“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16) This verse is Jesus’ declaration of His universal salvation plan and mission. Other sheep that are not of this sheep pen:…
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58 The Gratitude Dinner is a tradition at MAC, held every May to honour those involved in…
If you’ve been part of Manchester Alliance Church for a while, you know that missions aren’t just something we support—they’re who we are. A mission that extends to all believers, not just a chosen few. From the very beginning, God has placed a calling on our church to go beyond ourselves, to step outside our…
In accordance with the wishes of (the late) Pope Francis, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a decree on June 10, 2016, to elevate the Memorial Day of Saint Mary Magdalene on July 22 of each year to a “Feast Day”, indicating that Mary Magdalene is the…
Throughout the history of Christianity, music has always been seen as an important medium for worship and theological expression. Martin Luther, the religious reformer, once said that singing in the church is a proclamation of God’s way. To Luther, music not only enriched the ceremony, but was also a means to convey God’s revelation. He…
In 2023, the Chinese Alliance World Fellowship (CAWF) held its triennial World Conference in Manchester, UK. That year, the UK was selected as one of the Executive Committee nations. As the then-President of the Chinese Alliance Churches Union UK (CACU), I became one of the Executive Committee members of CAWF. Each year, I represent CAWF…
At the end of last year, I planned a trip to a shopping outlet near Cheshire with several fellow pastors. That morning, after dropping my children off at school, I drove toward the destination. However, my car’s navigation kept making me confused. It repeatedly instructed me to avoid major roads, and even before reaching the…
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) When do you find it easier to give thanks? Or, looking at it from another perspective, when do you find it most difficult to be thankful? In this passage, Paul encourages us to…
I recently returned to Canada during the Lunar New Year to visit my family. I was grateful to see my 96-year-old father still energetic and able to move around freely. Before returning to Manchester, I visited a relative who had been placed in a nursing home by his family. When I saw him, I felt…
On March 5th, we held Ash Wednesday at the Manchester Alliance Centre, organised by the Alliance Bible Seminary, marking the beginning of Lent. Every year, before the arrival of Lent, pastors remind believers through various occasions and media about the connection between Lent and spiritual practices. I find it particularly interesting to introduce Lent to…
Recently, I saw a short video online introducing a book called “Atomic Habits.” The content of this book is about how to establish good habits in life. What impressed me the most is that the book mentions that the key to building habits is not about willpower. Relying solely on willpower to form habits is…
This is my first pastoral sharing of the year, so let me begin by wishing all brothers and sisters at MAC a Happy New Year! May you have good health and be filled with the abundant grace of the Lord! Have you had any celebrations for the New Year or the Lunar New Year? Perhaps…
Every year for carol singing on Christmas eve, we will choose some popular and beautiful Christmas hymns and songs. To remind people that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who brings salvation, not Santa Claus or festive attractions, is one of the most popular contemporary Christmas hymns entitled “Who’s the hero?” …
The aim of Jesus Christ’s salvation is to “transform people by the renewing of their mind”. This transformation starts from an individual, gradually extends to families, then communities, and ultimately brings about profound changes in ethnic groups and cultures. God has entrusted this mission of eternity, to the Church, and is an important goal of…
Every November, people start looking forward to the much-anticipated Black Friday. Many carefully select their desired items and place them in their shopping baskets well in advance, patiently waiting for the day to arrive so they can grab their favorite products at a bargain price. The careful planning and sense of anticipation reflect how important…
Reflecting on the rapid and significant changes in our church over the past few years, it may feel quite overwhelming. However, some of these changes were unforeseen, with many of God’s works coming suddenly, not through our deliberate planning. I believe that the disciples in the early church, praying in the upper room before the…
Last Sunday, the sermon in church center mentioned a news reported by the media about a sheep in Britain known as “Fiona,” called “the loneliest sheep,” who was finally rescued. This story moved me deeply. In 2021, a woman named Jillian was kayaking in Scotland’s Cromarty Firth. There, she and her friends spotted a sheep…
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…
30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner will be held next Sunday. Have you registered yet to celebrate the grace of God with the Manchester Alliance Church family? Banquets are always something to look forward to, not just for the delicious food but also for the fellowship with brothers and sisters at the table. This time, participants can…
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 Cars are very important to our daily life in the UK; like our legs, they take us to different places – whether to drop off or pick up our children at or from school,…
‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead but of the living. (Matthew 22:32) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were three generations of one family, and the Israelites are the descendants of Jacob. Throughout the history of Israel in the Old…
