moving | Going the Wong Way HK

Learning to Listen

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Going The Wong Way HK

I tell my grade 4 class – especially a few boys – okay, let’s be honest, most of my boys, that listening is a skill. They’re not quite at the stage of understanding what this actually means nor do they understand the application of it. It’s quite frustrating. Teachers, friends, parents, you know exactly what I mean.

The Bible recounts for us a story about a boy named Samuel (1 Samuel 3). He was placed in the care of Eli and God calls him several times. Each time God speaks, Samuel responds by saying “Here I am, for you called me” thinking that Eli is the one calling. Eli in his wisdom instructs Samuel how he ought to respond if he hears his name again. God, indeed, calls again a fourth time, and Samuel responds by saying, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

As we pray and seek the Lord regarding the direction of our family, I need not only to hear … but listen. Listening involves action. So many times we hear but so little of us respond properly, so little of us respond properly to God’s voice.

We have shared many times that living in Hong Kong is a struggle. It’s not easy.

Grocery shopping basically takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. Gloria needs to walk from our village to the MTR station, take the train for about 45 mins to her destination. By the time she finds what she’s looking for, going through the crowds with her cart, it’s quite exhausting. Oh, it would be easier if we had a car, but we don’t. Thankful though, for the times when friends give her a ride and go shopping together! You know who you are!!

The list could also include: hot weather in the summer, Mosquito-Pa-Looza every day, pushing and shoving, lack of personal space, rude people that we encounter daily, the crazy amount of people who smoke, the constant grind of people walking, moving at lightning speed because they don’t want to miss a train, bus, tram. Crowds. Enough said.

Hong Kong is a love – hate relationship.

Are we complaining? No, it’s just reality. Are there aspects of Hong Kong that we love? Absolutely. However, this is Hong Kong.

And so … how do we hear God in the midst of all this crazy?

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Sometimes the question is: How do we be still? Where do we find peace in the midst of chaos? So much for desiring to leave the rat race.

What is God saying to us these days? What are we hearing through the noise? Are we even paying attention?

What about you? What is God saying to you lately? What do you hear in your noisy world? Are you paying attention to God?

And so , we continue to pray. We continue to seek the One who led us here to Hong Kong in the first place. We continue to be in His Word. We desire to be obedient. Pray that our motives be pure.

Samuel was obedient and God used him for His glory, for His purpose.

Will continue to share with you our journey as we do our best to put Christ first in our lives.

You are loved.

Trusting in Him … again …

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Going The Wong Way HK

About two years ago I applied to International Christian School Hong Kong. Little did I know at that time, we would be here on a 2 year contract. At first, it was a “let’s just see what happens” decision. I actually didn’t think that I would be hired, nor did it ever cross my mind that perhaps the Lord would be calling our family to Hong Kong.

That process was, stressful, taxing, frustrating, rewarding, sad, a sense of excitement … an emotional roller coaster. And now we find ourselves in a similar situation. It’s contract year … already. We’re now praying, once again, for God’s leading in our lives. This time it’s a bit different. We’re here in Hong Kong. Our family is starting to build some really good relationships. Gloria has some solid friends that she hangs out with.

Timothy wants to go home when he finishes Grade 5, and yet, there are days when he cries and tells me that “Hong Kong is the worst country I’ve ever been too.” That’s heart breaking to hear, as a parent. Malachi on the other hand is having a great time, although he does miss home too. Both our boys miss our house, their own bathrooms, our backyard.

And then there’s the guilt trip that I have as a dad. My boys will never know how to use a lawn mower, will forget how to shovel snow, build a snow fort, experience Fall, going out for Hallowe’en, and what about getting their driver’s licence?

Recently we had friends come and visit us. Our time together was sweet, meaningful and memorable. Malachi and Timothy were so excited to have their friends here too. The four of them just picked up where they left off. That was special. I appreciated our time to talk, to have a friend who truly knows me, knows my heart, a friend who has gone through thick and thin together.

