The Hong Kong District held a joint baptism service on 12 July 2026, marking the first joint baptism organized by Ma On Shan Church and Hong Kong Church since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
Two young men, one from Ma On Shan Church and one from Hong Kong Church, were baptized during the service. The baptisms were conducted by Rev. Patrick Ho, senior pastor of Ma On Shan Church, and Rev. Hilton Fan, Hong Kong District Superintendent.
Because neither church has its own baptismal pool, the service was held at Conservative Baptist Yan Lok Church, which provided its facilities for the occasion. The Hong Kong District expressed its appreciation to the church for its hospitality and support.
Both candidates had been part of their respective church communities for many years and had already professed faith in Christ. During the past year, however, each experienced circumstances that led them to a deeper awareness of God’s grace and a renewed commitment to their faith. They publicly shared their testimonies and declared their faith before the congregation.
Following their professions of faith, each candidate was baptized by the pastor of his respective congregation. The service also included the presentation of baptism certificates and a time of blessing by Rev. Kwong, former Hong Kong District Superintendent.
Rev. Kwong had known both young men since childhood and had witnessed their development within the church, including their growing faith and experiences of Christian ministry. His participation in the service provided an additional connection between the young men’s personal faith journeys and the history of the local church community.
During the service, Pastor Andrew Chan of Ma On Shan Church delivered a message emphasizing that baptism does not necessarily change a person’s external circumstances. He noted that difficulties and problems may continue after baptism, but Christians are called to approach those circumstances from a renewed perspective and to turn away from a life dominated by sin.
The message also emphasized baptism as a public expression of an inward transformation that has already taken place through faith in Christ.
Pastor Christy Shum of Hong Kong Church described the baptism as a significant moment for the congregation, particularly because the two candidates represent a younger generation within the church.
“This is a joyful and thanksgiving-filled moment, and we are especially grateful to celebrate the baptism of these two young brothers,” Shum said. “They represent the next generation of the church. Although passing on the faith is never easy, it is the Holy Spirit who transforms and nurtures lives, and God’s hand has always been at work.”
Shum expressed hope that the church would continue to see new generations of disciples develop in faith and participate in the life of the church.
The joint baptism brought together members of both congregations to witness the public profession of faith and baptism of two young members of the Hong Kong District.
Written by Hera Chow of Ma On Shan Church of the Nazarene, Hong Kong
