Weeks 05 & 06 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In my last message, I have missed out something I did in Hong Kong when I was there. I went for a job interview with AECOM Asia, the Asia counterpart of my current company (AECOM Europe) in Hong Kong. I can confirm that I am offered a job because the contract is now signed. I will be working in a senior role on the West Kowloon Terminus of the Express Rail Link to China which had a lot of controversy and protests recently because of its high costs. However, if it is viewed in perspective, the cost of the 26km high speed rail link is nothing compared to the 10,600km of high speed rail network that is being planned and built in China. The infrastructure investment would help the Hong Kong economy in the long term.

I will be working in the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Office in Kam Ting, in the NW of Hong Kong. I will initially be staying close to the office to save travelling time. It is a serviced apartment in Ting Kau, right next to the 3 modern long span cable-suspended bridges in Hong Kong, 2 of which were designed by my previous company Mott MacDonald. They are the famous Tsing Ma, Kap Sui Mun and Ting Kau Bridges, engineering masterpieces that visitors to Hong Kong will witness coming from the airport into the city by bus or car.

I take this opportunity to testify about God’s amazing providence in the past 12 years since I left Hong Kong for church planting in Europe. I left a high flying career in Hong Kong and started church planting using our savings. Two years later, God opened doors for Kim and I to work, making enough for our daily living. Four years ago, God miraculously opened a door for me to rejoin my old profession in civil/structural engineering. It was a miracle because I was already 57 years old and not having worked in the industry for some 8 years. Also, the company employed me to work in the railway sector, something completely new to me. The 3-days a week income allowed us to pay for our 2 sons’ weddings and helped them onto the property ladder in Hong Kong. The 2nd miracle is that the 4 years of railway experience prepared the way for my new job in Hong Kong.

In the 12 years, we managed to establish 4 churches and 4 centers in pioneering stage in West Europe. Whilst in Hong Kong, I retain overall responsibility over Hope West Europe, which has in place local leadership structures for their day-to-day running. I shall stay in touch with all the top leaders and provide continuous guidance through e-mails & Skype calls. I shall also return for major events like church camps & conferences.

Whilst in Hong Kong, I aim to reach out to people in the market place, a ministry also close to my heart. “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel….” quoting Apostle Paul’s word in [Eph. 6:19]. I pray and hope that God will use my new job and position to touch many senior professionals for the Gospel in Hong Kong & beyond. I pray and hope that I can be a bridge builder for the Gospel.

Today, very sadly, “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD…..The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."….. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession” [Ps 2:1-12 NIV]. Indeed, I will continue to seek God and ask Him for His favour in making known clearly the mystery of the Gospel wherever He sends me!

God is building His Church all over the world. It is not unlike the instruction given by the Holy Spirit through King Cyrus in building the temple of God in Jerusalem. “Let the temple be rebuilt……..Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God.……May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there…..Let it be carried out with diligence” [Ezra 6:3-12 NIV]. Let us diligently build the Church of Jesus Christ in preparation for His glorious return one day!

Borrowing Apostle Paul’s word again, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service…….The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…..But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me…….Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” [1 Tim 1:12-17 NIV]

This is what the Lord says - "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion……Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honour, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full….” [Prov 8:12-30 NIV]. May we love & seek God with all our heart and enjoy an abundant life as Jesus promised both now and forever.

Amen & amen!