Spreading the Gospel in Hong Kong - Perspective from a Past and Current Team Member - Faith Lutheran Church, Pierre, SD

Spreading the Gospel in Hong Kong - Perspective from a Past and Current Team Member

Spreading the Gospel in Hong Kong - Perspective from a Past and Current Team Member

Spreading the Gospel in Hong Kong - Perspective from a Past and Current Team Member


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Faith Lutheran member Nick Hill has spent 10 days in each of the last 3 years participating in mission work in Hong Kong, China.

Nick described his experience, “I’ve always wanted to roll up my sleeves to do mission work. Having done this in China has been unspeakably life-altering for me.  I’m not sure how our culture views mission work in China. Missionaries are perhaps misunderstood. We don’t always go with the noblest of intentions. We have baggage like anyone else. But when you step into an environment like this, you become so inspired to reach higher and step out farther. There is nothing greater than seeing people’s hearts and minds liberated by the impact of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And it positively happens. The only potential downside for me has been becoming less satisfied with the status quo as it pertains to myself, my home life, community and society. Missions have helped me see all of these layers in a new, fresh perspective. In missions you have to learn to put your guard down, be vulnerable and put away the attitude that “self” is number one. When you place yourself in the service of others for the Gospel, you basically give yourself over to God’s direction and leadings. It’s a little frightening at first, but God is faithful beyond measure as new, deep relationships confirm what He is doing. For me, sharing the Gospel has become the highlight my life with others. It means you can see endless possibilities back at home to serve and inspire. It has also highlighted for me the importance of my civic duty, which is to do what is right in the face of the difficulties and distractions. I also know now how important it is to strive to see the best in people and inspire them to reach higher so we might move collectively closer to the heart and will of God. One way we hope to do this in February, 2011 is by sending a team from Faith Lutheran Church. I think it’s incredible that over half of this team is comprised of youth. I can’t wait to see how the members respond to the transformative nature of sharing God’s love with the Chinese people. The Chinese are incredibly sensitive and gracious people, and the environment is so ripe for Gospel. Involvement in missions is an opportunity perhaps made available because of the great struggle for freedom in China. Hong Kong currently has many freedoms that don’t exist in mainland China and which may not always continue. The value of the Gospel stands out in situations like this. I know faith sharing between the youth in Hong Kong is deeply liberating and I’m convinced our team cannot be there and miss the infectiousness of it. I have great hope and excitement for the future of the Gospel in the hearts and minds of all involved.”

Nick is pictured here with Nic and Savoy (English names) in this photo taken at MCDH International College Hong Kong, China. Both students visited Pierre July, 2010 as part of a reciprocal International Chinese-US exchange the South Dakota mission teams helped organize. Many of our own Faith Lurtheran members served as host families and many others were involved with numerous activities during their stay. It was an unforgettable experience.


A second US exchange came in July, 2011 with one group of Chinese students traveling Nebraska and another visiting Sioux Falls, Pierre and Rapid City. The teams consisted of 18 students and 2 teachers. Due to flooding in Pierre and Ft. Pierre, an extended stay with host families was not possible this year. However, Faith Lutheran Church members welcomed the Chinese student team with a noon meal. Hamburgers were provided by the Doud family ranch, and many members’ kitchens.  The meal was absolutely fantastic and the exchange allowed participating Faith Lutheran members to better see and share the transformative nature of the Gospel in the lives of many of these traveling students.  Perhaps next year, we’ll be able to reinstate the extended stay and hold a traditional Chinese meal prepared and served by the Chinese team for our Pierre, Fort Pierre and surrounding neighbors. Please feel invited to become involved in any way you can in this cross cultural mission opportunity. If you are interested, please speak with pastor Urbach or Nick Hill. Blessings to all.

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