London in January is in the depths of winter. For the first time, I walked the bitter cold streets, experiencing something new there. I grew up in Hong Kong, a child of a British colony. I learned English from young, I spoke a lifetime of English, read a lifetime of English books, but this was the first time I had set foot in England. Perhaps I have no memory of great affection for her, for I never knew what a national anthem was, nor had I heard it before, until my children began their studies in Malaysia. Only then did I know that in schools, children would stand to attention in neat lines during morning assemblies to sing the national anthem. This had never happened in all the years I was growing up. But I do remember we had a public holiday on the Queen’s birthday – April 21. This I do not need to Google to know, because the day of the public holiday had been etched in my heart. This time, as I set foot in London, I felt that I had come to a Western Hong Kong. From the buses to the streets, and even the smell of the subway, there were many similarities. England had apparently exported some of her hardware to her colonies.

Every country has both a good side and a dark side. The powers of the world change hands as directed by God’s hands. Even now there are little islands scattered across the map of the world that are still controlled by other countries, still colonized. Laying aside politics, this time what I saw in England was the strong influence of religion, the depth of historical culture, and the soul-stirring majestic churches.

I attended two 5 pm Evensong services, one at Westminster Abbey, the other at St Paul’s Cathedral. London in winter is dark by late afternoon. Shivering in the cold wind, I followed the queue of people gathered outside, entering the church in an orderly manner. My heart was stilled by the solemnity of the atmosphere, and I sat quietly, waiting for the service to begin. When the majestic music of the organ began, the clergy and choir walked in slowly. As they sang hymns and read Scripture, my soul seemed to rise to the highest place in the church, and I felt that ancient unchanging love of God.

On the cover of the Evensong bulletin at St Paul’s were written these words: “Christian worship has been offered to God on this site for over 1400 years. By worshipping with us today, you become a part of this living tradition of prayer and thanksgiving.” This service was not only an encounter with God. In fact, it was also a connection to the faith of many generations of believers. Now I am a part of history there. How can my heart bear this amazing grace?

Winnie Chan
Local Preacher of Wesley MC