China Hong Kong Mission Commemorates 60 Years Of Missionary Work
Mission dedicated by Elder Matthew Cowley on July 14, 1949
 

By Elder Julian M. F. Kau and Sister Momilani Kau, China Hong Kong Senior Missionaries

Missionaries of the China Hong Kong Mission met on the 14th and 15th of July 2009 at the famous Victoria Peak in Hong Kong to commemorate 60 years of missionary work in Hong Kong.

The commemoration missionary conference was filled with testimonies, talks on the history and growth of the Church in Hong Kong, and missionary skits of Pioneer life both in Hong Kong and in the United Sates. The setting for the conference was out in the open and rustic in nature to experience, in small part, what earlier pioneers faced as they overcame adversity. All in attendance were uplifted and edified by the messages presented and left the conference with a better understanding and appreciation for missionary work in Hong Kong.

It was on the 14th of July in 1949, that Elder Matthew Cowley, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with a handful of church members living in Hong Kong, offered the dedicatory prayer on Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island. Elder Cowley wrote, “We went up on what is known as the “Peak”, the highest eminence overlooking the beautiful city of Hong Kong, and onto the mainland of China, and there we officially open the mission by a brief service, each of us praying in turn.” (The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints; History in Hong Kong, Ng, Shee-Nan and Chin, Ching-Man, Printforce Printing Co., 1997, p.63)

President CHAN Yue-Sang, China Hong Kong Mission President, and a convert to the church, also noted that on July 24, 1847, the Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley to establish a community where they could worship their God without fear of persecution. “Pioneers Then and Now” became the natural theme of the commemoration conference. President Chan testified that through the years, “God performed miracles on me; I received countless blessing all through my life.”

Hong Kong with its 4 stakes and 22,000 members will continue to celebrate the 60th anniversary throughout the year. A Family Enrichment Seminar with Professors from Brigham Young University, a Regional Youth Service Project, and a Family Strengthening Exhibit are planned.

A skit presented by one of the zones in the mission depicting pioneer story telling by a grandfather and grandmother to their children and grandchildren.

Sister Helen Goo, Matron of the Hong Kong China Temple, relates her conversion story 51 years ago. President Charles Goo,

president of the Hong Kong China Temple, Sister Isabel Chan, wife of the president of the China Hong Kong Mission and

Sister Momilani Kau (sitting), mission office secretary, enjoy the spirit of her presentation.

Photo by Elder Julian M. F. Kau

July 2009