Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead

16th January, 2007 (Tuesday)

I have been writing this blog for more than 3 months’ time and I feel a sense of loss as I realized that it’s time to “forget the past, look forward to what lies ahead”,it is time to say goodbye to all of you. In future, you can contact me through this email (kinwli@gmail.com). Finally, as a closure of the blog, I would like to share the brief life history of Rev Li to those friends who were not able to attend Rev Li’s Memorial Service.

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Pastor Kin Wah Li was the eldest son and he had 3 elder sisters and 6 younger brothers and sisters. God prepared him with this family background in order to cultivate his leadership and connection skills. Because of the financial situation at home, he had to work by day and study by night during his secondary years. When he was around 15 years old, he became rebellious. He left home for more freedom and stayed in his friend’s house for more than a year time.his relationship with his family was greatly strained. After he came to the Lord, he was transformed and like the prodigal son, he returned home and rebuilt relationships with his family. His parents and siblings who were living with him at the time, all came to the Lord because of him. In 1974, he was baptized and joined The Church of Living Stones (Kowloon). He served as the leader of choir team.

Encouraged by the Lord, he enrolled in the Evangel Seminary in 1977. Two years later before he was graduated, he was involved in planting a new church-- the Church of Living Stones (Shek Lei). He then became the minister of that church, and he started his life of full-time dedication to the service of the Lord. He has been pasturing in the church for ten years, in between he had thought of leaving it many times. However, he submitted to the leading of the Lord and stayed. His heart and character was purified as a suitable instrument for serving God. He got married in 1984 and ordained in 1987.

Ten years later, when Pastor Li had stopped thinking of leaving the church, however, in 1990, God guided him to join “The Hong Kong Church Renewal Movement” and promote“AD2000” movement as well as some networking tasks. God let him widen his interpersonal network and establish connection with different churches. He joined the promotion of “Rainbow Crusades” and received positive feedback from different churches.We saw God expanded his ministry.

Between 1996 and 1997, God gave Pastor Li a new vision. From Aug to Sep 1997, he waited for the calling from God and fasted and prayed for 40 days. I still remember clearly once when he was so weak that he fell down by the wall and fainted. During that period of time, he prayed and sensed the tough condition of the new Chinese immigrants. He cried for them and felt a burden of serving them. In Nov 1997, he left his original post and started the “Mission to New Arrivals.”. God asked him to serve in a humble way. There was shortage of manpower and resources, personally he transported second-hand furniture to the homes of the poverty-stricken on trolleys.

God blessed his ministry for the coming few years. They developed "Recycle and Gift Programme", and set up a“Resource Centre", held ‘Seminars’ and promoted “Cross-Cultural Missions.”. In 1999, he compiled a booklet “Blood is thicker than water” for the new arrivals. At that time, Hong Kong economy was at a low point. In order to respond to the social need, they promoted ‘Livelihood 21’movement and set up "Christian Concern for the Poor Foundation Fund”. In 2001, he was received the award of "Award for Excellent Social Leader" by Lion Clubs International.

In 2002, Mission to New Arrivals embarked on developing a new arm of ministry - caring for South Asians' livelihood as well as evangelizing them. In 2003, Hong Kong was in deep depression due to SARS. Pastor Li responded to God and set up the “People’s Square” in Victoria Park. The unemployed were encouraged to start their own businesss and support themselves. Afterwards, he was engaged in "Rebuild the City" for 52 days movement to embrace Hong Kong, ‘Rainbow After Rain’ evangelistic crusades and ministry of ‘City Renewal’.

In 2004, Pastor Li visited the churches in India and prepared for South Asia ministry. After the tsunami, he again went to India to comfort and support the churches there. In 2005, God guided him to establish organic “Creation Farm” for the "lost" youths of society, so that these young people may learn perseverance and self-esteem through farming and come to know Jesus. In 2006, he used an abandoned village school to open "Life Guidance Centre" to teach the youth of living skills, to lead them the way in Jesus. This is the last mission of Pastor Li before he passed away.

