My One Week Ministry Sojourn in the Island of Hongkong

On September 26th, a Wednesday, my eldest daughter Maines drove me to the Ninoy Aquino Int’l Airport. I took Cebu Pacific Air on Flt # 5J118 for Hongkong. The Airbus A320 jet took off at 4:50 pm Manila time, 10 minutes off the schedule. The flight took exactly two hours to reach the HKG Chep Lap Kok Int’l Airport arriving at 6:50 pm. Manila & Hongkong time is the same. It was my first time to fly via Cebu Pacific Airline and my first real trip to Hongkong.

At Hongkong Int’l Airport, I was picked up by my host for the week Rev. Josiah Gagarin, Philippine Wesleyan Church missionaries (with wife Lydia) to Hongkong. Their ministry reaches the Filipino domestic helpers in two ways: 1st, Pastor Josiah is the Pulpit Minister of the Hongkong Wesleyan F ellowship comprising of women who are members of Wesleyan Churches in many part of the Philippines, finding themselves working as OFWs in this island. So, it is natural for them to seek out their fellow Wesleyan born again believers in the LORD Jesus Christ in such a setting as Hongkong. Many others have been added to the church for the past 13 years. The church meets on sundays at the 4th Floor, Wing Hing Commercial Bldg. #16 Sutherland Street, off Des Vouex Street West, Tel. # 25605394. 2nd, he is the Supervisor of World Hope International, Inc. Shelter in Hongkong with his beloved wife Lydia. She is an indispensable help in the ministry of touching the lives of many Filipina OFWs who find themselves in difficult situations in Hongkong. Cases like termination, unfinish contract and many other circumstances that bring havoc in the lives of many of these OFWs. Those times, the Shelter is a haven of rest and a place of hope & protection for such Filipinas.

Flashback! Early this year, Pastor Gagarin & his wife were back from Hongkong because their temporary visas expired. They stayed at the West Avenue Wesleyan Church, Quezon City were I had the pleasure of meeting them while waiting for their visas to be approved. In a number of occasions, I got to talk, share and pray for & with him together with his wife about their visa application. I shared with them the testimony of how the LORD provided my US Greencard by faith in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! Encouraged them to believe in their hearts that the LORD will open the door for both of them to return to Hongkong, and that they will (not maybe) get their Hongkong Visas approved and that they will be back in Hongkong to pursue God’s call upon their lives. In one speaking engagement I had at the Sta Maria Wesleyan Church in Bulacan April 15th, they asked to come along. By August, God made to come to pass the “prayer of faith.” Their visa application was approved. Pastor Josiah invited me to come to Hongkong & be the church 13th anniversary speaker on the last Sunday 30th September, 2007.

And so, I safely arrived in the beautiful island of Hongkong. We took a two-decker bus (E11) from the airport on our way to the shelter. The fare was HK $21 which my host readily paid for. It took almost an hour to reach central Hongkong. Along the way, I got to see the beauty and splendor of the island. We passed two tunnels. Pastor Gagarin told me that the first bus stop after the 2nd tunnel is where we are to alight. We walked approximately 300 meters and we reached the bldg. where the Shelter is located # 31 Des Vouex Street on the 9th floor. At the shelter, a sumptuous meal was already waiting for us prepared by Pastora Lydia. The time was about 9pm. Praise the LORD for the safe arrival and for the appetite to partake of such blessing.

After an energizing meal, my host thought that I was ready to go to bed. Rather, I begun to get to know the Filipina OFWs temporarily residing in the shelter, eager to learn about their lives and experiences. As they talked and shared from their hearts, the LORD allowed me to start ministering to them God’s precious, powerful, healing Words. Hallelujah! These women started to open up & be transparent. Praise the LORD for the MINISTRY OF THE WORD! It seems to me that they have so many questions. Questions that need answers.. And the answers are all in the Bible, the Holy Scriptures. One OFW, Joy was only staying overnight and was to fly back to Manila next morning. I shifted my attention to her as I presented the Gospel and urged her to put her trust & faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. Early next morning, before Joy left the Shelter, Pastor Josiah talked & prayed with her. She received the LORD. Praise God! “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” Prov. 11:30. He then brought her to the bus stop for the airport.

