Anderson Gary Joyce 1977 HongKong

from Gary and JoyceMake Checks Payable To

ANDERSON MISSION TO THE CHINESEJan.-Feb., 1977

? 19T7

SPONSORED BY:

RINCONADA HULS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

1975 POtURD ROAD

LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA 95030

FORWARDING AGENTS:

MR. & MRS. ELDON WYMORE

400 HILIVIEW DRIVE

LEBANON, OREGON 97355PHONE: 303-258-2863

Dear Faiiiily of God;

vj'eld., our time in the States is overhalf gone. We reserved seats on a flightfrom Oakland to Hong Kong leaving July 1.'The Lord willing, that's when we'll headback to the Chinese we've come to love.But while we're here, we've started loving lots of other people, too.

7Jiien we moved to Pasadena, we de-cided~to attend one congregation so thatwe could serve them during this year. Wepicked Golden 'West Christian Church, offSunset Boulevard in L.A., because it's inthe heart of a big city and because ithas people from 13 ethnic backgrounds, whoare learning to love each other. Theyare a reminder to us that God cares for

all people.

"Nobody cares for ny people." Tearsfilled her eyes and poured forth in open

sobbing. "IÎobody cares for the souls ofny people." These words burned ny earsas I sat with others listening to the

testimony of this Persian medical student* The accusation tore at each of ourhearts, because we didn't have an answer. We knew that it was too often true.

Students come to the U.S. from nearly every country, even from places missionariescan't go. They are their countries' most intelligent young people. They studyhard, sometimes getting the highest grades in our schools. Yet, they are oftenterribly lonely, searching for answers to questions God raises in their hearts.

And where are we American Christians? The student mentioned above was here threeyears before she met a Christian. Bven then, most of theii only passed Jiidgment onher.

The Bible, however, states clearly what we must do;"The stranger vdio resides vjith you shall be to you as the native among you,

and yon shall love him as yourself; for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I amthe Lord your God," (Lev, i9:3U) All of us have ancestors who were once aliens inAmerica.

"Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien," (Deut. 27:19)"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have enter

tained angels without knoTving it." (Heb, 13:2)Both I Timothy 3;2 and Titus 1:8 list "love of strangers" in the Greek as a

qualification for elders.

Government statistics report that 90 million Americans and nearly 20 million aliensin America are hot part of "American culture." They are strangers. Why have weneglected God's clear will?

It isn't ecxsy to love strangers. Their habits may seem odd or enibarassing. Theirfood may repulse you. They may even distrust you, but let us at least rememberthat Jesus himself said, "I was a stranger — and you invited Me in;"

We are also learning that God wants to come to each kind of person in his own>ây. This concept is revolutionizing our plans for church planting in Hong Kong.I ask iryself, "What hinders them from being saved?" and "Can that hindrance be removed?" Here are some exaraples of how it raay work out.

I-Jhen the name "Christian Church" is translated into Chinese it becomes "Cjir^t'sTfiaGhing=Meeting7^Tt~carries the idea of a classroom and books for Chiî^. 'Chinese adults don't like sitting in rows and being "taught" like children. Theymay also fear that the church is the eneny of the family. So, we are consideringusing another Biblical name instead of Christian Church such as "Family of God," or"Household of God." We may also enphasize Christian education in the homes to getaway from adults^sitting in rows, and from competition vrLth the family.

The Chinese translation of the Lord's Supper is "Holy Meal." First, it isn't reallya meal, least of all a supper. Second, holy implies that it is sort of magical.So, we are considering a self-explanatory term such as "The Savior's Memorial:Breaking the Bread and Drinking the Cup." , '

To get away from their distaste of books, we are considering using more over-headprojections, putting numerous Bible passages to the tunes of Chinese folk songsand a weekly Bible-study newspaper instead of stucfy books.

American musical harmony is often confusing to their ears, so instrumental accom-panment may only play the ].ielody.

The biggest barrier is our white skin. They often distrust white men. Hovj could weget close to them? Should we work in a factory aJ-ong side them for a few months?Should we visit their homes? or seek their help? Please pray that God will show ushis way over each of these barriers to their hearts.

"Facing the Divine Command" is the senion I've preached ...ore than any other. If youcare about the world, take tiine to read it. It's free to anyone who writes and asksf^r it.

HQxlB THAN TRIPLED it's size in five years! That's the stoiy of the I-Song Kok Churchof Christ. I've just finished a page analysis of the church as well as faith-promise projections for the future. It's available to anyone who will send me $1to cover copy and mailing costs. Just ask for, "An Accurate Picture of the l-fengKok Church of Christ."