Besides the mission of "New Arrivals", Pastor Li was the Pastoral Advisor for 3 churches in different times, director of "Kingdom Revival Times" and a Bible Institute, He also took care of the churches in the mainland China and trained the pastors there.

Pastor Li was a mighty warrior in the Lord’s army when he was alive. As written in the Scripture, "He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith. Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him on that day".

For a life well lived, I give God all the glory and praise.

Mrs. Li

He was still living in faith when he died

Monday, 15th January 2007

“And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead (Hebrews11:4b).”
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth (Hebrews 11:14).”

Yesterday was a most memorable day. The Church, from the main auditorium to the foyer, was packed full. Everyone came with mixed emotions; some with heavy hearts missing the one who has passed on, others with joy knowing he’s in a better place. Tears of sadness and thanksgiving overflowed; care expressed in hugs; Who but the Lord could knit our hearts together like this? Who but the Lord deserves our praise? It is the love of God that united us. It is the love of the Lord overflowing from the cross that shows us the way of eternal life.

Would that the faith of Rev Li still speak today to encourage all our co-labouring brothers and sisters in Hong Kong. Whether we like it or not, the baton has been passed. The way of the Lord has been clearly seen, being understood.., so that men are without excuse.

**On behalf of the family of Rev Li, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the pastors and fellow brothers and sisters who came to his Memorial Service.
~For those who assisted or took part in the programme, your participation added life and meaning and is much appreciated .
~A big thank you to those who came – the knowledge that you’re crying and interceding encouraged me.
~Also thank the staff of Mission to New Arrivals for working overtime apart from their usual workload, and organizing the Memorial Service in a fortnight.
~A big applause to Kingdom Ministries for putting the Commemorative Booklet together in one week, putting a beautiful souvenir in our hands
~Thank you for your condolence gifts and cards. They will motivate us to press on.
~Last but not least, we thank our loving Heavenly Father, without His lovingkindness and mercy, these three months would have been unbearable. Even though I do not understand all His ways, there had been ample proofs that He loves and watches over me. All glory and praise be to our God and Father in heaven!

Mrs Li

Rev Li Kin Wah Memorial Service

Tuesday: Jan9th 2007

(For environmental protection purposes, kindly refrain from sending flowers since upon return of church premises immediately after memorial service, all flower arrangements will be discarded. Thank you. )

Date : 14th January 2007 (Sunday)
Time : 3:30pm
Place : Kowloon Methodist Church (40, Gasgoigne Road, Yaumati, Kowloon)

Remarks:
1.Reception at Church: from 2:30pm
2.Kindly use public transport since there is no car park on site.
3.No car (including tourist bus) will be permitted to use the driveway to the Church.
4.For those who will be driving, kindly park your car at nearby car park (e.g. Yaumatic Car Park) and walk to Church.
5.For churches that wish to arrange tourist buses for transfer of their congregation, 6.kindly liaise with Connie or Creamy of Missions to New Arrival at 27296400
7.Kindly refrain from all photography or videography. Apologize for inconvenience.

Maps of location of Kowloon Methodist Church, walking route from Yaumati MTR Exit C, nearest Car Park can be accessed from Mission to New Arrivals Home Page at www.newarrivals.org.hk

Mrs Li

We Belong to the Lord

3rd January 2007, Wednesday

“For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:7-8).”

For the last few days, I have been busy taking care of domestic and organizational matters regarding Rev Li. I am grateful to Father God for the three days of holiday. It has allowed me some emotional down time. However, because I had to write an article in memory of him to be published in a commemorative booklet, my tears would flow non-stop whenever the scenes of the past were replayed. Close brothers, sisters and colleagues have been invited to contribute to this booklet, expressing their thoughts and remembrances of him. Because of the limitations of the size of the booklet and the short deadline, we could not accommodate all those who love him; however, you can express your feelings towards him through the blog or email me. The Mission to New Arrivals is planning the memorial service, so please refer to the Home Page of the Ministry.

