scripture | 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.

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!

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!

Lessons from James … again …

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Hi friends … it’s me again … I know I said that Gloria would be blogging this time around, however, it’s been a bit crazy over here in Hong Kong. Promise. She will be blogging soon.

A few Blogs ago, I shared from the Book of James. Our family just finished James a couple of evenings ago … which is good. There’s so many lessons packed into such a small book … and I’ll do my best to succinctly share some of the lessons from James that I’ve been personally learning.

James 1:19 says, “be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” … during our time of transition, this has been somewhat challenging and difficult, especially toward our boys. It’s more been “quick to anger, quick to speak, super slow to hear” … there have been moments where I would rather forget and pray that my boys would not repeat my words or actions. The Lord is working on this area of my heart.

James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” Wow … it’s been a huge blessing and responsibility to be able to teach my class God’s Word every single day. I need to hold God’s Word high, but importantly, ensure that what I’m teaching is sound doctrine and Biblical. In our short time here in HK, we have come to notice and realize that although there are many churches, sound doctrine is not something that we see nor hear. Biblical teaching has been a challenge as well. In having some meaningful conversations with friends and colleagues, the positive, is that many also see this, have a concern about it, and do have a genuine desire to see people grow in the knowledge and understanding of who Christ is, what the Bible teaches. We are leading a Small Group every Wednesday and starting this weekend, Gloria and I will be leading another Small Group with some of high school students whom we’ve come to know and dearly love! Pray that we exposit the Word correctly … handle the truth with much grace, mercy and love.

Chapter 5:7 … “Be patient, therefore, brothers …” Let’s just stop there. I think God is working on this particular area of my heart as well … be patient. I’m really not a patient person … I like to get things done, quickly, efficiently. I’m praying about this one.

Chapter 5:13-20 … this section mentions the word Pray / Prayer 8 times. I think it’s safe to say that’s it’s important … a real good reminder that we need to be in prayer – in trials, thanksgiving, when sick / ill, for one another, fervently in prayer for something / someone. What does my prayer life look like right now? Who / What do I often pray about?

So much to work on! And so, we continue with our transition, we continue to put forth our best here at ICS and in HK. We truly believe that God is working on our hearts, pruning us, preparing us for the work of the ministry. Preparing us for something down the road!

Friends in Canada, we miss you … Friends here in HK, thank you.

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!

When Trials Come …

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

Hi friends,

It’s been a while since we’ve last posted. We are well. Life in HK has been really busy with teaching, making connections, going out to eat, shopping, looking for a church (which is another blog to come in the near future) and building relationships.

Last night, our family finally returned to doing Family Worship. There have been “consequences” as a result of neglecting our precious time. I’ll be honest, the busyness of life in Hong Kong can easily suck you in. The pace of life, the weather, you name it. And so, last night we began to read James. It didn’t take long after we started to read that we stopped. James 1: 1, 2 says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” And STOP. As a family, we talked about what trials are. We shared that it’s like a test. Team Wong has gone through many trials in our new chapter. We’ve only been in Hong Kong 8 weeks. That’s. All.

It was a sweet time to hear Malachi and Timothy share. We talked about our trial of moving to Hong Kong, our boys miss our 4 bedroom home, the space, their own bathroom. They miss their bikes and having the freedom to just go outside and play road hockey with their Uncle Duncan. To be able to see their grandmother on a regular basis – thankful that my mom will be coming to Hong Kong in November. Gloria misses driving and going to buy groceries once a week, sometimes once every two weeks. Here in HK … it’s more like every other day, sometimes it’s multiple times a day. I do miss my NGP family, colleagues, inside jokes that we share. We sure miss our Harvest Durham family – SG, Ian’s preaching. Harvest Family, don’t take it for granted.

So as a family, we are going through trials of various kinds. We are encouraged though. Thankful for the people in our lives, those who live with us on the 7th Floor at ICS, colleagues – now friends who are supportive, who prayed and pray for us. God is faithful.

James didn’t start his letter by saying, “when you face trials of various kinds”, no he started by say, “Count it all joy, my brothers …”. Wow. This is where it matters. We shared with our boys, that “Count it all joy” is a matter of the heart. Malachi shared that “count it all joy” means – we need to be thankful. Are we thankful? Absolutely. God has provided for us, more than we could imagine and we are confident that He’s not finished.

