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New Chinese beginnings for a homecoming missionary

17 February 2014
New Chinese beginnings for a homecoming missionary

Stella and Donni with the first Chinese Salvation Army Flag from Hong Kong 1982 (Photo courtesy of Major Stella Green).


Retired officer Major Stella Green tells how she has seen The Salvation Army Chinese Corps grow from small beginnings to become a vibrant ministry bringing freedom to many.

Recommencing a life in western culture to serve in The Salvation Army was extremely difficult. After spending 21 years as a missionary in Asia I felt alienated in Australia. I was a stranger in my own country, and deep within me was a longing for the Chinese people.

Within a week, God’s plan began to unfold. I was standing at Campsie railway station in Sydney’s inner-west one day when I overheard a conversation between four Chinese refugees from Vietnam. They carried the same sense of despair and loneliness as the refugees I had encountered in China. Something stirred within me and I spoke to them in Cantonese and offered them hospitality, love and friendship. They accepted instantly. They were the first of many to be welcomed into our home, and they became a part of our family.

In 1982, I was able to enrol Donni Khuu, a Chinese/Vietnamese Christian, as our first soldier. With her help we were able to bring many to Christ.

Our first convert from Buddhism was Mrs Leung. The Leung family members were loyal supporters. They attended Sunday service regularly and each Sunday I drove them home to Newtown.

One Sunday, Mrs Leung decided to take the train home. I wondered why. I drove the family to the St Peters railway station. She alighted the train and I asked her why she chose the train. She replied, “to think about Jesus”. We sat on the platform seat and I explained the way of salvation to her and she accepted Jesus as her saviour.

As the Chinese ministry developed, Canterbury Council granted us use of the old Orion Theatre, rent-free and with no electricity charges, for 18 months. The theatre required extensive repairs but generous donations were given and the Chinese members and local businessmen were willing to fulfill our needs. Over four weeks, we completed renovations of the upstairs section of the theatre.

The programs we ran in the building included children’s activities, English classes and social activities. We also had a kitchen, a counselling room, mothers’ facilities and a worship centre.

In a special ceremony celebrating the building’s opening, there was a spectacular Chinese Lion Dance down Beamish Street to music provided by The Salvation Army Band.

The Canterbury Mayor, Alderman Bull, represented the Canterbury Council in assigning the building to The Salvation Army.

Field Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Ian Cutmore gave a speech and dedicated the building to the glory of God. The following day, 70 Chinese people dedicated their lives to Jesus.

In 1984, under the service of Salvation Army Envoy Soldiers Thomas and Amy Chan from Hong Kong, the new Chinese ministry grew. The Campsie youth hall was used for English classes and fellowship, while local works surged ahead through prayers, fasting and Bible study.

God has continued to honour his work with many more multicultural corps across Sydney and the territory.

Campsie recently enrolled 40 Chinese soldiers and our first Chinese soldier, Donni Phu, is now Lieutenant Colonel and Officer Commanding of the Hong Kong Command. 

At present there are five commissioned Chinese officers, originally from Hurstville and Burwood, and two cadets from Campsie.

We give praise to God for answered prayers. Hallelujah!

 

By Sarah Laing

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

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