As I was going through his pictures, I found that Rev Li was a very joyful person. He was only less cheerful in the past three months of pain and sickness. God’s timing is perfect. Rev Li used the last three months to settle all relational matters with regard to family and friends, to express his vision to the church - his choice of God’s presence and His glory and most of all, to fulfill his last wish which was the dedication of the Fan Ling village school which the Lord had directed him for the development of the next generation. Indeed, he has lost much sleep over the struggle for this school during the three months of July to September.

For us, the most precious time was the three days of Christmas home-leave (23-25 December) that he was able to spend with us. That was also the last time he was home. In the following three days, he had repeatedly experienced times of great intimacy with the Lord. On the last day in the final hour before he left us, his breathing became quick and shallow, but he was determined to persevere until he could see his children who were on the way one last time, then he expired peacefully.

Mrs Li

email: kinwli@gmail.com

Reunion in heaven

December 31, 06 Sunday

Dear brothers and sisters/ co-workers in Christ,

Our dear beloved Pastor Li Kin-wah has left us and now rests in peace. But we’ll meet him again in heaven in the future.
From 30/9 to today, is exactly three months. In this period of time, thank you for walking with our family and remembering us in prayers. A warm hug, an encouraging contact of the eye, a gift of love....you gave us your love and support. Hereby, we give God our greatest thanksgiving.

When sorrow fades away, our family will walk on again. The footprints of the Lord encouraged me. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, His rod and His staff, they comfort me. Although God did not heal Pastor Li’s physical body, but His healing came down to our family. It will be spread to the church. May the walls between people and people, churches and churches, be broken down. Let His healing and mercy be in our midst. Families reconciled and churches united!

Lastly, I pray that this coming year you will be even more filled with His anointing. May you serve with greater of His strength!

Mrs. Li

Pastor Li’s memorial service: Jan 14th, 2007 (Sunday, 3:30pm)
Gasgoigne road Methodist church

Crown of rightousness in heaven

December 29, 06 Friday

Dear Kin-wah,

Farewell, we’ll meet again in heaven in the future. You’re more fortunate than me. You’re now in paradise with God. No more tears, just pure joy, busy singing and worshiping God. For us still on earth, we will miss you a lot. But when we remember the beautiful battle you have faught, the race you have ran, the faith you have kept. Now you have a crown of rightousness in heaven for you, what more regrets?

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship…or death? In these three months, you put down all your ministries, to have your sabatical. But in these three months, you were still serving God. You nurtured the body of Christ with a life of example, and let us see the glory of God in you. Now, you’re relieved from the burdens of this earth. You’re resting in God’s embrace, and “know that He is God”.

Love you, your wife

Dawn will rise again

December 28, 06 Thursday

There’s an end to pain, dawn will rise again.

Ever since Pastor Li went back to the hospital after his leave, his condition became more serious than before. Sometimes his sense is somewhat blurry, sometimes he’s perfectly concious. Speaking also is a difficulty. Some simple and basic things that we do everyday, like drinking water or standing up, become more difficult to him and need the aids of others. He needs oxygen to help his breathing and a lot of time to sleep. Some of his index are quite high. The doctors told me that he would stop all medical treatments and asked me to make preparations. We are using God’s words to proclaim His promise, crying out for a miraculous healing. We are waiting for the transfer of hospital, so brothers and sisters in Christ don't come to visit him at this moment. But please continue to pray and interceed for him. Please war with me until the very last moment. Father God, may all glory unto Your name!

‘ “The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,” says the LORD Almighty. “And in this place I will grant peace,” declares the LORD Almighty.’ (Haggai 2:9)
Mrs. Li

Connecting the power of His love

December 25, 06 Monday

Thousands year ago, today was the birth of Jesus Christ. May God’s peace and joy be with you.