That first night in Hongkong, I lay awake in the bed sacrificially provided for by my couple host, unable to sleep. My mind kept of thinking of these women in much predicament. I found myself talking to our Heavenly Father, asking in the name of my LORD Jesus Christ (John 16:23-24) that He gives me the hearts and minds of these OFWs including those that I will meet during the one week of my stay. I earnestly prayed for the members of the Wesleyan Fellowship and the visitors that they will come (sunday morning, 30th September for the church anniversary) with open hearts & minds; That they will be receptive to the Gospel message and the proclamation of God’s Holy Words. The theme of the celebration was: “Growing in Faith and Glowing in Love.”

The next day thursday, I got to see where the church meets. Retired Wesleyan Pastor Rabago & his wife, together with their son Pastor Stanley, where staying in the church. Praise God that during their stay, Pastor Rabago painted the whole church walls. Pastor Stan, his son, fixed everything he could lay his hands on especially the sound system and the wirings. He even did the front of the church in blue and it came out very nice. Sunday came and many had their pictures taken with the background the name Hongkong Wesleyan Fellowship. This is what opens up to anyone when you reach the 4th floor as the elevator door open. I had a hearty meal for lunch together with the Rabagos and Gagarins. Praise God for the brethren!

In the afternoon with my Sony Cyber-shot camera & video, I decided to take a walk to see for myself that part of Hongkong. A hundred meters or so from where the shelter, is a park for the residents where one can seat and enjoy the greens all around. There is a statue of Buddah at the right front entrance of the park seemingly standing guard. Obviously, Buddhism is the majority religion in this Chinese dominated island.

Back in the shelter and after the evening meal, I had my second session of Bible study with the OFWs . Some of these women are: Brenda, Rufina, Cristina, Martha, Lourdes, Vilma, Ana Lee, Dora Acosta, Nida & Wilma (precious sisters in Christ), Joy, another Vilma, Jane (daughter-in-law of Sis. Wilma). During the week, there were other OFWs coming and going in the Shelter. In my sessions on the Word with them, I sought to impress and imprint upon their hearts & minds the importance of the Bible, God’s Word.
That every question they have, any problem or difficulty they face, whatever predicaments in life, God’s Word The Bible has the ANSWER. They need only look into God’s Book and they will have the solution they are looking for.

Friday the whole day, I stayed at the Shelter mingling with the OFWs. They shared a lot about their lives in Hongkong. They talked about their hardships & hardwork even about their undesirable abusive employers. They shared even their heartaches about their families back home in the Philippines. Husbands not working (batugan) and even has the temerity to be womanizing on top of being drunkards (lasengero). They wait for the monthly remittances from their wives. The OFW mother, whose very lifeblood is being sucked by indifferent abusive husbands, children and relatives, is very loving and patient. So-called loved ones seem to think that money falls from heaven. They demand that money must not stop from flowing regardless of the situation of the OFW wife, mother or daughter. My heart goes out to many of them I have personally met and talked with.

After dinner friday night, Pastors Rabago & wife, Stan, Josiah, and I, took a taxi to Star Ferry to see the other side of Hongkong. There Pastor Charlie was already waiting for us. The fare for each passenger was HK$2.20 for the upper deck. The lower deck is only HK$1.70. If you are a senior (65 years above) like Pastor Rabago, you get to pay only HK$1.00. Hundreds of tourist from many parts of the world all around the area are waiting for the show of lights, shown on Cable TV. Overlooking the tall, magnificent buildings of Hongkong, at exactly 8:00 pm, the show started which lasted for about fifteen minutes. Their lights all lighted up, streaming from the left and right, side and top of the participating buildings, a woman’s voice can be heard all over the area giving a narration about the show of lights. With my Sony Cyber-shot camera & video, I got to record for posterity’s sake the magnificent display of lights.

After the show, we walked towards a building housing many businesses in search of a good Hongkong restaurant with fine food. We ended up at a Chinese restaurant that serves “Hot Pot” meals where your orders are actually uncooked. They provide you with a pot with water inside on top of a small stove-like stand. The waitress lighted the so-called stove with fire. We started to fill said pot with the ingredients in a very big platter. After a few minutes, we were ready to eat. We kept on replenishing the pot with the remaining ingredients until we consumed what we have ordered. It was a very good meal to say the least. It was filling but did not feel heavy in one’s tummy. Afterwards, we headed back by way of the Star Ferry to our temporary home. Arriving at the Shelter, it was time to rest after a hectic day.

