A letter from Judy Chan in Hong Kong
December 2012
Dear Friends,
Help, Thanks, Wow
World Communion Sunday at FPC, Green Cove Springs, FL
Every four years I have the chance to come back to the United States for speaking and meetings as your Presbyterian World Mission personnel in Hong Kong. It’s been my fortune (or fate) to have itineration coincide with the U.S. presidential election. That means I not only get to see American democracy at full blast but I also get to enjoy fall foliage, pumpkins at Halloween, and Thanksgiving turkey. On a sadder note, this time I followed the events unfolding around Hurricane Sandy and its devastating aftermath. For someone who cares deeply about the natural environment and God’s creation, this was truly a wake-up call.
These past three months have been filled with many meaningful experiences in Presbyterian churches. Wherever I have been—Florida, Washington, D.C., Oregon—I have been received with such generous hospitality in your presbyteries, congregations and homes. Thank you to all those who made this such a positive time of sharing faith, hope and love in Jesus Christ.
FPC Fernandina Beach, FL
Writer Anne Lamott says there are three essential prayers in life: Help, Thanks, Wow. Surely I prayed them all during this itineration.
Help me, Lord: I need to finish this sermon…I don’t want to miss that plane…I miss my children in Hong Kong…I need to be more sensitive to others.
Thanks, Lord: For giving me the words at just the right time…for introducing me to new friends and helping me find old ones…for precious conversations from the heart…for all those who support me through funds, prayers and their own blood, sweat and tears.
Wow, Lord: How beautiful are the spacious skies…how beautiful is the body of Christ…how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
As I prepare to return for another four years in China, I am grateful to be reappointed to serve with our PC(USA) partner—the Hong Kong Christian Council—in the area of ecumenical communications. The Council has been my spiritual "home" in Hong Kong for 18 years. It is the place that is waiting for me to return, the people who make God’s mission possible in my life. I look forward to seeing them soon.
Salem FPC, Oregon
n this Advent season, let me close with words from beloved Anglican Bishop K.H. Ting, who died November 22 in Nanjing at age 97. In his book God is Love, he says:
“Christianity moves and compels people, not by its doctrines, but by the love made manifest, love held high and spread abroad, love waiting eagerly for the final coming of a world of love.”
May you and I be signs of Christ’s love coming into the world anew through the sacrifice of hearts and hands and voices for real peace.
With joy,
Judy Chan
The 2012 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 195
The 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 203
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