Special Feature – The Lord’s People Connected—A Journey of Two Generations (Issue 487)
Interviewees
Wilson (W) | Secondary school teacher
Gloria (G) | Law student
Leo (L) | Geography and Resource Management student
Mesona (M) | Senior Staff of Inter-School Department
We invited Wilson, a secondary school teacher and his two graduates, Gloria and Leo, to see how a graduate led his students to learn about FES and experience spiritual growth.
M> Please share the most profound experiences you have had with each other.
G > We first met Mr. So through our Secondary School Fellowship and he was our mentor. I was impressed by how Mr. So often led some amusing and good relationship-building games in the fellowship.
L > I still remember when I was in Form 6, I was very confused about my future, so I talked to Mr. So. I even cried when I expressed the emotion. Mr. So comforted me and shared his views with me.
W> Thank you for their trust in me, like Leo for sharing his struggles with me. This kind of fellowship between people allows me to experience the reality of fellowship.
G > Mr. So once shared an English devotional page with me. I started to read English spiritual articles and found that I could absorb the English material faster, which helped me to grow spiritually by leaps and bounds.
L > Mr. So often recommends resources that he is aware of for faith discussions, such as YouTube channels, to inspire us in our spiritual growth.
M>How do you know about FES?
L > I was invited by Mr. So to join a camp organized by FES in the summer vacation before my Form 2 year.
G > I was invited by Leo to participate in an Easter retreat when I was in Form 3 or 4, and that was the first time I learned about the FES Inter-school Department.
W > I met FES in secondary school when the ISCF held joint school fellowship activities, as well as joint school Bible studies, IS camps, etc. I was interested and became involved.
M > It is amazing that you have such a deep connection with FES, from your own secondary school to tertiary education, and now you are leading your students to participate in FES in your role as a teacher.
M > What is it about FES that attracts you to participate? Please share one of your profound experiences with FES.
L > I remember my first Bible study at FES. People were very serious about the study, active in sharing and participating in the discussion. We even went overtime and tried hard to find the answers in the scriptures. I was really impressed by this attitude.
G > I agree with you. I think the FES staff and students are very serious and keen on pursuing faith. I enjoy the fellowship and the willingness to seek together whatever the topic of discussion.
L > I remember a time when I was involved in a joint school activity. We took part in the Inter School Orientation (ISO) for fellowship staff organized by the Inter-school Department at that time. The members of the Fellowships from different secondary schools on Hong Kong Island came together to share our difficulties with each other. We shared advice, support and encouragement to make everyone feel less alone.
G > When I was participating in the FES retreat, I met a chairperson from another secondary school fellowship. At that time, I was moved to work with that chairperson to contact other school fellowship leaders. Soon after, we both felt led to organize joint school activities in the Eastern District. Thankfully, we were able to bring together a number of school fellowships to organize joint school activities. FES staff participated in the meetings and guided us behind the scenes on how to implement the program. We managed to hold three prayer meetings and one evangelistic meeting during that academic year.
L > Yes, we made many friends at FES, who we keep in touch with until now. When we have problems in life or faith, we can talk to each other freely, which is very precious.
M＞As FES celebrates its 65th anniversary, do you have any message or advice for other students, graduates or staff?
G > I think we should cherish the friendship and the fellowship at FES. Let’s make the most of the opportunity to meet face-to-face while we still can. As for FES, I hope we may remain true to the founding mission, which will keep us motivated to move forward.
L > I hope that staff, students and graduates will press on and be as shrewd as snakes to bring the gospel to more people and show them that the gospel can be close to their lives.
W > I see that while the environment is changing, the overall core of FES remains the same, whereas the ministry has been able to keep up and respond to the times, connecting different people to their faith and attracting people to think one step further in their faith. FES provides a space for a slow and delicate taste in a rapidly changing generation. I hope that FES will continue to play this role.
Today, FES graduates are nurturing more believers in their respective positions, transforming lives and witnessing generations of students becoming disciples.