Saturday was spent in putting finishing touch on my message for the next day. It was also a time of recharging one’s spiritual battery thru God’s Word and much prayer. We had lunch at church graciously prepared and cooked by Pastora Lydia. All throughout my one week stay in Hongkong, I got to try and taste her home-cooked meals. Her fish sinigang is one of the best I have ever tasted. I even asked her to give me the recipe and how she actually cook said viand. Reason, I plan to do some cooking back in Manila.

Early Sunday morning, woke up quite early to prepare myself for a day of ministering God’s Precious Words. Had a beautiful and wonderful time conversing with our Heavenly Father. Asked and by faith received the filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18) to have the anointing that comes from on high. Asked, both for myself and the people that will be coming to church that morning. Did spiritual warfare, binding and rebuking Satan and his works. Took authority in the powerful name of our LORD Jesus Christ over every scheme of the enemy and presented the BLOOD of Jesus against him (Eph.6:10-18; Luke 10:19; Matt.18:18; James 4:7; Rev.12:11). Claimed and proclaimed victory as done even before the sunday celebration.

Arrived at the Hongkong Wesleyan Fellowship at almost 9:00 am. Seated myself and waited for the celebration to start. I was informed that sunday school has been scrapped for the day to give more time for me to speak. I was originally asked by Pastor Josiah to speak for 35 to a maximum of 40 minutes. I promise I will abide by the time limitation. There was a sense of anticipation that I felt. Met Tessie Lumahan, the church Director. The previous Sunday, I spoke at the San Juan Wesleyan Church and met the Lumahans’, her parents.

People kept on arriving. After a short devotional by Pastor Stanley Rabago, the actual worship celebration begun. Made ready my camera & video because I wanted to record both by pictures and video, the 13th Anniversary Celebration for myself. The theme was: “GROWING IN FAITH & GLOWING IN LOVE.”

The worship service begun. The church choir comprised of all women in their beautiful white gowns, led in the worship. Two precious sisters danced while God’s people worshipped with all their hearts our God and Savior Jesus Christ. A video presentation about the church history was shown by the church Director. I was introduced by Pastora Lydia Gagarin. I stood to bring God’s Message to God’s people that morning from the Word! I spoke of Faith and how to live and appropriate faith for the believer. The message lasted for 1 ½ hours. God’s people kept on soaking and receiving God’s powerful, precious Words from the lips of God’s servant that morning. Praise God for the freedom to proclaim, declare, preach God’s Unchanging Words. After the service, I was asked how long I was visiting. I said only a week and that I was to fly back to Manila wednesday night. Many said how they wish I can stay for a month. I said I will be back, the LORD tarrying, and stay longer. Picture taking lasted for more than 30 minutes. Everyone wanted for their pictures to be taken . The pastors present obliged.

The church, with many of the women preparing food the day before, served in individual styrofoam containers, lunch for everyone. The church was packed with people. They were asked to just stay in their seats. Food were given to everyone by the ushers. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! After lunch, opted to go back to the Shelter because I was sweating all over and wanted to take a shower before returning for the afternoon celebration. Came back refreshed and participated in the afternoon fun among God’s people. Talked and mingled with our brethren the rest of the affair.

At about 4:00 pm, Pastor Josiah & I left for Central Hongkong. Took a Tram ride (HK$2.20) and reached the place that is well-known to Filipino OFWs. World Wide Plaza and almost all the surrounding area is Filipino country. Sundays & holidays, thousands of Filipina OFWs descend on WWP like a swarm of locusts (not to devour anything) but to spend their time with fellow OFWs, friends but most importantly to remit money to loved ones back in the Philippines. Many, I was informed by Pastor Josiah, gambles away their money among themselves. They have a way of hiding what they are actually doing because of fear of being caught by the police. Many have also become drunkards, drinking their worries, insecurities, problems both with their employers and loved ones back home, away. Seemingly, such an action just hides the deep heartfelt disappointments, frustrations and fears of many of these OFWs. These women needs the LORD JESUS CHRIST in their lives. The challenge for true, authentic and genuine believers in Hongkong, is to be the light and salt of the earth. The True Church of Jesus Christ (not the Mormons even the INK) must heed the call for EVANGELISM.

Two precious sisters during my stay seem to take advantage of my presence. Wilma, the saturday group leader of the church found time to be with us even during lunch, dinner & other times. The same was true with Dora Acosta at the Shelter. Found myself with these two: talking, sharing, teaching and encouraging them to center their lives in obedience to the Great Commission (Matt.28:18-20). Challenged them to fill their hearts and minds with God’s Word. Then, surely God will use them mightily.