P.3. FROM SAHDT;I'm sure glad we live in this house. The light switches are low enough for me

to reach. The one on the bathroom is outside the door; so I wait til somebody isinside, then I shut it off. (hee-hee)

In Christ,Gary and Joyce Anderson

160 S. Michigan, Apt. jfl03Pasadena, CA 91106

U. S. A.

/O rii SPONSORED BY:

RINCONADA HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH1975 POLLARD ROADLOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA 95030

Make Checks Payable To

ANDERSON MISSION TO THE CHINESE —i4ay-June, 1977 FORWARDING AGENTS:

MR. & MRS. ELDON WYMORE400 HILLVIEW DRIVE

Dear Friends: Lebanon; oregon 97355PHONE: 503-258-2865

V/e're lookinr^ ahead to returning to Hong Kong now with hij '̂h hopes of startinganother Chinese church, but we can't help looking back also to the five-yearprocess that preceeded this moment.

^ 1972j we committed ourselves to Chinese evangelism, in November,we decided publicly to go tjD Hong Kong. So we begsin studying and raising support.

Then, on September 5th, 19733 we reached Hong Kong and started right in learningCantonese and Hong Kong's culture. We finished l^guage school in April, 197^(though we still had lots to leam) and began working full-tii.ie with i'tong KokChurch of Christ,

On May 16th, 1976, we returned to the States to study more about Chinese cultureand cnurch growth. Thanks to the School or World 1-a.sslon at Fuller TheologicalSeirdnary, iry stuoies were far more helpful than I expected. We had hoped tostart a Chinese church in Los Angeles and to recruit others to reach the Chinese,but that hasn't happened. Instead, we enjoyed working with Golden \/est ChristianChurch.

Now, I'm almost done with school here (though, I hope I can set aside about onemonth a year for more study.}. So, we glorify God ijecause He has guided us thisfar by faith. He sure is faitniul to all who call on His nai.ie. He has thusgiven us hope and courage to look to the future.

I made so.ie faith-proi.dses to God about two of our Hong Kong churches aftercarefully studying I-bng Kok Church of Christ last November. V/e set goals ofgrowth for those churches until I98O, trusting God to give the increase. I waspleased that iiy co-'./orkers -Iso seemed to accept those goals. One of thosegoals was to start five nev: churches with an average active membership ofaltogether by 198O.

Since then. Wing and Conita Wong decided to start a Chinese church in Chicago.They need your prayers and support more than anything else right now. If youcan, pray for them, that they can start a regular Chinese Bible study and thena church. Also, please write and encourage them: V/ing and Conita V/ong, 329ThoDQDSon Drive, lincoln, Illinois 62656

So, we are trusting C-od to help us start the other four churches by I98O withan average active membership of k'( altogether. But how^ do we get from here tothere? I've heard it said that people like to see the baby, not hear about thelabor pains. Just the saime, I want to share with you a few of our plans,

A new industrial town called Tuen Mun is developing just over the hills fromKowloon, It only has a few thousand people now, but it is eventually expectedto have \ million. The govemi.ient just finished a low-cost housing there calledTai Hing Estate. Right now, it is filling up v/ith about 29,000 people. TheLord willing, we plan to start a church there.

Mark and Kathy Chu v/ill reach Hong Kong about three weeks bsfore we do to laymuch of the groundwork. They vriLlf begin recruiting workers and coIG.ectingmaterials for evangelism and worship. At the sa:ie""ti.iie, we'll be making ourlast visits here and feverishly brushing up on our Cantonese. We Td.Il make onelast trip through Oregon and Washington (Joyce's little sister is getting mar-

page

ried.) before we fly from Los Angeles July Ist^/Please pray that visa, movingand shipping•problems will be as few as poîbie.

After we get to" Hong Kong, we will continue recruiting workers and. making ar-rangemenbs bo sbart. bhe church by the first of September. You might pr^ withus about these things. We need to find a suitable home in the area. We needto find a pl^ce to hold services. We need two or three Christian couples tolive at Tai Ring and work in tho neighboring factories. We need someone tocall with me fuUtime. We need two fuUtirie people to manage a regular community newspaper. Finally, we need to 25 volunteers at various tiiiesthrough the summer.

Among Cb'inese, it seems best to convert whole fairdês, starting with the old-est Ambers first, so we hope to meet the needs of seiiLor citizens with God'slove in Christ. In addition, we believe that the community as a whole is sounfariiLliar with Christ that they are not ready to decide about him. Therefore,we hope to use a community newspaper or something similar to gently open theireyes to God. VJe don't plan to badger anybody about salvation lest we push themaway from Christ. Rather, we want to work patiently with every family who isopen.

