A Decade Of Thanks

Cantonese College & Young Professionals Christian Fellowship

            As we celebrate the 10^th anniversary of CCYPCF today, we would like to give thanks to the Lord by counting His abundant blessings over the years. We hope the entire church could share our joy. Ten years ago Rev. Hong and Linda Lo once invited some Cantonese speaking college students to CGC’s church picnic through their daughter Erin who was studying in Washington University. The students were led to the Friendship Fellowship afterwards. But they failed to strike an accord with the mainland Chinese scholars due to language and age difference. There were no groups in the church to accommodate their needs then.

            In spring 1994, Hong and Linda shared their vision in starting a Cantonese College Fellowship. They were strongly supported by Gordon & Annie Wong, Terry and Ling Lum in the church.The first committee was formed in summer with Erin Lo, Kitty Leung, Wei Rong, Stephen Chan, Wayne Luu  Jonathan Cheung. A Welcome Party for new Washington University students held on Aug. 26 at Harold & Helena Law’s house kicked off the newly formed fellowship. It was named Cantonese College Christian Fellowship then. (CCCF)

            Biweekly meetings were held at first in Gordon’s house on Saturday evenings. Bible Study was given high priority. After a year, the committee decided to hold weekly meetings every Friday at Memorial Presbyterian Church. Now we move back to CGC for meetings due to geographical change in students . Last summer, we alternate our meetings between Stephen and Florence’ home and Stewart and Kitty’s home.

            Recently we changed our name to CCYPCF because many membershave become young professionals or graduate students now, with a few undergraduate students only. The present attendance is around 14. We meet on Friday night. We star off with dinner at 6:30 pm. Stewart and Florence are our regular chefs who usually supply us with Chinese homemade food which we all look forward to.

Our monthly meetings include two Bible Studies, alternating with singspiration and special topics in between. We are finishing up Colossians soon. We divide into two groups in our Bible Study to encourage more participation in discussion. Our meetings are often ended with small group prayers. As for singspiration week, we sing many songs and allow time for sharing, or learn the stories behind favorite hymns. As for special topics, the formats vary.We may watch a DVD or hear a tape and have discussion afterwards; or Q & A; or listen to talks from a guest speaker. Sometimes we watch movies produced by the Christian Media or have lighter topics like Social Etiquettes given by Florence in the form of role play, games and a video. We celebrate major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas & Mid-Autumn Festival. We usually encourage our members to join the Good Friday and Easter Sunday service at church. At times, we will also organize outdoor activities like picnics, canoeing & barbeque. Last summer, we also conduct workshop on Saturday morning teaching our members practical lessons on auto repair and maintenance given by Stewart. CCYPCF has its own website which supplies daily devotion materials to members, news of upcoming & past events, pictures of activities and a chat corner.

We want to give thanks and praise to God for all the students who came to know Him through the Fellowship. They include Ivy Cheung, Gloria Tse, Renee Lui, Ruby Au Yeung, Doris Wong, Karen Ng, Simon Wang, Timothy Chan, Alan Tang, Alan Yeung, Jane Lao, Stewart and Kitty Hoi and others. Many have graduated and gone back to Hong Kong. Some found jobs in other parts of the US or in Canada. A few got married. They include Erin & Frank Lee, Ivy & Jonathan Cheung, Kevin & Donna Ma, Kitty and Wilkie Wong, Emily & Alan Tang, Wei & Daniel Chan.  Kevin Ma will be a dad in the coming October. We are encouraged to see many of them continue to grow and serve the Lord in their local churches.

We thank the following advisors who dedicated their time & effort in CCYPCF at different times in the past 10 years. They include Rev. Hong & Linda Lo, Gordon & Annie Wong, Norris Wong, Kam To & Elisa Wan, Siu Linh Phan, Stephen & Florence Yim, our present advisors. Our present committee members include Cynthia Chiu, the chairperson, Janet Xue, Joe Lam, Kitty and Stewart Hoi.

May God continue to guide this Fellowship so that more young professionals and college students will be brought to Christ, and Christians being firmed up in their faith. May God help us to spur one another towards love and good deeds that are glorifying to Him.