The Chinese proverb “三思而後行” (literally meaning “think three times before acting”) advises that we should not act recklessly but should think carefully and discern clearly first. I wish to make use of and slightly modify the meaning of this concise and precise proverb to help us “think thrice” the meaning and practice of the testimonies of our Christian community.

1. The “testimony” of fulfilling one commission with one heart – “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” (Acts 2:32) Early this year, a gospel movie was screened in Hong Kong. One of our adult fellowships took the opportunity to select a timeslot in a cinema and have a buyout of the movie. They invited non-believing relatives and friends to watch it together and listen to a gospel message by a pastor after the movie. Meanwhile, a women’s fellowship which meets on a weekday morning usually organizes an evangelistic meeting in December every year. This year, they choose to team up with two other women’s fellowships which also meet in daytime during the week to jointly organize a Christmas evangelistic meeting. They are all witnesses of the gospel.
2. The “testimony” of loving one another continually – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Over the past few years, a number of brothers and sisters have dropped out of fellowships because of the pandemic or incidents in society. Now, through meals, love feasts, outings, appointments, etc., many adult fellowships keep trying to connect with old members in various ways in the hope of bringing them back to the fellowships. Thanks be to God! Some long-lost faces are reappearing in fellowships just like in the old days. Even some members who have previously split up due to difference in opinions are willing to be back to the groups they belonged. Some other members themselves or their families had experienced sickness and difficulties as part of “daily fellowship life.” Members have all along kept watch over and helped out one another. These acts of “loving one another” are the mark of the Lord’s disciples.
3. The “testimony” of serving others near and far – “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? …. a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? …. sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ …. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:37-40) This Easter season, the Sky of Men Mission Fellowship has relaunched prison visits. They sang songs, played games, chatted, and shared the gospel with more than 50 juvenile inmates. At the end of April, a fellowship with a small number of people collaborated with a church in Peng Chau to serve residents there by picking up trash on the beach. And more recently, an adult couples fellowship and the Community Witness Department organized a Pastel Nagomi Art class at Living Stone on G/F of Truth Center. Through this, they brought care and joy to several families outside the church. To “be others’ neighbors and love our neighbors” is to testify and serve the Lord.

“Think carefully before acting” – After “thinking thrice” about the testimonies of our community, it is time for you and I to put words into action and put biblical truths into practice.