A letter from Don and Wei Hong Snow in China
May 2011
Dear friends:
We are writing to let you know about some recent changes in our plans. Our current term with the PC(USA) ends on June 30, which also marks the completion of 20 years of service with the PC(USA). After much prayer and consideration, we have decided not to apply for another term with the PC(USA), so we will be ending service at the end of June.
The main factor leading to this decision was the rather unexpected appearance of an excellent new opportunity for us in China. Recently I was approached by Shantou University (STU), where I used to work in the 1980s, and encouraged to apply for the directorship of their English Language Center. The university is currently in the process of becoming both bilingual (Chinese and English) and international, and the English Language Center is entrusted with the task of preparing all STU students for both coursework in English and also the demands of an international-style education program, one of the first of its kind in China. (If interested, you can look at the ELC website at elc.stu.edu.cn.) I have decided to accept this position in part because it is a very good match for my skills, and also because it will allow me to continue with many of the projects I have been engaged in to promote better intercultural understanding through language learning.
We are still in discussion with Shantou University about Wei Hong’s job there, but it appears they have needs both in the area of Christian studies and also library work, and we are excited about the opportunities that she will have to make a contribution there.
Since we know the question will come up, we want to state that the ordination standards issue simply didn’t play any significant role in our decision one way or the other.
The English Language Center is a rather large operation (55 teachers and staff), so the university wants me to be in place and managing things by the beginning of September. Unfortunately, this means that we will not be able to visit churches in the fall as we had originally planned, and that we will need to take our leave from you and express our appreciation for your support by letter rather than in person. However, we do very much want to thank you all for the encouragement and support you have offered to us and our work over the last 20 years, and also for your support for Presbyterian mission. One of the best legacies of the Presbyterian tradition has been its commitment to a range of cross-cultural missions, and we very much appreciate the part you have played in keeping that tradition alive.
We hope that we will have the opportunity to see you again, whether on this side of the Pacific or the other. In the meantime, we wish you God’s peace and guidance as we all seek to follow in the next steps of our journey.
God’s peace,
Don and Wei Hong
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 141
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