Cloud of Witnesses – Celebrating 210^th Anniversary of International Ministries

Ms. Calwena Chiu

Administrator of American Baptist Mission, Hong Kong

Thanks to God’s grace, I have the opportunity to serve as an officer in the Sha Tin Swatow Baptist Church in Hong Kong for more than 29 years. Despite different difficulties we encountered, together with faithful pastors and capable council members who love the Lord, we pray always and obey God’s leadership, and the church ministry has been growing.

In the mid-1997, International Ministries staff Rev. Keith Tennis led Rev. John and Janine Gravley to visit the Sha Tin Swatow Baptist Church, and then the church invited Rev. Gravley to be the volunteer advisor pastor of the church. At that time, my husband Kenny Choi was a deacon, and my son Dicky and daughter Maggie were all serving together in the church. We built a strong relationship with Rev. Gravley and Janine, and they often invited us to the Mission Apartment in Kwun Tong for dinner. During the Christmas season, we also invited a group of non-believers to the Mission Apartment for a Christmas service. Rev. Gravley shared the Bible message and gospel with them, and we sang songs joyfully. In 2001, Rev. Gravley and Janine returned to the United States for Home Assignment. Before they left, they invited me to assist them with secretary work of the American Baptist Mission, Hong Kong until they returned to Hong Kong in 2002. Later on, after 19 years of service, Rev. Gravley and Janine returned and settled in the United States. Thank God that he has given me the wisdom to serve with American Baptist Mission office in Hong Kong, and take care of the mission apartment. My husband Kenny is also very enthusiastic about helping with maintenance work.

In 2012, Rev. Ivy and Emerson Wu came to serve in Hong Kong as International Ministries global servants/ missionaries. They also provided service in Macau, and later in Kunming, China, where they helped the teaching ministry of churches.

My most memorable time is from October 18 to 25, 2016, Ivy and Emerson invited me and Kenny to go to the mountainous area of Baoshan in Kunming to assist in teaching and serving. I taught young people dance praise exercises, and Kenny taught making knots. Young people in the mountainous areas are very studious, and very well-behaved and intelligent. I also experienced the hard work of missionary – every day is very busy, to teach, preach, to prepare lessons etc. God’s grace is sufficient to give me the opportunity to work for the Lord. What a blessing, Hallelujah!

American Baptists not only cares for the evangelistic work in the Hong Kong and Swatow Baptist churches, but also spare no effort to contribute to the places around the world that need the gospel, and supports partners to serve the Lord. Pray that our Heavenly Father will continue his blessings over American Baptists to spread the gospel to the world in the days to come!

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey all that I command you, and I will be with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20).