March 2011

Africa to Asia
An insight into the ministry of LCMS missionary
Megan Birney serving Christ in Hong Kong

Springtime Blessings!
The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and spring is finally here! I am thankful for
the nice change in weather and incredible change in season as we journey to the
cross with Jesus during Lent.
Often times it’s easy to forget that I have been in Hong Kong for almost two years
now. Hong Kong is so diverse and every part is unique. This year my apartment is
an area called Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island. The Cantonese word (香港仔) for
Aberdeen means “Little Hong Kong” and I think it’s an appropriate name because
Aberdeen has a lot of elements that emulate the diversity of the city. There is a
fair amount of ex-pats, Western restaurants, a country park, and also a lot of
local culture. If you walk around the streets of Aberdeen, you’ll find there are many public
places to burn incense, leave fruit or food offerings, and buy paper goods and money. A few
weeks ago we even encountered a parade complete with lion dance, dragons, and drums…
though no one could tell us the occasion (Photos at the bottom of this page). It’s interesting to
live in a place that is so grounded in history and culture but also sad to be surrounded by so
many people seeking false hope in Taoism, Buddhism, and ancestor worship. However, I am
thankful that God has placed me in a neighborhood which serves as a constant visual re-
minder of the many people that have yet to know His grace. I am also thankful for the little Abide with me;
moments in life and the opportunities to share His love through a smile or a kind word while fast falls the
walking the dog, shopping at the market, or waiting for a bus. :)
This month I had the opportunity to help with our Spring First Communion class. It was a lot eventide;
of fun spending extra time with some of my Sunday school students and an interesting oppor- The darkness
tunity to hear the questions kids have about the meaning behind the Sacraments. It’s en-
couraging to look to a child and find the simple beauty of our faith! deepens; Lord
The above picture is from First Communion Sunday. with me abide.
There are only nine weeks left in the school year at Hong Kong International School and activi-
ties are wrapping up. I’ve recently had an overwhelming number of opportunities to attend When other
concerts, plays, events, and sporting events (this weekend, a softball tournament!). I am so
helpers fail and
thankful for the relationships that I have built with so many students this year and am hum-
bled to be a part of their lives and spiritual nurture. comforts flee,
April brings more than showers! Including an English teaching service trip in Yunnan province,
Help of the
rehearsals for our children’s Spring choir, and outreach events for Easter.
Thank you for your prayers, love, and support that enable me to be a vessel in Asia! helpless, O
Blessings to you abide with me.
this Lenten season!! -LSB #878

Tax-deductible gifts can be sent to…

LCMS World Mission
Missionary Support
PO Box 790089
St. Louis, MO 63179-0089

Make checks payable to ‘LCMS World Mission’

Please write ‘Support of Megan Birney’ in the memo line.
Online gifts: http://www.lcms.org?13343
 March 2011
LCMS World Mission
800-433-3954
www.lcmsworldmission.com
mission.info@lcms.org
Learn more about the work of
LCMS World Mission in Asia:
www.lcmsworldmission.org/asia
Prayer Requests
“For this reason, I kneel before the Father…” Eph. 3:14
• For the community of Church of All Nations and Hong Kong International School
• HKIS Middle School Spirituality talks continuing to inspire Christ-oriented conversations
• The Asia mission field… that the Lord would continue to strengthen missionaries and
partner churches to serve boldly amidst adversity.
• April outreach events at Church of All Nations
• For the Lutheran Church - Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS); that the Lord would continue
blessing the efforts of the LCHKS in growing God’s kingdom.
• Theological Education in Africa; The CLET in Dapaong, Togo and Lutheran Theological
Seminary in Pretoria, South Africa… especially CLET students from Ivory Coast who are
away from their families during these times of turmoil
• My CUNE Family Life Ministry graduate program.
• Fundraising efforts and planning summer visits.
• For individuals considering serving on the international mission field; courage and strength
to heed the Lord’s call and say "Here am I. Send me!"
• My fellow LCMS missionaries serving internationally, for the opportunity & strength to live
out Christ’s love through service around the world.
• For the hearts of those needing to know the grace of our great God

Contact Info HKIS Spring Choir Concert

megan.birney@lcms.org
Postal address:
Church of All Nations
8 South Bay Close
Repulse Bay, Hong Kong

Check out my blog:

acrossanoceansizedlove.blogspot.com

Visit my project page:

www.lcms.org?13343

Download my prayer card:

www.lcmsworldmission.org/prayercards

Access my photo albums:

picasaweb.google.com/megaroonski

If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, please e-mail me at megan.birney@lcms.org!