The 18th annual conference of the Chinese Methodist Church in Australia began on the 28th of November. Altogether 69 pastors, church leaders, and representatives from all over Australia gathered at Wesley Church in Melbourne. The speaker for the opening ceremony was president of the provisional annual conference in New Zealand, Rev Adrian King.

On the morning of the 29th, after group devotions, Bishop Rev Dr Albert Wong preached on the theme “Building a church after God’s own heart”. Then pastors and representatives came together to reflect on the ministry of the past year and to discuss plans for the next year.

It is rare to have all pastors and church leaders under one roof. On the afternoon of the 29th, a thanksgiving service for the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Methodist Church in Australia was held in a conference room at the Rowville International Hotel in Melbourne.

At the start of the celebration, lay leader Bro recounted the past 25 years of the Chinese Methodist Church in Australia and all the ways God has poured out his grace. Head of the Chinese department at the Melbourne School of Theology, Rev Dr Liong Yuk Chong, also preached a deep and profound sermon on “From crisis to thriving – the growth of the church”.

In conjunction with this anniversary, the church also received messages of congratulations and blessings from other churches, leaders of various organizations, and former bishops and church leaders.

Afterwards, all invited guests, former bishops, church leaders, pastors and church leaders from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and board members cut the 25th anniversary cake together. The celebration ended satisfactorily amid the well-wishes of the conference participants.

After the thanksgiving service, the annual conference continued.

On the morning of December 1st the 18th annual conference of the Chinese Methodist Church in Australia came to a close. As it was the first Sunday of Advent, ordinations and appointments were held in conjunction with the closing ceremony. President of the provisional annual conference in New Zealand, Rev Adrian King, was once again invited as speaker. He preached on the message entitled “Passing on the Christian faith” to encourage the congregation.

The choir of the host Melbourne Trinity church then led the congregation in praise and worship. The pastors’ choir also presented the Chinese song “Unless A Seed” to reiterate their devotion to ministry. Some of the lyrics proclaim, “All my rights and my pride, I will yield; To obey Your Word and follow You.” Pastors humbly accepted the appointments as read by each district superintendent, ready to go forth and serve in each district. During this annual conference, Rev Shirley Ling, Rev Kam Loong Lee, Rev Allan Lau, and Rev David Tiong were ordained as elders, Pastor Michael Ting was ordained as a deacon.

As the service reached the end, the appreciation board representative Brother Chee Lai thanked all responsible parties, representatives,

and conference participants. Bishop Wong also announced that the Board of Executive will complete any unfinished tasks.

Before the annual conference ended, Bishop Wong announced the opening of the youth conference, and also announced that the 19th annual conference will be held in Perth in Western Australia.

The closing ceremony and Sunday service of the 18th annual conference ended after benediction and choral amen.

Reported by Johnny Hii
Translated by Joy Tie