Under the influence of the pandemic in the past three years, our church life has continued by switching online. Nevertheless, some activities that are relatively more difficult to be conducted online had to be suspended, with evangelism ministry among the most affected. While online platforms can convey gospel messages, they cannot replace our in-person communication and expression of care for truth-seeking relatives and friends and for those we intend to share the gospel with. Finally, anti-pandemic measures are now relaxed and the scale and number of permitted participants for meetings have been restored. It is time for the community of believers to relaunch evangelism ministry and re-commit ourselves to the Great Commission of sharing the gospel and leading people to Christ.

    Over the past few years, I have time and again heard directly or indirectly stories about unbelieving friends who are faced with life challenges such as joblessness or job change, reduction of working hours and wages, emigration of relatives, and COVID infection and getting sick. Somehow, they remembered hearing about Jesus some time ago. Their hearts were moved and wanted very much to know how Jesus could help them reorient their lives in the midst of chaos. Some of them clicked onto the church website to listen to sermons or attended online evangelistic meetings. Others asked Christians they knew about the faith. You and I must have met some of these people during the past few years. When we see them doubting or seeking, how can we not take the initiative to respond? Now is a good opportunity to tell truth seekers the life stories of our encounters with God or invite them to step into the spiritual family to experience the help from Jesus firsthand.

    When the church begins to return to normal, I often hear brothers and sisters talk about resuming evangelism ministry. One group has summoned their original team to resume regular visits to correctional institutions. Other brothers and sisters take the opportunity of resuming office work to invite colleagues to chats over tea during which they also talk about their faith. Some others who are teachers in school fellowships have asked the church about forthcoming youth meetings that they can recommend to their students. In all of this, I can see that the Holy Spirit is still using NPAC as a community to share the gospel and testify for salvation. Indeed, to be able to receive, shoulder and pass on the mission of evangelism is itself proof of Jesus’ keeping and grace for us!

    From waterfront evangelistic efforts to the present, with 70 years of uninterrupted worship services, ministries and evangelism despite all ups and downs, from as near as Chun Yeung Street to as far as Wong Chuk Hang at the other end of a tunnel and even Ma Wan which is a ferry ride away, spreading the truth of eternal life has always been the grace that NPAC has received from above. By this grace, we grow, struggle, learn to trust in God, obey His commandments and fulfill the mission. As we relaunch evangelism, if we still need any motivation or exhortation, it will be what the Bible says: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction… But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)