Our financial report for 1976 is included v/ith this letter (six months late).Also included is a tentative budget of expected expenses for these two years.

I . V . ..Our next letter should come from Hong Kong, I Ihope. For the time being, ifyou write us, put it in care of '.vayfull and Helen Jew, 12B Broadway, 3rd Floor,Wfei Foo Sun Chuen, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

See you in Hong Kong!

• In Christ,

Gary afcJoL Joyie Aêrson

P.So from Sandy;I sure has been fun having Grandpa and Grandma Anderson with us these last

three weeks. Grandpa is an aioazing fellow. Cne day he is a mlssicMiary, attendingclasses with Dadc^ or telling churches about India. The next day he is amechanic, trying to fix Daddy's car. Then, he is a carpenter, making the bigboxes w^ will move to Hong Kong in. Now, I like to call myself, "Granddaughter."

ANDERSON MISSION TO THE CHINESS1976 Financial Report

ASSETS

197^ Ending Balance1. With Forwarding Agent $1669.152. With Andersons 6I4.6.393. In C.D.F, savings 5U59.73

Total ending balance; $7775*27 $ 7775*27

1976 Income1. Churches (22) $.0763oU22. Individuals (32) 3628.803. Direct Gifts to Andersons i|.83*00

Interest on C.D.F. savings 319*625* Repaid mission projects 150*06

Total income: $153Uh*9'C5 •<-l53UU*9QTOTAL ASSETS: $23120.17 $23120.17

EXPENDITURES

A* Forwarding Agent's Expenses1• Postage and telephone $ 2U9•202. Office supplies/printing 227*503. Pablicity/misc. I66.UU

Sub-total: $ *1U $ 6U3*1U

B* Anderson's Salary 6U19.90C* Mission Expenses

1* Apt. Rent & Utilities $ 3197.002* HK to USA flight k2k»2h3. Shipping Sc Moving 190.00U. In States air fare 753.005* Auto expenses for Mission 796.806. Other travel expenses 22.037• Tuition 1687.008. Books & textbooks 201»h39. Office supplies 11i4..8l

10. Publicity 110.7811. Mong Kok church projects 159*2612. Fung Wong church projects 126,OU13. Lay workers' wages 30.30lU* Bibles & study helps 33*U515* For passing missionaries U62.I816. Study LA church planting U6.62

Sub-total: $ d35U.9U +835U.9UTOTAL EXPENDITURES: $15U17*98 -15U17.98

ENDING BALANCE: $ 7702.19

BALANCE STARTING 19771. With Forwarding Agent $ 1U37.552. With Andersons 201;.383. In C.D.F. savings 606O.26 .

Total Ending Balance: $ 770^.19 $.7702.19

1977 PROJECTED BUDGET

(in round figures)

ASSETS

1. On hand starting 1977 $1,000.002. In C.D.F. Savings 6,000.003. Direct Support in 1977 12,000.00

TOTAL ASSETS: $19,000.00 = $19,000.00

EXPENDITURES

A. Forwarding Agent costs $ 350.00

B. Salary ($500 per month) 6,000.00

C. Mission

1. Housing ($275 monthly) 3,300.00

2. Retirement plan 600.00

3. Tuition & research 1,000.00

4. USA to HK flight 1,000.00

5. Shipping & Moving 500.00

6. Furnish apartment 1,000.00

7. Business travel 400.00

8. Office Supplies 100.00

9. Foreign visitors 1.0.00

10. Church planting costs 2,000.00

ENDING BALANCE: $ 2,650.00

1978 PROJECTED BUDGET

ASSETS

1. Starting 1978 $2,700.002. Direct Support in 1978 12,000.00

$14,700.00 = $14,700.00

EXPENDITURES

A. Forwarding Agent costs $ 400.00

B. Salary 6,000.00

C. Mission

1. Retirement Plan 600.00

2. Housing ($300 monthly) 3,600.00

3. Tuition, research, books 500.00

4. Moving 100.00

5. Furnish apartment 200.00

6. Missions travel 400.00

7. Office Supplies 100.00

8. Foreign visitors 100.00

9. Church planting costs 3.000.00$15,000.00 = -15.000.00

DEFICITE BALANCE: -$300.00

Make Checks Poyable To

ANDERSON MISSION TO THE CHINESE

July 13th, 1977

2

TICKETS CHANGED UNEXPECTEDLY

SPONSORED BY;

RINCONADA HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

1975 POLURO ROAD


FORWARDING AGENTS:

MR. & MRS. ELOON WYMORE

400 HILLVIEW DRIVE

LEBANON, OREGON 97355PHONE; 503-258-2855

May, in letter to Wayfull Jew; I'm so disappointed to hear that you'll leave HKJuly 1st for furlough, the same day we leave the States for HK. We won't be ableto see you, and I wanted your advice very much before we started working. I praythat some change in plans can be made ...June 24, long-distance phone call: "Hello, is this AARC travel club? ... We aresuppose to fly to HK July 1st, but we haven't received our tickets yet."

