It has been three months since we left home in early September. Since then, we were in HK for a month and a half, in Macau for one month, and have returned to HK for four weeks. All the moves were necessary as we wait for our working visas for Macau. Without those visas we are not allowed to do our ministry with the partners there. Currently, we plan to stay in HK and wait patiently for the visa approval before we reenter Macau.

            We praise the Lord for His leading and preparation, providing for us a full month’s orientation in both HK and Macau when we arrived those new lands.  Macau is quite different from HK, although they are only an hour's distance via speedy jet boat. In history and lifestyle, the biggest differences are these: Macau is a former Portuguese colony from the mid-16^th century until late 1999.  It is a much smaller land mass and the pace of life is much slower; the people, many of whom worship small gods, are more gentle and relaxed.  Hong Kong is a former British colony from after the First Opium War (1839-42) until 1997. The pace of life is much faster, and the people are more self-focused and aggressive.

            Praise the Lord.  Right before we left Macau, we attended a Sunday night worship meeting at our partner church (ECF). It was their first meeting after the church promoted and prayed about it over a year ago.  From that time no one had attended, so the pastor was going to close it. However, right before he made that decision, an alumna from the Children Centre (attached to ECF) insisted on keeping the church open and made a large financial contribution to the church. At the first meeting, although there were only five people in total, the pastor shared his thanksgiving with tears. I (Ivy) wept also at seeing our Lord’s faithfulness in that He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. But when we are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that we can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

            On the day after Thanksgiving (at that time we already returned to HK), we attended a first meeting for couples, held through the outreach of The American Baptist Mission Hong Kong Swatow Baptist Church Community Service Association (ABMSBC). We saw God’s grace and faithfulness again through their many services, especially the Food Bank. A pastor joined their ministry and took charge of the Caring Service two years ago.  With numerous home visitations, he brought Christ’s image of love, faithfulness, and trust to many low-income families.  Through his personal ministry, two cases of suicide were miraculously prevented.  Several people became Christ-followers and were baptized, and many new fellowship groups were formed. Now, a new Life Center will be God’s leading vision for them.

Hallelujah! Our God is mighty. Christ Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  As we celebrate Baby Jesus’ birth during this Advent season, our greatest joy and comfort is what the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a SAVIOR has been born to you; He is the MESSIAH, the LORD. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Afterward, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel and gave the praise, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14) Truthfully, Jesus Christ has proclaimed His mission to the world was to “proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, set the oppressed free and the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:17-19)

            There are lots of banyan trees in HK and Macau.  Most of them are very old with many extended roots. I love watching them as I imagine the life of the churches, striving under the change or oppression of culture and time, yet, they continue to grow even more vigorous. As we think of you and give thanksgiving for all your continuous prayers and financial support, we also pray that you will grow strong as those banyan trees. May our Lord’s glory be magnified through you and the churches.

      Please keep lifting us up to the Throne room of Grace in your prayers for 

• The visa application to go smoothly and be approved soon

• Mastering Cantonese with an in-home class twice a week with a volunteer mentor 

• Learning about the culture and people around HK, Macau, and the nearby areas in Mainland China

• Fellowship with the churches and friends that we have already established and those to come in HK and Macau