This blog entry is one of a series of reflections from the CBFVA Mission Immersion Experience to Macau, China with CBF field personnel Larry and Sarah Ballew. The following reflection was written by Michael Cheuk, pastor of University Baptist Church in Charlottesville, VA.

“Family Ties” 

When I first heard that Rob Fox was leading a team to Macau and Hong Kong for a Missions Immersion Experience, I was instantly intrigued.  The idea of this trip captured my heart because I first saw it as an opportunity to visit Hong Kong, my birth city.  My family emigrated from Hong Kong in 1973, and I had only been back once, in 1995.  I still have relatives living there.  Yes, going on this trip was an opportunity for me to see and learn about the work of CBF field personnel Larry and Sarah Ballew and Brenda Lisenby, but it was also a rare opportunity for me to visit my childhood home.

I flew to Hong Kong a couple of days ahead of the team.  My uncle Kevin picked me up from the airport and took me to a restaurant where I was greeted by two aunts, another uncle, and a cousin.  I was also introduced to cousin Almon and his wife for the very first time!  After a scrumptious meal, we went to visit my 100-year-old grandfather (pictured above).  Even though he didn’t recognize me, it was heartwarming for me to see him again, and memories of my time with him came flooding back.  During those first hours in Hong Kong, something resonated deep within me.  Half a world away from Virginia, I felt at “home.”  I felt a deep connection with people whom I hadn’t seen for years (and two whom I had never met), because we were related by blood, descendents of a common grandfather.

After my time with family in Hong Kong, I thought Macau might be anti-climatic.  I was wrong.  In Macau, Larry and Sarah and members of their Hospitality Industry English Class overwhelmed us with their hospitality.  They acted as our personal tour guides around the city.  They hosted and served amazing meals at the restaurants where they worked.  Members of Macau Baptist Church also extended their welcome.  Together, we sang hymns, we laughed, we baked cookies, we ate, we learned Chinese and English, we shared testimonies, and we worshipped.  Through all this, I was inspired by the Ballews and their ministry.  One cannot underestimate the sacrifices and challenges they face in sharing the Gospel in Macau and China as 100% self-funded field personnel!  But they serve with an abiding faith and a contagious joy.

During those days in Macau, something resonated deep within me.  Half a world away from Virginia, I felt at “home.”  I felt a deep connection with people whom I’ve never met, because we were related by Spirit, descendents of a common Heavenly Father.  During this trip, beautiful souls like Peter and Lilian Chan, Cecilia, Maureen, Winnie, Yuki, Cory, Jenny, Brenda, Gary, Gina (pictured above), and many others captured my heart.

Someone once wrote:

Family Ties are precious threads,

No matter where we roam,

They draw us close to those we love,

And pull our hearts toward home.

Because of this Missions Immersion Experience, I can honestly say that Hong Kong and Macau now both pull at my heart, because I have family ties there, family related by blood, and family related by God’s Holy Spirit.

Thank you, CBF, for making this deeply personal and spiritual journey possible!