Unique conference enables Sydney's Chinese congregations to 'Live it Out'
Unique conference enables Sydney's Chinese congregations to 'Live it Out'
10 November 2017
Delegates at the ‘Live it Out’ Sydney Chinese congregation conference.
The Salvation Army’s Sydney-based Chinese corps and congregations gathered together last weekend for the “Live it Out” conference.
Held at The Salvation Army’s Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches, the weekend was led by National Director for Multi-Cultural Ministries, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Pho, who “gave powerful and uplifting messages and devotions,” according to organiser, Major Glenys Domrow.
“It was a wonderful blessing to be part of this and to feel God’s spirit working amongst those in attendance,” she said.
It was the first time a Salvation Army conference has been held for Chinese congregations from across Sydney. Approximately 80 people from Campsie, Burwood, Bankstown and Hurstville attended. Corps officers took an active part in leading devotional times each morning, before Lieut-Colonel Pho led the sessions.
“It was great to get together as one on this occasion and to feel the excitement and oneness of this group,” said Lieutenant Frank Wang, Bankstown Corps Officer.
Many of the delegates also took part in the outdoor activities provided by The Collaroy Centre. “There was lots of excitement on returning from the flying fox activity!” said Major Domrow.
On the Saturday night, each of the delegates were challenged to find their way through the centre's maze, with the rest of the group encouraging and helping them to achieve this. “It was proved that it is better to work together to live out our faith,” said Major Domrow.
The Bankstown worship group led the Sunday morning service, during Lieut-Colonel Pho brought a final message. Each of the Chinese-speaking officers assisted with translation for non-Chinese delegates. The event was concluded with a powerful Chinese song, I am strengthened in Him, which was sung with conviction and determination.
Lieut Wang said there was lots of positive feedback received from the delegates. “One lady only occasionally attended a corps and did not have much knowledge of the Army," he said. "She was deeply moved by the Army’s approach of 'Heart to God, Hand to man' during this conference.
“Another single mum from another faith who had experienced horrific domestic violence, was invited and sponsored to attend this event. She and her daughter had a wonderful time and felt very much included in everything without prejudice and discrimination. They were so thankful for the event and she said they had never experienced anything like that before.”
“We were very much blessed as a group,” said Major Domrow. “Not being able to understand the language made it hard for those of us who are not Chinese, but we felt the conviction of each of those present and know that God has done a beautiful work in the lives of those present."
It’s hoped that next year a similar conference will be held, with Chinese congregations from beyond Sydney also being invited.
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