I had the opportunity to pray and share with other leaders in the Youth Camp, and one of them was in tears during the prayer. After the prayer meeting, she curiously asked me and said, “I have been working with you many times and I rarely saw you shedding your tears.” People rarely see…
Recently, I’ve continued to go through a long-standing lesson: facing unsatisfactory situations without falling into the habit of complaining. In the summer of 2023, when I returned to my home in Toronto, a storm hit. The storm severely damaged my already aging roof, causing several asphalt shingles to fall off. My hope of waiting another…
During this summer, we held a workshop entitled “Perspectives on Personalities” for high school teenagers, so that through a personality classification tool they can better understand themselves and others. In our paths of life, we try different methods to help ourselves find our identities, roles, character, and the meaning of existence, etc. This kind of…
At the equestrian team event of the 2024 Paris Olympics held at the Palace of Versailles Park, Team Great Britain successfully retained their title and won their first gold medal. The whole country rejoiced! A century ago, at the 1924 Paris Olympics, the men’s 400-meter gold medal was also won by a Briton, catching the…
Thank God for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Swindon Chinese Christian Church retreat from Monday to Wednesday last week, where I served as their speaker. They set the theme for this retreat as “Unity,” which I believe is a challenge currently faced by Chinese churches in the UK. Over the past few…
In our lives, regardless of the size of the situation, we often encounter challenges or obstacles that we need to overcome studying, working, getting married, starting a family, dealing with illness, buying a home, or migrating. I believe that many brothers and sisters have experienced a lot in recent years. When you share these experiences,…
Reference: Mark 5:1-20It seemed to me that I had spent a very long time in a dark, chaotic, painful and cold place. I had forgotten what the bright sunshine; the fragrant smell of baked bread and the warmth of a hug, felt like. Though my body was still mine, I had lost all control of…
According to an earlier announcement by the UK Home Office, since the launch of the BNO visa scheme up to the first quarter of this year, the UK Home Office has approved a total of 201,877 applications, with 144,400 people having already arrived. Our family is among those who have arrived, and we have started…
Here is a bedtime conversation between a mother and her son. Son: Mom, I’m feeling a bit anxious. Mom: What are you like when you’re anxious? Son: I can’t sleep. My mind keeps thinking that bad things will happen, then I will get scared, and my heart starts to beat fast. Mom: Why are you…
In faith, God does not desire for us to pursue only that which satisfies our personal desires, nor to focus solely on His wonderful abilities or miraculous experiences. God has mercy on us and understands our weaknesses, so He grants us special experiences to strengthen our faith in Him. We may taste the grace of…
Each year around this time, youth leaders start preparing for the transition of Year 6 children into the youth fellowship in September. Although they officially join the fellowship in September, we hope for a smooth transition to help these young people adapt more easily to life in the youth fellowship. Both the children’s and youth…
Two businessmen at a gathering were talking about their female secretaries who had been working for them for over 10 years. One said, “My secretary’s wrinkles are showing, her reflexes have worsened, and she keeps forgetting things. I have decided to replace her next month.” Then the other said, “My secretary is also making many…
Over the years, people have often asked this difficult question about the gospel, that given to us by our loving Heavenly Father, “Why a tree, bearing prohibited fruit, was deliberately planted in the middle of the Garden of Eden? Was it a trap set for Adam and Eve?” The characteristics of Our Heavenly Father are…
In his book “The Challenge for Global Christianity” (2011), my friend Samuel Escobar suggests that the primary objective of the church is missions. Do you agree or disagree with this perspective? How would you respond to this question: Is missionary work the ultimate goal of the church? John Piper addresses this in his book “Let…
Many people who come to live in the UK face the challenge of housing, especially when it comes to purchasing detached houses, semi-detached houses, or terrace houses. It can indeed be a learning experience. You might find a house with a stunning exterior and beautiful interior decorations, seemingly without any issues, making you want to…
“Tofu and BBQ Pork Belly with Rice, makes the Romance of Men” — this is from a Chinese article made well-known by Air Supply, a member of a Hong Kong group named Golden Forum, 14 years ago. In the article, he vividly portrays what is “men’s romance.” Another phrase, “Men love Gundam, that women don’t…
When it comes to prayer, do you feel powerless and not knowing where to start? Do you feel that the person you are praying to is as far away as the clouds, or do you not know what attitude to use when talking to God and what to say? Maybe we realize that we are…
I had an opportunity to attend a retreat camp with pastoral staff of the Chinese Alliance Churches Union (UK) earlier this month. Easter fell at the end of March this year, at a time when there was more work than usual relating to ministries and meetings. On top of this, we also held a spiritual…
When I was a child, I heard a slogan: “Monday to the seventh Day, the more you work, the more you’ll be paid.” To boost morale, company leaders would lead their subordinates to chant this before starting work on Monday, as if working seven days a week is normal. When I grew up and entered…
In the past few days, all of us pastoral colleagues went to the south, at Ashburnham Place close to Hastings, to participate in a three-day, two-night retreat camp with pastors and missionaries from the Chinese Alliance Churches Union. The theme of this camp was ‘An Embracing Alliance’, with Reverend Gordon Siu sharing messages among us.…
