Brothers and sisters, have you noticed the visible changes taking place in our community? In elevators, there are more new faces speaking Putonghua; in parks, parents speaking Putonghua bring their children to play; in workplaces, new colleagues who speak Putonghua are striving to adapt to Hong Kong’s rhythm of work. Many of them are new Hong Kong families who have arrived through the “talents admission schemes.” They have already become part of our community, our workplaces, and our schools, our “new neighbors” who are right within our reach.

       In order to serve these new neighbors, the NPAC family has recently launched a new ministry—the “Putonghua Blessing Extension Ministry,” with the aim of helping them become familiar with Hong Kong and come into contact with the Christian faith. For this purpose, we have invited a pastor with a mainland background to join our pastoral team, specifically tasked with exploring new ways to serve this community. We have also rented a venue near Wan Chai MTR station in preparation for establishing a gospel centre dedicated to serving this community.

       The “Putonghua Blessing Extension Ministry” is not merely a ministry program; it is the concrete action of the entire NPAC family living out love for our neighbors and responding to the gospel mission entrusted to us. There are many ways for everyone to participate, including the following:

• Cantonese learning groups: In a relaxed environment, everyday topics are used to practice conversational Cantonese naturally. Through these conversations, Hong Kong culture is introduced and personal experiences are shared.
• Children’s English activities: Through games and simple interactions in English, care is extended to the next generation and connections between families are established.
• Education and schooling sharing sessions: If you are familiar with Hong Kong’s education system or if you have parenting experience, your practical insights will be invaluable guidance for these newly arrived families.
• Cultural exchange and outreach activities: Through activities such as hiking or museum visits, new friendships are formed in a relaxed and joyful setting, helping newcomers feel welcomed.

       When it comes to sharing the gospel with these newly arrived families, many people’s first thought may be: “I don’t speak Putonghua. How can I serve?” I believe that sincere goodwill and a warm smile make the most universal language in the world. A proactive act of help and a simple greeting each conveys a heartfelt message of “You are welcome” and care. In the process of building relationships, “companionship” and “sharing life” are far more important than language fluency.

       The book of Hebrews encourages us: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). These new neighbors who have come among us are precisely the “strangers” God has placed before us. Welcoming them is not only about helping them adjust to a new environment; it is also an immensely precious opportunity—for us to turn the grace we have received into concrete action, and to offer our new neighbors the most sincere gift of life. We need the participation of brothers and sisters of the NPAC family, so that together we may extend the blessings given to us by our gracious Lord to this community.