Rev Dr Kwok Chi HUNG
“In July, the Israelites were living in their cities, and at that time they gathered in Jerusalem as one man.” (Ezra 3:3)
First Light Care has been striving in three main areas: Counselling Service, Preventive Education, and Pastors Renewal Ministry, professionally serving various individuals in need. We hope to provide rest for the weary, healing for those troubled in spirit, and hope for the despairing. To achieve this, building a strong team is essential in addition to having professionals. The importance of teamwork is highlighted in the book of Ezra, where it mentions that “they gathered as one man,” viewing God’s work as a common goal aimed at building God’s kingdom together, advancing with a unified purpose and direction, leading to high efficiency. A team should function as a closely knit whole, with each member contributing according to the unique gifts God has given them. In March of this year, Mr Gerald Cheung, the Centre Director who has served at First Light Care for many years, officially retired. We are grateful for Gerald’s hard work and dedication. Although he has stepped down from the director position, he will continue to serve as an honorary advisor, providing his expertise to First Light Care. We are also thankful that God has prepared a young successor, Mrs Cherrie Liu. On the administrative team, Amy Lee stepped down from her service at First Light Care, and we thank for her contributions. May God continue to guide her into the new chapter. We are grateful for God’s provision as new colleagues Paula Ngu and Venus Lee have joined First Light Care, taking on administrative and accounting roles. Additionally, Lillian Shek, who has served on the management committee for many years, has officially retired from her committee work. We especially thank her for effectively using her gifts to provide valuable professional advice that enriched many important decisions at First Light Care. We also thank God for preparing new members for this committee: Carmen Ng and Holly Suen. We hope that the First Light Care team, as the Bible states, “gathered as one man,” will have a common goal and continue to move forward toward the vision and direction God has given First Light Care.
On the facilities front, last year, First Light Care’s new location was officially opened. We thank the Lord that many counselling services have returned to in-person service. May this centre continue to be a vessel of hope, a refuge for the hurting, and a place that demonstrates the boundless love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In November of last year, First Light Care’s Pastors Renewal Ministry held two pastoral seminars, inviting Pastor John Cotter to lead discussions on two important topics: 1. “Weakness: Methods to Examine and Address One’s Weaknesses” and 2. “Relationships: Prioritizing Gospel Ministry that is Faithful, Fruitful, and Sustainable.” We thank the Lord that over 50 pastors and ministers from various churches and organizations attended. The Pastors Renewal Ministry now has a team of seven experienced and passionate pastors to serve those living in struggle or facing various challenges, as well as guiding seminary students alongside them. This ministry also provides ongoing, relevant, and much-needed training and support for pastors and their spouses. Please continue to pray for and generously support this valuable ministry.
Finally, on behalf of First Light Care, I want to express special gratitude to all the churches, pastors, believers, and friends who have supported us over the past year. Thank you for your prayers and contributions, which encourage us. I also thank First Light Care’s advisory committee, management committee, all staff, and volunteers, each of whom has dedicated precious time and experience to enable First Light Care to serve those in need more professionally. May God bless them abundantly!