LOOKING FORWARD
By Cedric C
INCOMING MSI PRESIDENT: FROM 2025

We give thanks to God for his grace in MSI’s 30th years of history and service. Thousands of people, and dozens of projects and sites, have come and gone. China has changed tremendously and is now more capable, technologically advanced, well-resourced, and professional. For example, Zhaojue hospital was initially very happy to receive any kind of assistance. As the hospital developed, their doctors’ skills increased as they added new services and buildings. Now, it is on the verge of becoming a hospital treating acute coronary heart disease, cancer, and renal failure (via haemodialysis). Numerous doctors and nurses from bigger cities work there as experts in all departments. This is happening all over China. Where then, is MSI’s place, role or niche?

While MSI has an official welcome and many local partners are very happy to work with us, the perception outside of China is that it is not very welcoming to foreigners. Over the last few years, there have not been enough NGO workers joining us to replace those retiring from the field. But we are greatly encouraged that recently more and more foreign and PRC brothers and sisters are exploring service with MSI. However, the reality is that we must still adapt and consider significant changes in direction in the future.

MSI has changed before. At its outset, MSI was Medical Services International, then became MSI Professional Services to include non-medical professions. This was a big identity change. We were not only doctors, nurses and therapists, but had a widened scope to include other professions. Another big identity change was when we expanded the scope of our partnerships, to include marketplace professionals. Now, MSI leadership is exploring going beyond China. Where can we apply what we have gleaned over the past thirty years?

Going beyond China allows us to welcome locals who wish to serve cross-culturally with their professions in other countries. Our China experience means they face fewer barriers when joining us, vis-à-vis joining international teams that only speak English. This would also expand our mobilisation to include those who wish to serve with their professions beyond China. Going beyond China will not happen overnight. This necessitates a lot of discussion and exploration. Meanwhile, we will take small steps, like sending out short-term teams with trusted partners and accumulating experience. While MSI will still remain very committed to serving in China, we are looking forward to adding new opportunities to our existing ministries.

THE LORD REIGNS

By Joyce L
MSI PRESIDENT: 2020 – 2024

I began my presidency during COVID, arriving in Hong Kong on 1 June 2020 to an empty office. (You can watch my special MSI President induction on our website!) During the next few years, I was a privileged front-row witness of God’s sovereignty.

In early 2020, as COVID began to spread through the world, I had returned to Singapore to celebrate Chinese New Year and was told not to return to China. As I was swimming one day, the Lord suddenly prompted me to return. David L, the then President, and I discussed the risks involved, and he graciously gave me the green light. I arrived in Chengdu on 7 March 2020, and there was no mention of the dreaded word, “quarantine”. Seeing my uneventful return to Chengdu, a few foreign colleagues also managed to return before China closed her borders to all foreigners in March 2020. Indeed, even when COVID closed the borders, God was still sovereign over our times.

As the rest of the world suffered and fought COVID, China felt very safe behind barricaded borders. MSI colleagues from Hong Kong and Taiwan endured very long quarantines to travel in or out of the mainland. Foreigners were afraid to leave the country, as they might not be able to return. These super-tight travel restrictions and long quarantines caused many foreigners and international NGOs to leave China. Both China’s domestic policies and international geopolitics made her increasingly isolated. Many were convinced that China no longer welcomed foreigners. Yet the provincial authorities continued to welcome MSI and approved our annual plans and budgets. God also opened opportunities for MSI to increase and deepen our partnerships with local friends. MSI had talked about indigenisation for a very long time but COVID accelerated it. Indeed, when opportunities for foreign organisations were closing, God was still sovereign over the situation.

While many died because of COVID, many also left the faith due to meeting restrictions. Yet under this pressure, many persevered and quickly turned to meeting in small groups. The church is not a building but a community of His people. Many were trained as leaders, even as the space for pew warmers shrunk. Indeed, when the doors of churches were shut, God was still sovereign over the suffering that they continue to endure. I give thanks that God’s faithfulness, goodness and grace has led us thus far, and that He will lead us on.

