From time to time, I hear missionaries sent by other churches share that due to insufficient funding, they have no choice but to stay in Hong Kong for a period of time instead of going to serve on the mission field. Incarnational mission not only requires committed disciples of Christ to respond to the call, but it also needs sufficient financial support to sustain their ministries. In the NPAC family, whenever missionaries are sent, the church commits to bearing most of their long-term financial needs, ensuring that they can remain devoted to service on the mission field. At times, missionaries may also need additional financial support, such as when launching a new ministry, returning to Hong Kong for medical treatment, or dealing with visa issues that requires them to return home or visit another country. In such cases, the church would do its best to provide the necessary resources.

       The NPAC family also seeks, within its means, to participate in overseas ministries through missionaries serving in different places, or by directly supporting overseas work of the gospel, poverty relief, student aid, social welfare, etc. On one hand, we learn about local needs through our missionaries. On the other hand, we also connect with various organizations, seminaries and mission agencies to broaden our understanding and support for global mission. Pastoral staff and brothers and sisters would also visit the fields or take part in the meetings of those organizations to better understand the fruits of these ministries. For sure, the church also receives reports from the organizations it supports regularly, which helps us discern whether to increase or reduce future support. Such involvement truly requires a wide range of resources. Both human and material resources are indispensable.

        In addition to overseas ministries, the ministries of some local organizations are equally worthy of support. The theme of this year’s Mission Conference focuses on the gospel needs of South Asians. It is not easy to share the gospel in South Asian countries, as local converts often face persecution from family members or their religious communities, making them hesitant to believe in Jesus or even to associate with Christians. Yet, in Hong Kong, there are around ninety thousand South Asians. They are relatively open to the gospel. Some are even willing to come to church. Since they tend to reside in certain districts, the NPAC family also supports organizations and congregations engaged in cross-cultural gospel work in those communities. In addition, local organizations engage in other meaningful ministries that are worthy of the church’s offerings, including social concern and evangelism, theological education, Christian publishing and media, as well as ministries for children and youth. According to each organization’s ministries and actual needs, the church provides them with regular financial support.

       The worldwide gospel needs call for the active response of Christian communities, so that more people who have not yet received salvation may come to know the gospel and build an intimate relationship with Jesus. Indeed, the NPAC family has been richly blessed. We must therefore not forget the reminder of Scripture: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). May the Lord continue to use the NPAC family to be a blessing to others.