September, 2025
The history of Gospel and Assembly testimony in Hong Kong is a relatively young one, for when the People’s Republic of China commenced in 1949, and the communist party-CCP having gained control of China, thousands of refugees flooded into Hong Kong (HK), then a British Colony. It continued to practise their well-known “benevolent–benefactor” outreach and reception principle. Many of the missionaries that had been operating in China, were forced to leave their Inland labours. They therefore began an earnest Gospel outreach testimony in Hong Kong among those who had taken refuge in the British Colony.
Similarly, the “Boat-People,” refugee vessels poured into H.K. from war-ravaged South and North Vietnam.
An assembly of the Lord’s people had commenced at the turn of the 20th Century on Hong Kong Island. This meeting was composed of Chinese who could speak English along with some resident Europeans. Material needs were of course an extremely acute need at that time and remained so as long as the refugee problem continued throughout the 1960s. A work was achieved to meet the acute social needs of many. Praise GOD that during the 60s and 70s, the local brethren and missionaries together became further exercised as to the establishment of the New Testament Church pattern, so that assembly testimony in the Chinese language began its real growth.
Initially, there was one English speaking assembly and later, five Chinese speaking assemblies came into being. Through education, medical work, correspondence courses, school fellowships, open-air preaching, and the printed page, opportunities proceeded and abounded among the five million then living in the very crowded conditions on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New Territories.
Then in 1980, we witnessed the marvellous answer to prayer as the door once again opened to enable entry into the provinces of Mainland China. There was access for witnesses and the work of the Lord, although still restricted and restrained. This was a living miracle of joy. For thirty years, there had been total closure but now there was limited access into the vast thirty-three provinces and municipalities.
The population in Hong Kong grew from 1.5 million in 1950 to 7.5 million today.
As the new decade 1980 began, some very persecuted saints of GOD were released from Inland China prisons. Gospel testimony began once again and it was wonderful that thousands received their first copy of the New Testament or the entire Bible in Mandarin. GOD’s Word, despised, destroyed, burned and forbidden for more than thirty years, was now gladly received, distributed and read by many empty, hungry hearts.
In 1997, the historic handover of Hong Kong to Beijing’s control was peacefully accomplished with the guarantee that Hong Kong would be allowed its separate system of governance for fifty years.
Much has changed however, Gospel witness continues assisted greatly by commended full-time servants such as Silas So Man and Thomas Yiu Kwong Yin, and others. There are now multiple widespread Gospel outreaches operating and some very effective local assemblies continue in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mongkok and Tsuen Wan. Monthly printing projects of considerable size continue through the ministry of the CHRISTIAN BOOK ROOM, a literature ministry begun within China, that has continued to operate for more than 100 years. The CBR maintains 5 warehouse / distribution facilities in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shandong, Beijing and Australia.
(Please note and understand that due to the need of wisdom and care to protect believers from interference, it is unwise to include too much identifying information.)
Requests for prayer are –
● Gospel Outreach in Hong Kong and further into the Inland Provinces to continue.
● Faithful Leadership in responsible oversight and care in the assemblies.
● Courage and faithfulness to the Lord Jesus and His Word.
● Ongoing outreach among Inland House Churches.
● Assembly Gospel Literature publication – for effective, safe and widespread distribution.