"Are you Mr. Anderson?""Yes, how did you know?""I'm glad you called. We don't have a flight going to HK July 1st ... Can

you go on the 6th? ... You'll arrive in HK at 11:40 a.m., July 8th."July 2, phone call to San Jose: "Hello, Wayfull, this is Gary ..."

"Really?! Where are you? ...""Near here. Our flight has been delayed. Can we talk with you Monday?"(We had an excellent and most valuable discussion with Wayfull and Helen Jew

and a pretty good flight to HK via Seoul, Korea. Praise the Lord!)

WHERE DOUBTS ARRISE

Mid-June: Joyce and I were discussing the impracticality of our plan to move toTuenmun, HK. It seemed that everything was against it. We believed we ought toconcentrate on mature adults, but everyone said Chinese old people couldn't bereached. We didn't know any Christians there and thought none would want to movethere.

Shortly thereafter, mail from Hong Kong mentioned that a grandmother unexpectedly confessed faith in Jesus; that one of the Chinese Christians had moved toTuenmun; and that one of the pastors was considering starting a kindergarten there,God had resolved our doubts.

SWEET, SWEET MUSIC

June: We wanted an easy-to-play, inexpensive instrument to accompany worship ser-vices in homes. Pianos and accordions were out of the question, so we decided ona melodica. It looks like a harmonica with piano keys. You blow in the end of it.

I foud one I wanted in a music store in Portland, but it cost $47, and I onlyhad $40. Besides, I got lost there, and had to spend $10 on gas to get back toLebanon.

On the way back, I decided to try a store in Salem. I wasn't feeling well.By the time I got to Salem, I was pretty depressed. I prayed, "Lord, I don't knowwhat you want me to do. If you want me to get it, you'll have to lead me to oneI can afford, otherwise I'm going to forget this whole thing."

At the store, I said, "Here is the melodica I saw in Portland. How much isit?"

The clerk said, "28.50.""Wow, but I only have $3o, will that cover the sales tax, too?""There's no sales tax. This is Oregon not California.""Praise the Lord."

"CHRIST RULES ABOVE ALL AUTHORITIES ».." EPH. 1:21

February, Pasadena: I was researching HK social structure, and I noted the important influence that the Hong Kong Chinese Secretariat and the District Ccaiimissionershad in all major undertakings.July 8th, HK: Mark and Kathy Chu took us out to dinner. The room we wanted wasclosed, so we ate in a noisy comer next to a wedding feast. To o\ir parprise, thegjfoom was a young man who had shown interest in Christ three years before becauseof a singing group Kathy was in. He visited with us for several minutes. Butmore important, one of our past language teachers recognized us. ^

"What a surprise, Alexis. How are you? Are you still working for a bank?""No, I"m now working for the District Commissioner's office in Tuenmun.""Really?! That's where Joyce and I are moving. What do you do there?""I'm a liaison officer."

"Wow, that's a crucial position.""Yes, as a Christian I feel a big responsibility. There is a great need for

churches to be started there."- - "That's why iJoyce and—I—are moving-there!" -•

"Really?! Whatever you need — I will do it. Ask me for any help I can giveyou. Here is my phone niambers ..."

HOME, SWEET HOME

July 9: Mark and I went house-hunting. We looked at everything.. Nothing wasreasonable. Mark said, "It looks like God has shut the door to finding a placeto live in Tuenmun."

I laughed, "Paul wrote the Corinthians that he wanted to stay in Ephesus because there was a wide and effectual door ... and many enemies. We've only seenthe enemies and not the door yet."

Hong Kong property costs are among the highest in the world, but just 20 minuteslater, we were looking at a beautiful place renting for 22C per square foot. Tryto get an apartment that cheap in the United States!

Joyce said, "Everyone will be surprised that we found a place in less than 3days from when we landed."

So, our new address for at least the next 2 years is:Block 2, 1st floor.

