The Call to Mission
Marco Cheung
(M.Div. 1)
Experiencing God’s Love
Growing up in a Christian primary school, I regularly listened to teachers explain the Bible. From that time on, I had a simple faith in God and obeyed Him. Later, someone invited me to attend church worship services, which marked the beginning of my church life. However, at that time, I only participated in worship services, and since I subsequently studied abroad for many years, my connection with the church remained distant.
In October 2016, I returned to Hong Kong after graduating from a university, and shortly after, my grandfather passed away. I felt deeply saddened, but when the pastor expressed the church’s condolences and care to me, I suddenly felt God’s love, which stirred in me a desire to respond and seek Him further. Thereafter, I joined the church fellowship and genuinely experienced the love of brothers and sisters in Christ, joining them in the pursuit of spiritual growth.
Awakening My Heart for Missions
At the end of 2018, two brothers invited me to serve with them in Myanmar. This experience opened my eyes, deepening my understanding of faith and enriching my spiritual life. It also planted a blossoming desire in my heart for the Great Commission of spreading the gospel.
Praise be to the Lord for, after several years, my passion remained unfading, and I constantly kept the ministry of the Abundant Life Church in Myanmar in my thoughts and prayers. In the summer of 2023, I visited the area for the third time. In addition to meeting with co-workers, children, and other brothers and sisters, I took the opportunity to check the condition of the library which had been previously established. I also participated in the expansion project of that church.
Whether then or now, the situation in Myanmar remains heartbreaking. Since the military reclaimed power, the nation has been engulfed in endless warfare, leaving its people displaced and suffering. Hospitals lack doctors, schools lack teachers, and hope has vanished from the eyes of the people—alas! When I returned to the Abundant Life Church, my heart was often stirred, and I was moved to tears. I saw so many people in dire need, longing for blessings. The church’s electronic organ had never worked properly; the girls’ dormitory did not have a single fan, making summer nights unbearably hot and sleepless. Upon learning this, I immediately went to purchase fans, hoping that these young people could live a little better. Though such help may seem very limited in scope, I felt that it was important to do whatever I could to help.
Later, the children’s pure hearts touched me yet again. They were filled with eagerness to understand Chinese literature, so I helped guide them through Su Dongpo’s “Water Melody” and Li Houzhu’s “Lady Yu.” Seeing their faces light up with satisfaction made the discomfort from the heat at night feel worthwhile. Their excitement reminded me to keep a pure and simple heart every day and led me to reflect that God values our innermost beings most. It also prompted me to ask myself: Do I truly possess a pure and humble heart to follow the Lord?
While there, I also visited several impoverished families. Though destitute and living in conditions unfit for habitation by Hong Kong standards, they sang hymns and worshiped God from the depths of their hearts that evening. This sight moved me to tears. Additionally, I visited a newly established primary school in the rural outskirts. Despite being church-run, it even had young monks attending classes. I pray the Lord to bestow His grace upon that land and lead more teachers to come and teach them.
The multitude of ministries there is beyond counting, making me keenly aware that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. After returning to Hong Kong that time, I visited various churches to share my experiences and insights, hoping that more brothers and sisters in Christ would learn about the Abundant Life Church, so they may give offerings generously, pray persistently, and work together to bless the churches in Myanmar.
Embracing the Missionary Vision
Through the ministry in Myanmar, God has given me a vision for mission. May God grant me His heart for the needy and persecuted. Let me not only worship Him sincerely but also lead all nations and peoples to know Him. Even if a lifetime of mission yields only a small harvest, how wonderful it would be if it could bring us, His creation, into fellowship with the Triune Creator, singing praises to Him with joyful voices!
On August 9, 2024, I turned thirty. I am grateful that I was in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, at that time, participating in a mission trip. Under the guidance of the Rev. Eric Wing-mun Tong and the Rev. Chi-kwong Chung, I was inspired to reflect on the idea of “establishing oneself at thirty”: First, I asked myself, “Why does the Lord give me all these gifts?” Then, I asked myself, “Why have I not girded my loins and set out, now that my youth is past? Why wait until old age overtakes me?” Thus, I resolved to answer God’s call, enter the seminary for training, and aspire to be used by Him.
Lord, though I am weak and inadequate, I ask for Your grace and love. Send me forth and use me. I desire to follow You all my life! Amen!