Back to HK

So a couple nights ago, Kat and I arrived back to Hong Kong for our last stretch of our what has been adventurous trip in Asia.

With only 5.5 weeks left (and 2.5 weeks for Kat), it feels like so much is coming to a close...to be honest I really want to just stay...but at the same time I do want to go home.

I do have a lot to share about regarding the conference and such, but perhaps I'll do that on another post.

But yesterday was a really cool day...and in one sense, I was moved. Nothing spectacular happened, in fact what moved me was just an image and a feeling. The image was of the Lau family...3 generations, all of the uncles (including my dad), and 3 cousins walking together just spending time at the mall together. The feeling...I love my family. And I guess, it was just the sense that although there were a lot more people, this was the first time it really hit home to me...

Two years ago, ever since God helped me to learn some Cantonese, began the journey of developing relationships with family that I never had before. When I came back in 2004, i could actually begin to build an close relationship with nana (my mom's mom). For the first time, we had a converstaion. For the first time I could share with her about my faith and my passion for China. The grandparent-to-grandchild relationship that I never had, and kinda envied of others, I was finally given the chance to start. And when my yeye and mama (dad's dad and dad's mom respectively) came to visit Canada, and ever since I've been back here...yet another relationship that I feel like I should've had, but never had the capacity to have until now...

kinda wish i could've had this with my grandpa (mom's dad) before he passed away...

but yea...really moved. I didn't anticipate this, though this is what I wanted.

For those of you who read this and share the same Father, keep praying for these relationships please.

China then Macau

In a matter of hours, Kat and I will be on a train headed towards Dongguan, China.

I think a little explanation needs to be given to why I feel so excited. First off, next week I won't have to work. hahah but more importantly, there's another reason why.

Even before Kat and I started dating, God had been cultivating in our hearts a love and compassion for the country of China. And for the first time ever, this weekend we will be stepping onto Chinese soil together! Wow. Who would've known. It's gonna be soo cool.

I am SOOO excited! Another thing that kinda gets me excited is this...

No one I know, outside of my dad's family, has ever seen or been a part of this side of my life. It's the side of my life that gets hidden away when I'm in Toronto...because it's practically half a world away.

Some of you may know, but essentially I'm part of a family business here in China that is very family oriented...to cut a long story short, my dad was the only one who decided not to join the family business and to pursue ministry instead. And because of that, much of my side of the family doesn't really get so involved with the business. But coming back, I've been having really odd feelings here and there.

The other day when I was walking over to the other factory, I saw a truck waiting to load stuff. And on the side of the truck it said, "Kam Pin Paint Works." And then it kinda dawned on me...that's my truck. It's Lau property. Living over in Toronto, our family has always been very simple. My dad's a pastor and my mom's a music teacher...and I guess coming over here being told that I can walk where ever I want in the factory because I'm a Lau, always makes me feel like I'm stepping into another life that I'm a part of.

Well essentially, the reason I'm excited is because there's finally someone that I can share this side with. Someone who'll get to see what this side of me is, although it's never been a huge part of it. It's so amazing how two years ago I came here by myself, but this time Kat's able to join too. So cool.

Well this weekend hopefully we'll be visiting the factory, eating at my uncle's restaurant, meeting Queen's people, watching my cousin race (legal, track racing...), and possibly playing a game of golf.

After this weekend my dad, Kat, and I are gonna head over to Macau for the week long CCCOWE conference. I'm pumped for that. I can't wait to hear what God is doing around the world, and also to be under the training of other faithful leaders and servants of His global Chinese church.

If you can, please remember us in your prayers. I've attached a prayer letter for you all at the bottom of this email. I hope you get a chance to read it. If you want you can read Kat's prayer letter too at her blog: katluksadventures.blogspot.com

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Hey all,

This is a slightly long email, but I really appreciate it if you can read through it and pray for me these next couple days/weeks.

In about 5 days, I will be leaving Hong Kong for what would be the primary reason why I came to Hong Kong... let me share.

Next week, Kat and I will be going to a 5 day conference called CCCOWE in the city of Macau. Essentially this conference is a gathering of church pastors and leaders (specifically Chinese) from across the world, to equip, pray, and share for the purpose of reaching the world for Christ together. Happening once every 3-5 years, this year they are starting their very first English speaking track of workshops and plenary sessions. Apparently, the goal this year is to "raise up a new generation" of dedicated followers and servants in the church.

I am really excited about going, because this is where I think God's gonna really show me about where my place is with regards to China. As most of you know, I've felt the Lord's call to serve Him in China one day, and I've been asking Him over and over again how to do it, but each time I just heard Him whisper back and say, "I'll tell you when you get there."

Last time I came here, I thought He would answer me, but all He told me was "There's a bigger picture". And I'm beginning to think that this may be that bigger picture...attending the conference and seeing what the Lord is doing in the global Chinese church.

So I'm thinking...maybe this time, He's gonna tell me. And I'm really excited!

One thing that I know I need is your prayers. I know this week will be an intense week, and I can't do it without all of you beside me praying. I've already been feeling some spiritual attack on my mind, physical body, and spiritual life. I definitely need you all to help pray for protection.

Here's a short list of other things you can pray for me as well:
- divine revelation for the direction of my life
- a more focused and renewed passion for the people of China
- connecting with the right people
- spiritual walk with God would be closer
- energy to fully engage everyday during the conference

One last prayer request is also to pray for Kat. She's been given the privilege of sharing for 10 mins in front of the whole English track about what God has been doing in Toronto, specifically about Youth on a Hill. Afterwards, there will be an open question and answer session where she's got to field questions from the audience. Pray that her ears will be attentive to where the Spirit is trying to lead her during the talk and that she would have confidence and peace when she shares and fields questions.

Thank you so much for reading this far and for praying for me.

Take care and I hope you all continue to have an awesome summer.

-mike

Dinner on Stubbs Rd.

Last night, Kat and I joined Casey for dinner at Gary and Garland’s house. It was an awesome night. What happened there, the words that were spoken, were not expected but so encouraging to hear.

I think the two phrases that caught my attention the most was when Gary and Garland told us that we were at the epicenter of what God is doing in the English church of Hong Kong. They told us we were in the right place, attending the Vine as our church in Hong Kong. They spoke about how God has been doing so much in that church, and I couldn’t agree more. They told us about how God’s been working in places like Tung Fook Tong, last December 1500 people came to Christ. That is amazing! They told us about ECC Hong Kong, about their 24/7 prayer ministry and how every slot is filled with people from the church praying. To hear of a church who’s entire congregation is so engaged in praying, like ECC Hong Kong and like the Brooklyn Tabernacle (which we also talked about), is so encouraging.

The other thing they told us was to bring what we find here back to Toronto. They told us that we were shock troops or scouts. We are seeing what it’s like for the kingdom of God to come down on earth, and we need to lead others into prayer and repentance to see His kingdom unfold in the lives of our families, churches, schools, and friends.

After dinner, we spent some time to pray together, sharing requests like how CCCOWE will be coming up soon. And it was really cool to have a meal and pray with a couple that we don’t know too well, and yet share the same heart.
It was an unexpectedly awesome night.