Castle Peak Court

IS^Miles Castle Peeik Road

New Territories, Hong Kong

It certainly is exciting working with God and watching how he provides answers toprayer. True, not everything is roses. Sometimes there are problems that make uslay awake late in the night, but in everything we have the confident assurance ofGod's care. We earnestly covet your prayers and concern in all these things.

In Christ,

P.S. FROM SANDY;

I guess I should have been a good little flower girl for Auntie Ginger, butit was time for my graham cracker, and after all ... . Anyway, it sure was funhugging and kissing Brian, the ring-bearer, during the pictures. He's so cute.

Make Checks Payable To


August 7th, 1977

SPONSORED BY;

RINCONADA HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

1975 POLURO ROAD

LOS OATOS, CALIFORNIA 95030

FORWARDING AGENTS:

MR. & MRS. ELDON WYMORE

400 HILLVIEW DRIVE

LESANON, OREGON 97355PHONE: 503-258-28S5

RADIO EVANGELISM; Bill McClure from Gospel Broadcasting Mission came todiscuss the possibility of radio outreach in Hong Kong and their willingness tohelp. The potential seems good although it may be as far as a year of preparation away. Please pray with us about this new avenue.

Dr. Cyril Simkins, professor of Church Growth and Missions at LincolnChristian Seminary visited us for two weeks. He not only got to observe theChristian churches here, but also share with the Christians rich insights fromhis Bible knowledge and experience,

I deeply appreciated his Biblical solutions to some of the barriers toconversion caused by Chinese religions, particularly ancestor veneration.Apart from sightseeing, we visited two of the major temples and saw first handvarious idolatrous rituals.

It took us three weeks to move in to our new apartment eventhough we got itin just a fevj days. But now, everything is hitched up or installed enough to belivable, and we are certainly appreciating a place of our own again,

Mark and Kathy Chu held an evangelistic concert at Mong Kok Church of Christlast week. The church usually runs about 30, but God blessed the efforts ofthe Christians there and about 60 attended the concert, Mark and Kathy havebeen assisting us in starting a church in Tuenmun this summer. They return tothe States in mid-August to go to Midwest Christian College in Oklahoma City,They need your prayers right now because finances are pretty tight,

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER: YES OR NO?

Ttto weeks ago. Dr. Simkins, Mark and I talked with Dr, Timothy Yu, aworld-renowned Christian who is head of the mass-media and communications department (including post-graduate work)at Hong Kong Chinese University. Wetalked about Christian use of the mass media in Tuenmun, (Everyone I've talkedto believes that Tuenmun has more signs of receptivity to the Gospel than anyother place in Hong Kong right now.)

Dr, Yu, who was a newspaper editor for many years, pointed out that practically all mass media in Hong Kong tjas way beyond the budgets of Christianorganizations. However, he enthusiastically agreed that a Christian organizationsuch as ourselves could publish a weekly community newspaper with a Christianslant for Tuenmun,

Tuenmun will have about 500,000 people in 8 years with a high readingability, A successful newspaper could have as much influence as some big citynewspaper in the U.S., like the Suniday edition of the San Jose Mercury,

I believe God has given us the talents to publish such a paper that wouldbe both evangelistic and well-read. In both high school and college, I took most

page 2

classes available in all kinds of photography and printing. I*m familiar withnearly all kinds of machines used in up-to-date printing firms. I edited theSan Jose Bible College paper and all student publicity for three years. Finally,communication and management are my hobbies -- I enjoy them.

This week, we hope to begin a survey of Tuenmun to assess the evangelisticapproach and the potential for a newspaper. We hope to interview between 1,000and 2,000 residents. By September 1st, we should have made a definite decisionabout the newspaper.

Dr. Yu said it would cost less then $10,000 to start such a paper, andwithin two years it would be fully self-supporting, maySe ev'en making a profit.Here is a rough estimate of the costs involved:A. Needed to start:

1. Capital outlay:a. Chinese typewriter $500b. Office furniture and tools 600c. Car 500

2. Initial printingsa. Editor's first 2 months salary 450b. Financial manager's salary 350c. Complementary Copies given out 300

3. Miscellaneous expenses 500$3200

B. Needed in 18 months: Downpayment on office 6000' Total $9200

However, our finances are entirely tied up with planting the church inTuenmun. There isn't a penny left over to start a newspaper. We wrote to acouple of churches about this project, but I finally decided to ask youstraightforward to consider giving a special one-time gift to this project.I think this is the first time in five years that I have directly asked formoney, but after much soul-searching jêel it is what God x-yould want me to do.I hope you will search your hearts prayerfully too and~see"what part God woHldhave you give to this project, vdiether three dollars or three thousand. Whatever you determine to give, designate it FOR THE NEWSPAPER and send it to ourforwarding agents. '

It may be that we have mistaken God's will in this matter and that theprojected newspaper will not succeed. In that case, we'll return all moneydesignated for it, that was not yet spent on the project. But, we are moving

- ahead because we believe that this is what God wants us to do, and in Hisstrength we can do it, so please pray for us.