As we continue to seek Christ, serve Him here at ICS, we do have a number of prayer requests: Pray for discernment regarding opportunities to lead / go on missions trips, finding a church to attend, pray for insight and wisdom in terms of what ministry we should get ourselves involved with – intentional discipleship / mentoring, Bible Study, outreach … the list goes on. It actually does. No jokes. Pray for our SG that we started leading … a couple of weeks ago. It’s good to be back at it.

Friends, we miss you. Continue to love the Lord with all your heart. We are also praying for you as well. James ends by saying, “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” This is our prayer, we we would continue have our eyes on the Lord. That our walk with the Lord would remain firm, that we would continue to be more like Christ.

Till our next Blog.

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 27, 2017 by Going The Wong Way HK

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Dear Calvary Family

Calvary is where it all started for me.

As I take some time to reflect and to think of my walk with the Lord, everything really comes back to the ministry and commitment of those at Calvary Baptist Church. I was first introduced to Calvary way back when the church was at Centre and John. Some of you will remember the church building, the side door, gravel parking lot, the creepy bathrooms on the bottom floor, Sunday School, and some of us were even part of the “Time Tunnel” … my first introduction to being in a musical. Bring back some memories?

I was also one of the kids that was impacted by the Bus Ministry. Every Sunday, I was picked up at 52 Park Road South. Thank you to those who drove the bus, to those who picked me up. Some of those individuals became friends over the years. Because of this ministry, I was also introduced Day Camp. Growing up, we did not experience the same lifestyle that we currently do. I was fortunate enough to attend Day Camp every summer due the generous hearts of Sponsors. I never did meet or find out who sponsored me to attend Day Camp, however, thank you. You played an integral part of my upbringing. Day Camp will be forever a memory … in fact that’s where people began to call me Chilly!!

Fast forward to Stockades / Battalion, Youth Group, FEB Central Winter / Summer Retreats at MBC / Muskoka Woods, SNACS, eating ice cream with two others in the gym storage, getting Baptized, Quebec Missions trip, Worship leading, B.A.S.I.C., His Kids, teaching Sunday School, Jr. High events, car / sound rally’s, progressive dinners, Missionary Conferences – my favourite was always the kids version, VBS, Urbana (this is definitely another Blog). These were and are some of my most memorable memories. There are so many stories to share.

I am thankful for the life long friendships that were formed over those precious years. It’s amazing that most of us still have some kind of contact with each other – either via Facebook or some kind of social media. This past weekend, some of us were able to spend a couple of hours together. It was such a meaningful time. Let’s not wait another 20 years to get together again!! We should never take for granted the friendships that we have, nor the ministry at Calvary.

I am also grateful for the men who poured into my life. Growing up without a father figure, many of you stepped up and walked with me, guided me and loved me as your own. I have so many memories of Canoe trips, going to a Jays game, picking us up in Stony Creek because of a car problem. There were men at the church who I looked up to and yet they didn’t even know. Thank you. In part, I have become who I am, because of your willingness to be used as an instrument of God. .

Calvary, thank you for your faithfulness in sharing the Gospel, your desire to serve the Lord and for your heart for Missions. “To know Him and to make Him known.” And so, as our family begins a new chapter in our lives, this is our desire – to know Christ more and more and to Make Him known to those who live in Hong Kong. I was asked by a colleague: “Are you going as Missionaries?” Not officially. Will there be a missions minded intentionality? Yes. Growing up, it was a desire to be in full time ministry. It was a desire to be a Youth Pastor at one point. I have always wanted to attend seminary. It was always a “not right now.” As I consider what we will be doing in Hong Kong, it’s amazing to see how God is moving and working. “It’s time to go.” I will be in full time ministry. Given the opportunity to disciple kids every day, being involved in other ministries … plus other opportunities that we are praying about. It is always about God’s timing. “His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts.”

Our desire is to do the work of the ministry. To see lost people saved, saved people matured, matured people multiplied.

Thank you Calvary Baptist Church. Thank you for instilling in me a heart for Missions. Thank you for equipping so many people over the years. Thank you for “being steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, … know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Keep in touch and who knows, maybe my family will end up on your Missions board one day!!

You are loved!