Traditionally the church calls the week prior to Easter, Holy Week. A time to meditate and learn what happened to Jesus Christ during this period. If we consolidate the writings in all four gospels carefully, we can see that Jesus had a very tight schedule during Holy Week. Beginning on Palm Sunday, Jesus, in accordance…
A week ago, Eric and I visited Fukuoka, Japan. One afternoon, we went to a street with local shops and planned to have lunch there. There were so many kinds of food that we struggled to make a choice; but at that moment we saw a newly opened ramen shop. Although it was not yet…
A pastor in the church once told me that occasionally, they receive emails sent in my name, but not from my actual email account. Of course, these messages are quite peculiar and seem to be attempting to lead them into responding, possibly with the intention of deceiving them for financial gain. These mysterious emails manage…
I have a favorite devotional book, 《The Imitation of Christ》, which is not a modern devotional book like the 《Our Daily Bread》, but a devotional book written by a priest, Thomas A. Kempis, in early 15 years in Europe. It was also the first time I had read such a historical devotional book, and I…
“One step at a time, do as you see fit!” is a motto I trust in my faith journey, and that has helped me break through many predicaments of worry and timidity. In the cold British winter, my driving ability that had been frozen for more than 20 years was “thawed”, so I can only…
I have a favorite devotional book, 《The Imitation of Christ》, which is not a modern devotional book like the 《Our Daily Bread》, but a devotional book written by a priest, Thomas A. Kempis, in early 15 years in Europe. It was also the first time I had read such a historical devotional book, and I…
Many Christians believe that it is not necessary to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ because Jesus Christ never called on people to remember His birth when He was on earth. Moreover, as Jesus definitely was not born on 25th December, it seems meaningless to commemorate His birth on this date. However, when it comes…
In recent months, a series of public figures have taken their own lives, casting a somber shadow over what should have been celebratory times. I don’t know what these individuals were facing in those moments, but I believe it must have been unbearable pain, something they couldn’t endure. So, I really want to tell everyone…
There are many idioms and proverbs about worry, such as “bated breath, cat on hot bricks, heebie-jeebies.” Indeed, why did Jesus remind us not to worry about tomorrow? It’s because being human means we will worry; we will worry about tomorrow. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow are concepts of time, and humans, being creatures with a…
It is because of his faith in God that Abraham is called the father of faith. Paul says that those who have faith are his children, (Gal 3:7). Whenever we talk about Abraham, we believe he was great because he had such great faith in God. Many authors of the New Testament used him as…
Every new year, people always look forward to a new beginning, as if we had drawn a line and settled the account of our life at the end of the past year. We rip off the old and welcome the new in the new year and embark on a new journey once again. Perhaps this…
It’s fascinating how for most people when they move to a new place for geographical reasons they also seek out a local church. This avoids traffic inconveniences, the need to wake up too early on Sundays, and perhaps provides more time to enjoy breakfast with the family or avoid a chaotic morning trying to get…
Entering the age of thirty is considered a stage of maturity for people today; there is a certain positioning regarding the direction of one’s life. The growth in the past has shaped who we are today. Positive pursuits of learning continuously contribute to our growth in knowledge and the practical application of love. Even facing…
In the activities of church fellowship, there is a time for sharing meals together and also moments for group conversation where individuals share updates on their lives. Fellowship life, which involves mutual interaction, signifies sharing and bearing together. What must be shared within this fellowship is our spiritual experiences—our life of communion with God, such…
This year marks my third Christmas since moving to the UK. Reflecting on my childhood, I recall my parents taking my brother and me to see Christmas lights. We would visit places like Tsim Sha Tsui East, Tsim Sha Tsui, and then take the Star Ferry to the Central area, soaking in the festive Christmas…
How I became the European missionary of the One Circle worship gospel platform. It all started when I was called by God, the same year that I graduated from university. I joined the East European short term mission team which was organized by my church and the COCM in August. I visited Germany and Czech…
After I graduated from my theological education, I started to serve in a church school. The age of the congregation was similar, there were no elderly people or adults, only young people. Thus, I had very little experience of organising funeral services. On the contrary, I had lots of experience helping brothers and sisters arrange…
I am a little manger. I was originally an ordinary tree. A carpenter said that he wanted to make me into something, it was such wonderful news. My dream had come true! Actually, when I was still a small green shoot, I dreamed of being a treasure box. I wished to collect so many treasures.…
It happened to be a dry and sunny day when I was penning this article. Living in Manchester, we all understand that a dry day is rare. Statistics tell us that there are, on average, over 200 wet days in a year here. Even when it isn’t raining, it is not necessarily sunny. So rainy…