In Christ,

Mr. & Mrs. Gary AndersonBlock 2, First FloorCastle Peak Court

18^ miles Castle Peak Road,New Territories, Hong Kong

P.S, from Sandy: "Happy birthday to me. ... Today, I'm two years old. Wow!**

Make Checks Payable ToANDERSON MISSION TO THE CHINESE

September 7th, 1977

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

/•SPONSORED BY:

RINCONADA HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH1975 POLLARD ROADLOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA 95030

FORWARDING AGENTS:

MR. & MRS. ELDON WYMORE400 HILLVIEW DRIVELEBANON, OREGON 97355PHONE; 503-258-2865

It really thrills me to think of the many dedicated coworkers of Godsuch as yourselves that we've had the prlvelege to met and love over thepast few years. I'm assured to know that although we're thousands of milesapart, we're still striving for the same goals, working at the same spritualharvest.

Let me tell you a little about the Palace where we're working. Cxyen^Mtakes its name from a fortification built to protect a sea channel there athousand years ago. Historians believe the area was first settled betweenthe years 330 A.D. and 590 A.D.i---Records show a Chinese garrison was sent tocontrol it during the Tang Dynasty (618-906) because of its importance.

Tuen Mun sits on a good bay and is overlooked by 1,912 ft. Castle Peak.The Tsing Shan Buddhist Monastery was established on the lower slope of themountain in the 5th century A.D. Its most famous personality, the Cup Ferrymonk, became its leader in about 428 A.D.

Han Yu, a noted Confucian scholar of the Tang Dynasty and one of thegreat names in Chinese literature, inscribed a large boulder on the mountain's summit with these words, "the finest high mountain."

For centuries this farming and fishing community has been harassed bypirates and smugglers, even as recently as the 1950's. Dr. Sun Yat Sen, thefounder of the Chinese republic, held meetings with his comrades here and drewup the plans for the overthrow of the Ching Dynasty in the revolution of 1911.

Now, Tuen Mun's population is about 50,000. In eight years she is expectedto have 10 times as many people, or about half a million. Presently, two majorethnic groups live in central Tuen Mun according to replies to the town surveywe're finishing up. Notice their differences:

Low-cost housing. Privately owned or rented apartments.

Originally boat people. Originally from the city.

slightly different physical features.

30% of adults can't read. Over 90% of adults can read.

Have some, maybe over 100relatives living nearby.

Have few or no relatives living nearby.

Have lived nearby most of life. Have lived there less than 3 years.

Nearly every home has a Buddhistalter and religious symbols. Little or no religion. Some Christians.

Besides these, around the fringes of Tuen Mun are thousands of village folks oifarmers.

page 2

Each ethnic grouo's distinct evangelistic and spiritual needs ought toget special attention. It looks easier to win the wealthier people.^ However j they are more likely to be individuals without strong family tiesand to be nominal believers. It looks much harder to convert the poorerpeople but they might come as whole families and remain very dedicatedChristians

However, they all l:nof; so little about the Gospel that we feel it isy^very important to introduce mail's basic Bible truths in some inp^^fengive

(( wa^^such as a newspaper or coiTur.unity I'agazine. Mass media approaches^— of'ften reap little resuT^TT so we've sought several people's opinions in

cluding two recognized mass-communication experts before proposing this.

And, all signals say, "Go! It can work." An ad has been nlaced tohire an editor and plans are being crystalized. But such a big proiectneeds all of us working together. It v.'ill take great effort, great faith,much prayer and much support. . ^ _

Are you ready for this venture?

Here is a rough estimate of the costs involved:A. Needed to start:

1. Capital outlay:a. Chinese type\7riter 5500b. Office furniture and tools 600c. Car 500

2. Initial printingsa. Editor's first two months salary 450b. Financial manager's salary 350c. Complementary Copies given out 300d. Unforeseen costs 500 ,

B. Needed soon: Downpayment and fees on office 6000TOTAL: $9200 ^

C. Weekly subsidy until self-suoporting/lS months: $45 weekly'— • • •

Is it important to you that thousands of people never ever heard of God's love?