In this afternoon, a sister and her family came and celebrated Christmas with our family. We sang and worshipped, prayed and had communion. We exchanged gifts and had lunch ; we enjoyed the joy and warmth of Christmas together. Today is the first time Pastor Li lead communion for our family. Our sister and her family went into a room and had communion with her family. We were left alone with each other. We could be real and speak our heart. Pastor Li prayed and blessed each one of us. Although it was physical draining for him, but love conquered all. He dipped the bread with grape juice, and blessed each one of us. At the end, we confessed and prayed for each other, putting the Lord’s teaching into practice.
Thank you for this sister’s careful arrangements, like angles surrounding us. Everything is about connecting God’s love. More love, more power. May God’s love be with you and become your motivation.

Tomorrow, Pastor Li will be going back to the hospital. Please pray that:
1.) God will surround Pastor Li with His love, dry his tears and lessen his pain.
2.) God will continue to protect his liver functions and lower all his index.
3.) God will help him breath freely and can sleep peacefully at night.

Mrs. Li

God gives peace

December 24, 06 Sunday

Today is Pastor Li’s spiritual birthday. Thirty some years ago, on a Christmas eve, a young man was alone in the corner of an outdoor court. The streets were silent. Under the dim street lights, he saw the shadow of a cross. The Holy Spirit allowed him to see his heart. He kneeled down in the shadow of the cross, confessed and repented of his sins and determined to follow Jesus. Suddenly, he felt a release of his sins and was filled with joy. He started circling the shadow of the cross, singing and dancing.…..

Below is an excerpt of Pastor Li’s writings last Sunday:
‘This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, “ declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.’ (Jer 29:10-14)

Prophets prophesized that Israel will be exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon for seventy years. But God promised when seventy years were up, God would come to them again and fulfilled His gracious promised. This opened up a fresh revelation to me:

1.) There’s an end to pain, dawn will rise again.
Try to imagine being captives for 70 years. A life without freedom is very painful. And our society also have lots of people losing their freedom everyday. They are pained by the chains of sex, gambling, drugs, even in addition to computer games. They are in need of Jesus to come and save them, release them from their sins and let light shine in their lives again.

2. ) God gives peace in our hearts.
‘ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ‘ (John 16:33) I believe the greatest need of people in suffering, is a heart of peace. During my sickness, I felt this intense peace in my heart. Not only this, but God promised his people, “you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” God’s word never fails. From old testiment, new testiment, to the present day, I’ll continue to pray and wait. I’ll walk towards where hope is, and will soon see the light of day again.
The day that Jesus was borned, the angels said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people… Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Amen.
Pastor Li

Washing each other’s feet

December 23, 06 Saturday

Yesterday night, the doctors gave Pastor Li leave to go home for Christmas and stopped all the medicine (蛋白和瀉藥). This afternoon, Pastor Li was excited to be home again. He will be resting at home, and going back to the hospital for checkups after a few days. At the present moment, his feet is swollen seriously. This morning, there were four pastors and brothers in Christ that came to visit him at the hospital. They massaged and pushed up the water in his feet. Really thank God! I saw a beautiful picture. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Let’s follow the exemple of Jesus, and wash each other’s feet!

This week, thank God for His protection over Pastor Li. And thanks to all the brothers and sisters in Christ that war and pray with us constantly. We live each day with a heart of gratitude. May God’s name be lifted high, and His glory shown!

Mrs. Li

Unfathomable plans of God

December 22, 06 Friday

‘While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” ’ (Mark 5:35-36)

When Pastor Li went into the emergency, as his family we have mixed feelings. We struggled to focus on God’s works and guidance. Sometimes, we don’t want to accept the reality of his sickness; sometimes, there will be fears. One time or another, people will hint that I should be prepared. It might be easier for them to accept the present situation. However as his family, if we have to fight, we need to refuse to accept the situations that we see. We need to stand firmly by faith, refuse all the negative thoughts, saying “NO” to the lies of the enemy. Special thanks to Janet’s kind reminder; I need to hold on to God’s promises. God’s plans are unfathomable. Death - is not worth my time to prepare for it. This moment, I’ll live on for LIFE!

