Nepal. The initial trip with Ian to Nepal was definitely memorable. Our trip to Chitwan, the church in the mountains, experiencing church and how our brothers and sisters would Lift High the Name of Jesus in worship! It will forever be etched in my memory. The second trip to Nepal was just as memorable. Gloria was able to join me, and the team that I had the privilege to lead. We had our challenges, however, lives were changed … and we can see how the Lord continues to mold lives as a result of being in Nepal. We would love to bring our boys to Nepal one day, Lord willing. One of our desires as a family is to be able to bring our boys on missions trips with us one day – soon. We want to in-still in our boys the importance of Sharing the Good news of Jesus with boldness!

We share all this, not to put the spotlight on ourselves, but to show how good and faithful our God is. He gets all the Glory!!

On Sunday, our SG hosted a farewell party for us. It was a really sweet time with friends, talking, laughing, spending time together, eating pizza and for some of us who stayed long enough, we even had dessert pizza!! It was soooo good. Thank you SG! It was such an encouragement to the both us. We will miss you all dearly. It was our pleasure to have hosted and to have led our group. The growth that we have seen in each of you is amazing!! May you continue to strive to be more Christ-like!

Harvest Durham … thank you for the past 7 years. Thank you for the joy and privilege to be able to serve alongside each of you. It has been a delight to walk with some of you. It is our intention, to continue to walk with you while we are in Hong Kong. We will continue to pray with and for you. Distance should not hinder us from praying nor from encouraging one another.

For those of you who are new to the church, those who have committed to HD … may we encourage you to continue to Worship, Walk, and Work for the Lord. Never make it about yourself. Don’t serve because you want some kind of recognition. Serve because you love the Lord. Serving should not be a task or feeling you’re going to work – you are serving the King of Kings. If you’re not serving, what are you waiting for? Get off the bench! Church is not a spectator sport. Get involved. If God can use us, He can use you as well. Be available. Be humble. Be ready.

Continue to love one another … not just in words, but in action. When you say, “I will pray for you,” – do it! When you offer help … go and help.

Sunday was our last Sunday at Harvest Durham. We will be back to visit – realistically, in 2 years. You will be missed. Our prayer for you as we leave in about a months time is that you would remain steadfast. Praying that your love for one another would abound more and more – people are hurting, marriages are crumbling – life is real. Praying that you would actually live in Uncommon Community. Praying for a sincere desire to go and make disciples. Praying that you would have a heart for Missions.

It’s time Harvest Durham.

You are loved!