Do you think a magazine published by Christians could help them'know God's love?Would such a magazine glorify God's name?

Would you prayerfully consider the part God wants you to have in this ministry?

Would you consider raising a one time gift of, say, three thousands dollarsfor this project from the resources in your church?

Would you personally consider giving ?500 to this proiect?

Would you organize a group to provide the v/eekly subsidy for the paper?

Would you provide one week's expenses yourself?

Sincerely,

Mr, & Mrs, Gary Anderson#2, 1/F, Castle Pk. Gt.IS-r miles Castle Pk. Rd.N,T,, HONG KONG

/ J I £l A SPONSORED BY;

from \jctry ond Joucb ?;?fpSf£i>DTAD~''Make Checks Payable To


October 14th, 1977 FORWARDING AGENTS:

A STRUGGLING NEWBORN

1975 POLLARD ROAD




Eight young adults, 11 children and a few dogs attended our veryfirst worship service and Sunday school in a squatter village here on theoutskirts of Tuen Mun.

^ rundown but spacious elementary school on thehillside. Although it's quite a climb to the school, there is a maiesticview of Tuen Mun, Castle Peak and the fishing junks in Castle Peak BayatooLw. giving sort of a campfro^ lielps to worship our Creator. We're renting itfrom an e^<êrie for about HO per Sunday.

'>5f^_?:£5Sregâon-isîke a newborn baby. Every breathe ittakes, every ounq^...ît-s- ienef^^^ is focused on self-survival. It hascountless drawbacks to attracting the unbeliever, such as lack of leader-Divine Srovln''' ® variety of needs, poor facilities and so on.So, pray foJ us?® " certainly needed to carry it on to spiritual maturity.

we can so "hat obstaclestn ^ possible for the curious unbelievertrvinf i'' "i* Christ as his personal Savior. In order to do this, we'retrying several out-of-the-ordinary things. '

®' ®raajor emphasis on Christian Education done by theffmuci to infant. This would not be learning Bible fact?as much as learning right attitudes and behavior.

ii?.,®"""!'.,,"'® fongregation is called ji^gajî^^jisêmbly" instead ofChristian Church' or "Church of Christ?^^^se "•Ch'irfgti' doesn't haveorten use that as proof that God is a foreigner. "Christian"

"cL®r"ch'n? ^h-ltrar b\?h-Catho?i"?"?d LeluTrs."As?^Mv.^ . f ® building, whereasthat "Savior®? A? hiû organization. Therefore, we felta???ra?? f?? «Assembly" was one of many Biblical terms that was moreaccurate for these people, here.

cLnZ! Chinese-style music and hymns written byv??rw ®"bher than just translations of Western hymns. As a result,S^rCh^Js?-""""®" ®'= ''®'"® services thanhlnese Christians raised in the traditional services.

d. Technical religious terms like "communion" are being avoided in favor ofThus"®the®M??'̂ terras lest the meaning that God intended be misunderstood,oMihfL???: rem??®aU.? Kemembra"???'"?'We meet on Sunday afternoon instead of morning because the people here

page 2

are freer then. (I like it better,too.)

f. I've seen scores of newcomers fumble with bulletins, Bibles andsongbooks in many churches. To avoid that, all songs and scriptures(from a modern text) to be used in a particular service are includedin that Bulletin. It saves a lot of erabarassment and a lot of timeusually spent hunting up songs and scriptures.

RELAXATION

Last month was the Chinese Mid-Autumn or Harvest Festival, andsince we live near a beach, Mong Kok Church of Christ, who we worked withlast term, chose our home as the site for their leadership retreat. Weenjoyed the fellowship with 15 young adults who spent the night with us.

Please forgive us^ if we lion* t write as often as you think we should,

Sincerely yours.

Gary and Joyce Anderson#2, 1/F, Castle Peak Court18.5 miles Castle Peak Rd.

New Territories, HONG KONG

P.3. FROM SANDY;I don't know why Mom and Dad make such a big thing about the language

barrier. My playmates and I easily solved the problem. I just keep saying"Huh" until I'm pretty sure what that Chinese word they are using means.And if they don^t understand me, I just keep yelling in their ear untilthey do!

from GaryMake Checks Payable To

• ANDERSON MISSION TO THE CHINESE

November 10th, 1977

Dear Friends,

MAGAZINE SET ASIDE

SPONSORED BY;

RINCONADA HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH1975 POLURD ROAD

LOS GATOS. CALIFORNIA 95030

FORWARDING AGENTS:



The plans for starting a community newspaoer or magazine that werementioned in previous letters were indellnitelv sj,t...aaide after we prayerfully considered the situation and received that advice from the missioncommittee of our sponsoring church, Rinconada Hills Christian Church. Ifyou contributed to this project, I trust that our forwarding agent hasreturned your money or will do so soon.

