Wednesday, 13 January 2016 15:52

Following His Footsteps

Written by  Rev. Simon Wong
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Rev. Simon Wong

Former ACEM General Director

It was by faith that I humbly and obediently accepted my recent appointment as ACEM General Director. This
decision was my response to a renewed calling from God.

The calling came in April 2012 during the RHCCC pre-Good Friday prayer meetings when we meditated on Christ’s journey to Calvary. Over two consecutive evenings of prayers, God spoke clearly to me with a message that rekindled my heart.

I was reminded of Christ’s unwavering determination to endure the cross, bearing the weight of all our sins, to fulfill God’s salvation plan for all humanity. As we sang hymns, one praising Christ’s sacrifice and another reminding me of the rich heritage of faith we have, I was once again compelled to take up my cross. I was reminded that it is only by faith that I can be empowered to embrace new challenges and fulfill His plan for
my life. I surrendered my life to Him again.

 

After I yielded myself to God, He refreshed my memory of a ministry “dream” that I had several years back. That dream came when Canada was in the midst of redefining marriage to include not just the union between a man and a woman.


Many evangelical churches across different backgrounds had organized large gatherings in big cities to represent the biblical definition of marriage. The most note-worthy ones took place in Ottawa in front of the parliament building. Even though the opposition to the legislation was made loud and clear, our voice in the end was ignored. I lamented how this country had deteriorated into such a godless state. My “dream” was to reverse this deteriorating trend and make Canada into a God-fearing country again. I envisioned believers diligently planting healthy local churches in many cities and towns, and transforming these places into God-fearing local communities.

When we as Christians form a critical mass, openly express our biblical stance in important issues, and elect godly leaders to represent us in Parliament, our country stands a chance at resisting the slide into further godlessness.


I thank the Lord for renewing my faith and commitment to do His will before reminding me of my “lost” dream this April. This specific sequence of events has reassured me that my acceptance of this new calling to be ACEM General Director is not about the fulfillment of my own personal ambition.


I was not ready to accept the position of General Director a few years ago when Rev. John Kao first approached me. At that time, RHCCC had just completed Phase 3 of the church building project and I was fully occupied with the re-organization of its administrative and ministerial structure. But I continued to wait on the Lord for His guidance until I received the clear sign prior to the Good Friday of 2012. That April, I was filled
with conviction. I then shared this conviction with Rev. Sam Chan, my Senior Pastor who had been ministering with me for nearly 30 years, and was familiar with my passions as well the needs of ACEM. He graciously supported my decision and encouraged me to step out in faith, knowing full well that my departure would create some difficult adjustments in the RHCCC’s leadership. Many other pastors and deacons also expressed their support. My family gave me their blessing as well. All of this validation has reassured me to move forward
by faith and rely on His grace. Though I am approaching my retirement age, I have not been deterred from accepting this challenge because I realize I still have a number of productive years ahead of me, God willing.

In my new role, I will continue to reinforce ACEM’s existing ministries, and focus on the following three areas in the coming years:
• Church planting: develop and promote planting healthy churches in different cities and towns.
• World missions: develop and promote missions by caring for, training and sending more missionaries.
• Local church renewal: develop and promote the establishment of healthy local churches so that they will flourish and sprout new and healthy churches in other communities.

Under the leadership of Rev. Kao, ACEM has already developed its five ministry emphases and lived out the spirit of “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. I will continue to expand and develop these ideals of ACEM through serving God and serving people in our various ministries. May the motto of John the Baptist, “He must become greater, I must become less,” be mine as well!

Last modified on Friday, 03 July 2020 09:08

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