The purpose of our visit to Hong Kong is to assist with a visit from LC-MS Communications. Erik Lundsford, the LC-MS photographer, and Megan Mertz, an LC-MS writer, are coming to Hong Kong to do a story on the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS) and the amazing work they do for the people of China in Hong Kong, ranging from comprehensive Christian education, social services, care for the elderly, care for those in need of transitional housing and other life circumstances.
Their flight arrived in Hong Kong at 5:30am. Naturally, I was there to meet them, assist them in getting the public transit cards they would be using all week to get from place to place (known locally as Octopus cards), and then get them to their hotel.
They were, obviously, tired. Heck, so was I!
They were, understandably, a bit uncertain about me.
Aside from a passing introduction to Megan when we were back at the IC in May, we hadn’t met either of these fine folks before. But they were initially very polite, which is always helpful when dealing with the unknown. Megan had visited Hong Kong some years back, but this was Erik’s first time.
We got back to the hotel close to 8am and – thank God! – they were able to allow Erik & Megan to check in to their rooms early. Which enabled them to get showered and feel at least slightly human again before we headed out on our activities for the day.
At 10:00am I conveyed them to our friend Carol’s apartment (many of you know Carol!), as she would be the main guide for the next four days.
Together we visited the Leung Kwai Yee Lutheran Home for the Elderly. It’s located in the Tsing Yi area of what is known as the ‘New Territories’, actually the island of Tsing Yi just off the coast of mainland Hong Kong. It was amazing to see all the elderly people (those who could) join for a time of fellowship and celebration. The care of the staff was very touching.
Afterwards we headed to Nathan Road Lutheran Church, one of the congregations of the LCHKS. There we listened as various people shared their stories of faith, and heard a history of the congregation and God’s faithfulness to and through them over many decades. God is indeed good!
Above – the sanctuary of Nathan Road Lutheran Church
Our final task for the day was to get Erik and Megan fed and back to the hotel. They were, understandably, exhausted after their long travels and a long day. It was nearly 8pm by the time we left Nathan Road Lutheran Church. Together we opted for take out back to the hotel from a small fried bun vendor nearby. It was delicious, but I don’t think it was anywhere near as delicious as the sleep we enjoyed that night!