Temptation is an intriguing theme in faith, that is frequently mentioned in the Bible. The term is often misunderstood as merely tempting individuals to do wrong, to seize opportunities, to lure them into committing crimes, and convincing them to choose the wrong path. However, the original meaning is quite different, signifying a test or trial.…
In the blink of an eye, I have been living in the UK for nearly 11 months. From time to time, people have asked me if I have got used to or adapted to the life style here. Overall, I think I am quite an adaptable person. However, there is one thing that I still…
In the heart of the dynamic cityscape of Hong Kong, where the fusion of East and West unfolds in a vibrant dance of cultures, my sojourn went beyond a mere physical exploration—it evolved into a spiritual odyssey, leaving an enduring imprint on my perspective. This experience, marked by amicable encounters, profound reflections, and cultural immersion,…
This week is a significant day for the baptism and membership transfer in MAC. First and foremost, we would like to congratulate the 11 brothers and sisters who have chosen to publicly acknowledge their faith and bear witness to the work of Christ in their lives. We are grateful for your commitment, and we pray…
Recently, Hamas launched terrorist attacks on Israel, kidnapping some people as hostages, prompting Israel to retaliate. The question of whether to support Israel or Palestine is not the intention of this article. The Israel-Palestine issue involves intricate factors such as history, ethnicity, religion, and international relations, making it difficult to present a clear opinion. However,…
How many people have you met in your life? How many of them have become familiar to you? How many are there of your companions and fellow travellers? Recently, a sister from our mother church sent me a photo from a farewell dinner held ten years ago for church members emigrating to Australia. In the…
In late September, just past, the global Chinese community celebrated the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. However, for the Jewish people, the end of September to the beginning of October is their traditional major festival—the Feast of Tabernacles. This week’s pastoral sharing invites us to briefly revisit the origin of the Feast of Tabernacles and once again…
Unknowingly, my family and I have been in the United Kingdom for over 8 years. To be honest, since coming to the UK, there have been times when I have not quite remembered the dates of our traditional festivals, like Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. If it weren’t for some brothers and sisters in…
Recently, I watched an anime called “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead,” featuring a character named Tendo Hikari. Hikari, a recent college graduate, immediately landed a job at a company he had always dreamt of and even found someone he admired at work. He thought he was about to embark on a successful career,…
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as…
September is the time for school to start, and many students are starting to returning to school. As the saying goes, “Those who are close to vermilion are red, those who are close to ink are black”. The formation of a person’s character is not only influenced by innate factors but also shaped more by…
This is the title of a book authored by a pastor from a large church, sharing their church growth philosophy and specific strategies based on their own pastoral experience. The book explains how to transform a congregation of 200 people into a thriving community of 2,000 in just six years, serving as a guide for…
With an increasing number of Hong Kong believers settling in the United Kingdom, new churches are being established in various areas, which is a heartening phenomenon. However, concurrently, there are also other sects and even heresies that have begun to develop, attempting to work within the Hong Kong people. Why is guarding against heresy so…
Time flies! Now we’re more than halfway through this year’s summer vacation. Have you and your family enjoyed this summer? Have you travelled to somewhere for a vacation? Or conversely, are you waiting for post-summer holiday discounts to embark on a trip? During the traditional summer vacation, it’s a common phenomenon of a decrease in…
The scriptures of the Great Commission are familiar to us “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end…
The primary focus of the church, what is it? In the hearts of every brother and sister, the order of priority varies: Some value fellowship and desire intimate companionship, sharing their hearts and supporting one another in the spirit. Some believe that spiritual growth is crucial, understanding more biblical truths and living them out. Others…
These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have…
I still remember that when I was young, I left my church and followed my boyfriend’s (now my husband’s) church which is a big church. I hardly knew anyone except my boyfriend. In order to help me adapt into the church life, my boyfriend encouraged me to participate in the ministry. It helped me a…
2 July is a special day of MAC because we have a joint mission service to be held at Manchester Academy in University of Manchester. As MAC currently organises 9 services on Saturday and Sunday across the Greater Manchester and Warrington, we rarely have the chance to see one another of the whole congregation. Though…
Recently, many Christians and pastors have been discussing online about hymns. They discuss about the lyrics of Cantonese modern hymns. Hymn is an integral part of the life for Christian. From daily devotion to God, regular fellowship gatherings, to weekly worship gatherings, we have an opportunity to sing different styles of hymns from different ages.…
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:9-10) There is a parable of the sheepfold in…
Connected in Christ, Witness in Unity Rev . Chiu Many participants in church may lead a rich life of faith and biblical knowledge. But what we still need is an ability to listen to other people’s opinions, to be open enough to know the thoughts and positions that we have never understood before. As you…