We were able to share with one another, the struggles we were both experiencing, here in Hong Kong, and in the US. We were able to pray for one another, to encourage one another, to carry one another’s burdens. Appreciated the fact that we could talk things through. I miss that.

And so … we have a timeline to make our decisions on whether we sign again or we move on. Moving on though, does not mean coming back to Canada … sorry friends. We would appreciate your prayers though, that we would be a peace with whatever decision we make. That God would be given all the glory that is due Him. That we would be wise in our choices.

Will keep you posted.

You are loved.

5 months … in Hong Kong

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

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

“I waited patiently for the Lord, he inclined to me and heard my cry.”

“I delight to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart.”

“Your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me.”

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”

“Wait for the Lord and keep His way.”

Friends, these are words that keep coming to my mind. Depending on when you read this, 5 months ago, our family left our home in Brooklin, Ontario and made the early morning drive to the airport for our family’s relocation to Hong Kong. I can still remember that early morning when dear friends of ours came to pick us up, packed the truck with our belongings, Malachi running back into the house to take a “last look” around. It was difficult. Tears are forming even now as I write this and recall that morning. I think Timothy was in a daze and still trying to figure out what exactly was taking place.

Five months into living in Hong Kong and in some sense, home in Canada seems like a distant memory. We have made some really good friends here in Hong Kong, living in Uncommon Community with others, and we are learning what “Your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me,” really means. God is faithful. This morning with my Grade 4 class, I reminded them that “God is the ultimate promise keeper.”

My mom is currently visiting us in Hong Kong, and we are thankful for that. Our boys are excited to see their Mama (Chinese for Grandmother), and I’m thrilled for them – new memories, time spent with loved ones. Now we need my brother to come and visit as well!

Many of you know that coming to Hong Kong was our response to God’s leading, His prompting and our desire to be obedient to His calling. “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” Our desire is to remain faithful, to delight in His ways … even though sometimes we’re not sure what that looks like. We pray, we are seeking. We believe that God is doing something, that He is on the move. God has placed certain people in our lives to be our friends, prayer partners, people to lead, to disciple, to mentor.

Last night, I had the opportunity to have a quick 10 minute conversation with a friend back in Canada, and it was encouraging and refreshing to hear of his story and what God is doing in PEI. It almost seems that we’re living parallel lives, just on different islands!! I’m excited to see how this all unfolds – God’s timing is always perfect.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” In the midst of a busy life, busy country, busy culture, we do our best to be still and remember that He is God. I am continually learning to “Wait for the Lord and keep His way.” My prayer is that I can say, “I waited patiently for the Lord, he inclined to me and heard my cry.” Friends, I’m learning. God is growing something new in me. By nature, I’m not patient … I think I’ve shared this before.

Five months. Wow! It’s been pretty fast. One desire does remain though … “I delight to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart.” This is our desire.

Pray that this blog entry would be an encouragement to you as well. Trust Him – no matter the circumstance you find yourselves in. God is in control. He will direct your steps … when you delight in His ways. Wait patiently for Him. And remember that God is faithful and He loves you unconditionally.

I wonder what the next 5 months will bring?

Friends,

You are loved!

Direction … Clarity

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Friends … it’s Wednesday evening, here in Hong Kong, which makes it Tuesday morning back in Canada. Hallowe’en has come and gone and I loved seeing some of pics on FaceBook of our friends back in Canada! Good times.

Our boys experienced a different level of ‘trick or treating’ this year – literally. They went to a couple of rooms at our current place of residence and that was it. I don’t think they really minded at all, which was encouraging. They didn’t rake in pillow case after pillow case like they’re used to, but that’s ok.

In our last Blog, we shared about some of the struggles that we continue to have, what we’re praying for, and we are thankful that you are praying with us. One story that we didn’t share with you occurred a few weeks ago now.

