My First Ministry Experience
By a Short-Term Ministry Volunteer, Hong Kong

Early this year, I had a chat with one of the staff members of Asian Outreach and was introduced to the various ministry opportunities provided by organization. I was asked whether I would be interested to participate in short-term ministry trips. Coincidentally, my heart was searching for mission opportunities at that time as I would like to learn about what God is doing in other parts of the world. In late May, I joined one of the ministry teams to central China and started off my first ministry trip with much anticipation. We were there to meet with leaders and members of third church groups, and to provide them with training in the areas of cell group leadership and worship.

Among these third church believers are mostly well-educated young professionals and businessmen, as well as some university students. Most of them have only been converted in recent years, yet they are steadfast in their faith, eager to learn and have fervent hearts for God. We provided them with a few days of intensive teaching. Each day, they walked into the classroom with much energy and anticipation. During classes, they listened attentively, took serious notes and were eager to raise critical questions. During worship and prayer time, they sang and prayed wholeheartedly, lifting up praises and thanksgivings to the Lord. During breaks, some would simply sit together and start singing hymns and songs of praise together, with much joy on their faces. This group of high-spirited, sincere and faithful believers totally captured my heart. In addition, I was very impressed by their earnest pursuit for God’s words. During the training sessions, when the lecturer tried to quote from the Bible and called out the names of the books, the chapter and verse numbers, many of them could instantaneously recite the verses, I was totally humbled by them. I felt deeply ashamed that thought a Christian since birth, I do not know the Bible any better. There is indeed a lot for me to learn from these brothers and sisters.

Apart from the training sessions, we also had opportunities to chat with this group of believers individually. Through the conversations, I could feel that their hearts are burdened to spread the Gospel. They take the Great Commission seriously. Dr. Hu*, one of the principal church leaders, gave up his medical career as an orthopedics surgeon in order to serve the Lord full time. “Several years ago, I encountered a foreign missionary who left his homeland with his wife and daughter to settle in China,” said Dr. Hu. “I was amazed and eager to know the reason behind his willingness to leave his own country for this foreign place. I still vividly remember he told me, “ China needs salvation.” Trying hard to hold back his tears, Dr. Hu continued, “I was very touched and astonished by the fact that even a foreigner has such a heart for the people of my country. Indeed, there are still many lost souls in China.” Dr. Hu and his family originally had a chance to immigrate to Australia but they eventually decided to stay in China. “I feel a real need to bring the Good News to my fellow Chinese people. In order to better equip myself for God’s work, I hope to take on seminary studies in the near future.” I could see not only a glimmer of tears in his eyes, but could also feel a strong sense of conviction and mission in his heart.

I am grateful for this ministry opportunity. It was surely an eye-opening and rewarding experience for me. Without physically being there to spend time with and talk to this group of believers in person, I would not be able to truly feel their joy and blessings in Christ, or to understand their struggles and aspirations. I learned that prayer is undoubtedly essential, but equally important is our physical presence. “Thank you for coming”, said one of the sisters. “Our church is still young and we are inexperienced. The teachings are very helpful, and your presence brings us much support and encouragement. There will surely be more challenges ahead as our church continues to grow, and we will need more training and guidance.”

Coming back to Hong Kong from the trip, I realize how privileged we are to live in an open society where we can worship freely and openly. The third church believers are constantly facing possible persecution, yet they stand firm in their faith. I admire their faithfulness and courage. And I will continue to pray for God’s protection upon these brothers and sisters, that they will persevere with their faith and be united as one body in Christ, and that the Gospel will get to those yet unreached.

* Name has been modified for identity protection purposes.