Special Feature: Passing on Mission in Everchanging Time—A Review of the 70th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Christian Association, H.K.U.S.U. (Issue 496)
Elisa Wan, Editor and Communications Officer
The Christian Association of the University of Hong Kong (CA) is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a series of activities under the theme of “Passing on Mission in Everchanging Time “, including a micro-exhibition, a thanksgiving service and a dinner, as well as a collection of faith dialogues between graduates and students, which will be compiled into a book.
The Thanksgiving Service was held gracefully on January 27th at the Chinese Rhenish Church Hong Kong, with nearly 100 graduates of different generations gathered together. The worship service was led by the HKU Gospel Music Group (HKUGMG) and Salted Egg Music Ministry, and student Ah Suet and graduate Si Long were invited to share their testimonies.
Ah Suet referred to her experiences and reflections during her university years. Having faced conflicts between her studies and her faith, and having been criticized for raising doubts about her faith in a Christian community, she later became involved in CA, where she was able to engage in honest discussions and reflections on her faith. She also expressed her reflections on the present times and how she has persevered in her ministry during the pandemic.
Graduate Si Long is now teaching in a secondary school. In her reflection on her career, she pointed out that her role is to plant and water lives, letting students feel the love of Christians, connecting their faith with their lives, accompanying them and listening to them. She also shared that she found companions in CA, who continue to share and support each other after graduation.
Dr. Barry Chung, General Secretary of FES, shared his views on “Passing on Mission in Everchanging Time” in the sermon. Using Psalm 133, he pointed out the gracious nature of the gathering of the community, and that this togetherness is a deliberate blessing from God. CA has the same nature, where graduates and students come together to receive God’s mission, experience His grace together, and have their lives renewed and be transformed. This kind of gathering is beautiful and pleasant, just as the scriptures describe the scenes of “anointing overflowing,” “life-satisfying,” and “living on,” representing the abundance and fulfillment that God’s blessings bring.
Student Interview
Joyce expressed that she feels the “mission continuity” characteristic of CA – no matter how times change or how the campus environment become, yet CA continues to revolve around God and spread His gospel. CA members not only gather as a group, but also engage in faith reflections and sincere sharing. She learned to approach faith from different perspectives in CA, and when faced with real-life challenges in faith practice, she shares and exchanges with others. She openly admits that this sincere exchange is the most cherished thing for her in CA.
Joyce | 70th Anniversary Book Publishing Committee
When asked about her thoughts on the anniversary theme, Worm sees that CA, despite the changes, is still able to hold onto God and carry on the mission. She is primarily responsible for organizing the exhibition, where she sees changes happening in different eras. However, no matter how the times change, CA remains steadfast in its relationship with God.
Worm | Convener of 70th Anniversary Committee
She hopes that CA will continue to maintain a thoughtful and sincere approach to faith; CA members not only desire to know God, but also to engage in deep reflection on their faith and apply their thoughts into daily lives’ practices, making a positive impact on society.