Mrs. Li

Seeking the guidance of the gracious Lord

Thursday, Dec 21, 2006

This morning, the doctor said that the situation of Rev. Li’s liver was not good. He said that the western medicine could not do anything about it. He suggested us to seek help from Chinese medicine (there is a Chinese medicine department affiliated to Tung Wah hospital). We don’t know what to do now. We are praying for God’s guidance. We also ask the brothers and sisters to pray for us asking God to open a way for us.

Tonight, we received a call which was consistent with our thinking. Perhaps it was the confirmation from God. We decided not to try the Chinese medicine to avoid increasing the burden of the liver at this moment. A nurse told us that the index of Rev. Li’s liver was already way too high; many people would have been unconscious already. Therefore, God is still taking care of Rev. Li. Thank God. Rev. Li’s ammonia had returned to normal with one day. God listened to our prayer. Even though Rev Li is feeling tired now, his mind is still very clear. May God’s Spirit be with him, protecting and encouraging him.

Mrs. Li

Cry out for the salvation of the gracious Lord

Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006

This afternoon, Rev. Li will be transferred to Tung Wah Hospital for recuperation. He said that he had serious de-toxication process going. He had to use the toilet almost once every one and a half hours. He felt tired. However, the function of the liver was better. Brothers and sisters, please keep praying for him.

When Rev. Li was in a critical situation one or two days earlier, I asked him twice whether we should inform his family. He either didn't want his family to worry about him, or he was full of faith, he said that it was not necessary to call his family to see him. Tonight, his mother and little brother and sister-in-law visited him. I felt relieved because they read the blog of Rev. Li. Thank God. Now he was transferred to this “self-service” hospital, due to the lack of manpower, we have to take care of more things. The situation of Rev. Li is much better now. But his face and eyes are still yellowish. His spirit is improved. Brothers and sisters, please do not come to the hospital to visit him so that he can have more rest. Thanks so much for your prayers.

Mrs. Li

The Heavenly Father who loves me

Tuesday, Dec 19, 2006

Today, Rev. Li slept much in the hospital. The doctor said that there was a lot of poison accumulated in his body. He gave him some medicine to help the detoxication process. I believed that he referred the toxic substance to the medicine to cure the liver tumor. Rev. Li asked me not to think too much whether the decision of taking this medicine was right or wrong. We should not accept the accusation of Satan, otherwise we would be deceived. Knowing Rev. Li’s situation is very critical right now, we are very anxious. However, his spirit is still very strong and he is full of hope. He said that he would accept God’s will if He wanted him to return to heaven. However, we would not give up until the very last moment.

The oldest daughter and I spent almost half of the day at the hospital. We spent some time with Rev. Li. Then we went to the canteen for an hour to let Rev. Li rest. Then we returned to see him. We kept going back and forth like this for several times. I really appreciated that a sister came to stay with me, and prepared food for Rev. Li. Her loving care really impressed me.

In the afternoon, our daughter spent sometime with her dad. They shared with each other in spirit. Rev. Li cried for he loved his daughter so much. However, our daughter seldom had chance to share with her dad in depth in the past two months. At that moment, all the gaps or suppressed feelings were swept away by tears. Thank God.

In the past, Rev. Li usually cried for the salvation of the Chinese people. But in the past two months, Rev. Li had not cried. However, when he talked about the unity of the Church and the glory of God, he cried for the first time. The second and the third time when he cried, he cried for the daughter. We believe that the heavenly Father loves us in such way too.

“See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” (Mal 4:5-6)

Mrs. Li