During the recent holiday, I traveled to Hong Kong, primarily to take care of some personal matters and visit relatives and elders. I also took the opportunity to reconnect with some brothers and sisters whom I had pastored in Hong Kong, and made a short trip to Osaka, Japan. I believe many of my fellow brothers and sisters who return to Hong Kong share a similar purpose of visiting family and friends. I’ve also heard that many who go back to Hong Kong often take side trips to nearby countries, with Japan being a popular choice.
However, while planning my trip to Hong Kong, I intentionally set aside three days for a retreat at the Xavier House on Cheung Chau Island, to spend time in quiet reflection. I checked into the retreat the day after I landed. In the past, I had been to this retreat center several times, so returning to this familiar, tranquil place allowed me to draw close to God and reflect on the past few years, ponder why I am where I am now, and consider my future path. Although three days was not enough time for a complete retreat, I had to leave the peace of the mountain and return to the bustling city.
Back in the city, my schedule filled with busy gatherings and meal appointments. In each one-to-two-hour meeting, we caught up and shared updates, caring for one another. Although these brief moments together were limited, it was comforting to know everyone was doing well, which is, I believe, what everyone hoped for.
While most of the gatherings were as expected, a few stood out as unplanned and special.
The first unexpected meeting was with a dear brother with whom I have shared many years of friendship. He and his family also relocated to the UK a few years ago, but we had only met once in the UK. Seeing that he happened to be in Hong Kong at the same time, we arranged to meet.
The second gathering was with a group of classmates from the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) course back in seminary. In past years, we would meet once a year, but since 2019, we hadn’t had the chance to gather. The reunion came about unexpectedly after two of our classmates ran into each other at church and shared a photo in a long-inactive WhatsApp group. I suggested, “Why don’t we all go out for dinner?” and the plan came together. We picked a restaurant with no time limit, allowing us to stay until closing time, sharing the challenges and changes we’ve experienced in our ministry and personal lives over recent years. This camaraderie is truly precious.
The third gathering was with my mentee and former colleague. Although we had briefly met at one of the larger gatherings, I knew that he would be in Osaka while I was there, so we arranged to meet at a yakiniku restaurant in Osaka. We enjoyed an evening of lively conversation about our recent lives and experiences, with a special focus on his current ministry.
The fourth encounter was with a former church deacon. I had already met his family during this trip, but knowing that he would also be in Osaka, we arranged to meet one evening at an izakaya. Once again, we had a joyful time together and a chance to discuss matters more deeply.
This journey made me reflect on the genuine, lived experience of Jesus among others. As pastors (and indeed all believers), we have times for rest and renewal in the Lord, times to enter the lives of others, sharing meals, caring for one another, and sometimes engaging in deep fellowship with small groups or individuals. Though I have long understood this and practiced it, this trip helped me appreciate even more the value of each meeting and moment of rest. I hope my fellow brothers and sisters can also experience this sense of community and rest.
May we all cherish these moments of gathering and resting in the Lord.
Rev Louis Yeung