Sunday night, resting, sleep did not come easy. Spent much time lying in bed, thinking of the morning service and the many women, I considered to be heroes of their families. By the way, I recorded my morning message. That night I replayed my own message. Put the recorder beside my right ear to listen to God’s Word. Sleep came in time. Hallelujah!

Next day, October 1st monday, back in church at 9:00 am. The day was a mandatory holiday in Hongkong. Meaning no work for the OFWs, Praise the LORD! I was to speak on the subject of giving. It was a wonderful way of tying up this morning’s session with yesterday’s message on faith. I was given the rest of the morning. I ended early past twelve. Spoke for almost 3 hours including the time for questions. Surely the LORD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26b). His grace and strength was more than sufficient for the task of preaching and teaching.

And so, my ministry to the local church ended monday noontime. But the ministry to many women in the Shelter and a number of church women continued for the rest of my stay until I flew back to Manila Wednesday afternoon.

Rufina, a wife and mother to her children has been staying in the Shelter for sometime. She is trusting the LORD to give her another contract with a good, gracious and giving employer. The meantime, she lives at the Shelter. She attended both the Sunday morning celebration and the monday session I had in church. She was very attentive even the time I shared, talked and taught at the Shelter. I personally observed the earnestness coming from this OFW. She was soaking and absorbing God’s Word like a sponge. In the monday morning session, she testified about returning the Tithe. She had to borrow money to help her while waiting for a new employer. She paid tithe on what she borrowed. My heart was touched. I wanted to do something for this sister. I have been preaching and teaching about giving; sowing & reaping; giving & receiving. The Spirit of God spoke to my heart to give her something. I was to sow money into her life. Next day in the Shelter, as a pretense, I called Rufina to ask about where they hung their clothes, she showed me. I handed her some money (US$), and she was so touched. I look at her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks with gratitude and thanksgiving all over her face. We are God’s hands to meet the needs of others, to give the love of Christ that has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5) to those that are hurting and need of God’s touch upon their lives.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent at the Shelter. I sought to continue ministering to the women every opportunity I had. One has to be intentional and deliberate to be able to touch the lives of people. Wednesday 2:00 pm, made myself ready to fly back to Manila. Dora, unbeknown to me, cooked a special spaghetti. Pastor Josiah & his wife,, with the following women in the Shelter before I left (Brenda, Rufina, Nida, Lourdes, Anna Lee, Dora) and I joined in prayer led by Pastor Gagarin. I then had my last meal in Hongkong.

Three women from the Shelter decided to bring me to the airport. They were insistent, Dora, Nida & Rufina. Dora handed me an envelope saying thank you for coming to minister to them. We walked to the bus stop for E11 near the Shelter. The three of us rode the almost an hour bus trip to the Hongkong International Airport.

We arrived at the airport at about 4:30 pm. I was able to checked in early for the Cebu Pacific Air Flt # 5J119 leaving at 7:40 pm. I was to get my boarding pass at 6:40 pm from the airline agent and a wheelchair was to transport me (I have an ICD Pacemaker). Meantime, the 3 wonderful women stayed with me. The LORD opened for me to witness with a young Filipina DH, Winnie Estrada (23 yrs. Old) from La Union. She terminated her contract because her employer was abusive. She said she was crazy and told her story to us. For 2 hours, shared the Gospel based on John 3:1-7 to her while waiting for our flight. Got her address in La Union, her parents name and cell number. Promised to give it to one of our Wesleyan pastors in Luzon. Dora, Nida & Rufina then bid me farewell. I wish to see them again in the near future.

The Cebu Pacific Air Flt #5J119 was on time. I was first to board with Winnie the plane. Lo and behold, my seat C4 (aisle seat) was right beside Winnie’s. She said truly the LORD worked out everything even for her. Our plane arrived safely at NAIA at 9:50 pm.
Went through the usual immigration and custom proceedings in a wheelchair. Got my small baggage. All the while, shared the Gospel with the one who pushed my wheelchair. The same was true in my coming to Hongkong the previous Wednesday. Handed him a good tip. Did the same thing with the Chinese lady who helped me with the wheelchair at the HK Airport. Everything in life is sowing & reaping.

Was out of the NAIA at almost 11:00 pm. Waited for a few minutes. My daughter Maines and her husband Levi picked me up. I was back home safely midnight. Praise God for a blessed & fruitful ministry in Hongkong! I promised to return in Jesus Mighty Name!