' Only God knows if we made the right decision, but we trust that He✓ will work it out to His glory as we commit our ways to Him. Personally, I

V,Q.t .coafîdent that circumstances indicated that a magazine was God'sV best method for this particular time.

NEWBORN AND GROWING

When 19 people attended our first Sunday's services, that was twiceas many as expected. However, several of those were members of otherchurches just visiting on our first Sunday. They wouldn't be back. AndJoyce wasn't feeling well, so it didn't look like she would make it.

So, I thought I'd boost attendance by advertizing a kid's club(Sunday School) in the village. At first, I planned to pass out 500 leafletsbecause in the city you can expect about one person to come for every 500leaflets passed out. Then I got to thinking that things might not be thesame in the village; so I printed less than 400. Then, to make sure morechildren than we could handle V70uldn't come, I decided only to pass out 75the first week and see what the response was. If few came, we could pass outmore the next week. (But, that "next week" never came.)

I asked four students from the elementary school we use to help mepass out the announcements. One said, "Wow, if we pass out 75, that means75 children will be here."

"Not a chance," I said, brushing aside his childish figuring.

"But," he added, "once we passed out 30 leaflets, and 40 people came."

So, I didn't know what to expect. That Sunday, I got to the schoolan hour early to get things in order, only to find about 20 children waitingon the steps for us to start. I told them it was still quite a while beforewe started, but they went in and sat down anyway. So instead of just'leavingthem there, I started leading songs.

In no time at all we had 28, and not another adult except my Chinesehelper, Peter, who showed up as I was about to throw in the towel. Theattendance keeps climbing steadily. Last Sunday 40 people attended.

Needless to say, we were unprepared for this. Our well-laid plans werediscarded. Goals were expanded. The services were geared to kids instead ofadults. My beautiful sermons went out the window for the sake of down-to-earthBible stories. (I know, somebody will probably say that that might not beSO bad.)

page 2

IT'S THE GREATEST

It's the greatest evangelistic ministry we've ever had. Week afterweek we share our faith in a warm context where nonChristians outnumberChristians at least six to one.

the greatest teaching ministry we've ever had. In America,children in the average Sunday School already have a basic knowledge of theBible. So what is taught on any given Sunday inevitably covers a lot ofwhat they have already learned. But most of the children here have practically no knowledge of the Bible. Thus, the new things they learn in aten-minute Bible story are probably more than the average American childlearns in two hours on a Sunday morning.

It's the^ greatjej|.t_mijais£,r^_iif_JLj?v^^^^ ever had. These kids comefrom pretty poor family conditions. Four of the five students at thisschool are virtually orphaned. They liyê _at_the school^nd only^ sae^ theirparents occassionally on weekends. Most of the other kids are quite skinnyand under-educated, even by Hong Kong standards. A third of their nosesrun all the time -- and are never wiped. They play and sleep in the sameclothes, usually on boards without matresses. At least two are retarded.And when one comes with a strong smell of beer on his breath, and littlescars all over his arms and legs, it'g obvious that love and care aremissing.

It seems like we are doing countless things wrong, yet God has blessedus with this wonderful response. But I also hope that we can make somesuccessful contacts with adults. We're planning to use a special programduring the Christmas season to attract interested prospect. Please praywith us for this and for the ongoing of this newborn church.

Oh, how I wish will all my heart that you were here working with us.n„__J?he Chinese are lovely, hard-working people. They are more ready to receive

the gospel than ever before. But I feel like crying, because-mo^-.Ghlnesea^jiamned--to the terrors of hell than any other people on earth, justbecause they don't have fair chances to hear the gospel. But how can theyhear unless there are preachers? And how can there be preachers unless yousend them here?

May aH our hearts beânrtetTTjrTGo^'^s~great task of spreading thegood news.

In Christ, .

Gary and Joyce Anderson#2, 1/F, Castle Peak Court18.5 miles Castle Peak Rd.New Territories, HONG KONG

P.S. FROM SANDY;Mommy has been sick, alright. She says it has something to do

with having a little sister or brother (The Lord willing. aboiit-Mid.MavKI have some clothes that don't fit me. They're for ''little'^TstSl^f^*===rguess I'll give some of ray toys to "little brother."

/

Documents

Anderson Gary Joyce 1977 HongKong