After our Family Fun Day at ICS, our family went for a quick dinner. On our way to the MTR station, we witnessed a father scolding his son, publicly. We stayed to watch. What we saw was disturbing. The father was reaming his son out, aggressively approached his son, motioned his hand to smack him. I yelled at him to stop. He looked at me with surprise. He didn’t know that I knew Chinese. The man eventually did slap his son across his face, kicked him and threatened him continually. Gloria called the police. I approached the kid and asked him to walk away to safety, the father yelled obscenities at me, although I didn’t even know it until later. I did finally speak up and spoke to the man in Chinese … to his surprise.

How did this end? I had the opportunity to share Christ with the kid … and in Chinese. That was a God thing. Really.

The police did come … not sure what happened after though …

Why am I sharing this story with you? Well, we are learning that this type of behavior in Hong Kong is quite common. Father’s in Hong Kong seem to be missing the point. Many are absent in their children’s lives. It’s so sad and unfortunate!

Where does Team Wong fit into all of this? If you know me or our family, something is always brewing. God has been faithful to us during our time thus far. We know that He has a plan for us. We are remaining firm despite not having a home church. Our family is trying to be as consistent as we can with Family worship. Small Group is helpful as it really forces me to dig into the Word and to share with our friends. As we’ve been praying for direction and clarity, I was reminded by a good friend, that it seems like we’re both in a fog, or as my friend said:

“It’s like there is a plan or specific direction, but I’m blind to what it is.”

Yup … this is so true. There is a sense though, that we are coming out of the fog. God has definitely placed a desire on our hearts to disciple young people here in Hong Kong. Team Wong will be starting a Life Group (aka Small Group) in a couple of weeks for some of the youth at our school. We are also praying intentionally for the launch of our home church … also probably in a couple of weeks. God is moving.

More recently, like two days ago, I went to Starbucks for a meeting with a good friend here. Shared some of our frustrations … and he said to me:

“It may seem that God is stirring something in your heart.”

And this too is true.

So much more to share friends. Gloria will be sharing the next few Blogs. Would you continue to pray for and with us as we seek the Lord for better clarity and direction.

Trusting Him with all things.

You are loved.

… with a Heavy Heart …

Posted on October 24, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Hi friends. It’s been awhile since we’ve written and shared and so much has happened since our last Blog.

Some highlights …

ACSC U20 Girls Volleyball Tournament. This was my first International Tournament that I’ve experienced. We had teams from Guam, Philippines, Thailand, South Korea all coming to HK to play volleyball. Made some great connections with the coaches, but more importantly, developing good relationships with some of the girls on my team. Super thankful!
Still looking for a church … please pray for us … pray for God to move in amazing ways … He is Sovereign and we completely trust that He will bring all things to pass.
Malachi finally was able to play the drums again!! We found an electric drum kit in a practice room in our school.
Life in HK is seemingly settling down for our family. The weather is much cooler so that’s made a huge difference.
We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with fellow Canadians from our school. The kids and parents were able to play some good old floor hockey! It was a blast! Most people wore something Canadian!! Eh!!
Our boys are making some really great friends here … so thankful!
Our good friend Dennis July came to visit us all the way from home!! It was such a sweet time! We miss him and wish that he was still with us! You are loved man!!

But what’s been weighing on my heart lately, well, lots of things are weighing on my heart. It’s a matter of where I should start.

Our most recent conversations lately revolve around the issue of accountability, spiritual growth and families here in Hong Kong. Having the opportunity to spend time with others, to hear their stories, my heart is heavy and really, not sure what to do. We are praying. Praying for wisdom. Praying for opportunities to disciple people, to walk with others, to encourage and support. Our hearts desire is to truly live in Uncommon Community with brothers and sisters in the Lord, regardless of their age. God has already answered some of our prayers and we need to continue to be obedient to what He has called and asked us to do.

Friends … would you pray for us? Pray for wisdom. Pray for discernment. Pray that God would move in hearts. Pray that we ourselves would be equipped to serve others, all for His Kingdom.

I know that this is short … sorry. I think I need to start writing a book.

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!

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.

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!