MSI 30th anniversary 2015-2020 sharing
By David L

As with the other sections in MSI’s history, we witnessed many significant events and changes during this five-year period, 2015 through 2019. I shall list a few of the major events as well as share a few reflections.
2015
• Ken Chow* and Richard Chen both passed away.
• Po Kee Cheung and Hui Kheng Ang each completed their service (over ten years) in the Executive Director for International Mobilisation and Executive Director for Professional Services roles, respectively.
• We purchased the Yunnan Chief Representative office.
2016
• In 2016, Joseph and Lori Chang completed their move to Hong Kong, bringing a new dynamic to the team.
• We began exploring new ways for registration and service.
• Focused field-led prayer was initiated as we prepared for transition.
2017
• We experienced God’s mercy and grace in the successful registration of the Yunnan and Sichuan Chief Representative offices.
• We began using “stages of the work” as a guide to plan and evaluate our service.
• Our ministry partners registered their first missional business.
2018
• We began partnership with a local NGO incubator.
• We further developed our ministry partnerships.
• The Youth Centre officially closed.
• Our two very experienced chief representatives, Tomoko Nishina and Nancy Shen, retired.
2019
• MSI marked our 25th year anniversary.
• Our local interns and staff attended provincial and field strategy meetings.
• Joyce Lau was confirmed as fourth MSI president!
• December 2019 – start of COVID.

*Former Chief Representative in Chengdu

Personal reflections:
In the absence of a gifted leader, there is greater need for a strong team. We had very good teams during these five years. Deep heartfelt thanks to our field teams (led mostly by Tomoko and Nancy) during that time of major transition. Our leadership team of Joseph and Lori Chang, Joshua and Margaret Kim, TK Ho, Daniel Leung, and later Dr. Edward Sitt, workedwell together in Hong Kong, helping Vivian and me gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for all that God was doing through the MSI community. The Hong Kong office team was very significant, not just as support, but truly as an integral part of the ministry.

Of course, the regional centres powered our mobilisation efforts, an integral part of all that MSI is about.

Indigenisation, an ongoing process, continued to develop as a critical aspect of MSI’s growth.

A special thanks to Matthew Koh and Hui Kheng Ang. Matthew spent hours helping me understand the ethos, values, and history of MSI. Hui Kheng told me countless stories to illustrate the principles which Matthew shared.

OUR STORY, HIS STORY
By Matthew Koh
MSI PRESIDENT: 2004 – 2015

I joined MSI in 1994 as medical director, and was MSI President for a decade from 2004 till 2014. At age fifty, I was burned out, had lost my joy in ministry, and I stepped down.

The 30th anniversary has given us time to look back to see things deeply, and to know as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13).

MSI is not about a chronological timeline. Dr Taylor instructed me to read the Bible and Dr AJ Broomhall’s “China’s Open Century’. Understanding our organic story enables us to lead the organisation well. Tamy Fisk, one of MSI’s first doctors, passed away from malignant melanoma but is still well remembered in Zhaojue. Her life marks MSI’s DNA as a kernel of wheat that falls to the ground and dies. There have been many others who have joined this cloud of witnesses, including those among us who continue MSI’s work.

MSI is not about geography but about whether we have left a significant mark in the places we have served. MSI is not the NGO but the vision that God gave to our three founders, who continued on, only by His grace and mercy. We can go on counting all the unsung faithful servants throughout the generations where MSI has served the marginalised in difficult places.

It is interesting to look at life from the rear view mirror. We know where we are now, and we can see the good times and opportunities that remain for us to continue to serve chronologically, geographically, but most importantly, relationally. From the centre of the universe, where everything began, is the perfect relationship and love between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, where the Sender, the Sent and the Sending come together. David Pickard reminded me that MSI is also not just a field, but an organism comprising the sending mobilisers, the people in the field that were sent and the sending. The people we serve in China will carry the baton. So, as we listen to our own stories, we give thanks that the beautiful part of MSI’s history, which remains, is what glorifies God and enables ministry to progress. Looking back with the eyes of faith, we do wonder about some things and we do not have all the answers. Yet we can look in faith and hope, knowing that His name will be glorified.

THREE HIGHLIGHTS OF MSI

By Jamie H. Taylor IV
ON BEHALF OF HIS FATHER, DR JAMES TAYLOR
MSI PRESIDENT: 1994 – 2004

As I reflected about the founding of MSI, I have three highlights I would like to share.

First, MSI is a continuation of the work began by A.J. Broomhall and Joan Wales. Near the end of the Sino-Japanese War in 1945, the Lord laid upon Broomhall’s heart a desire to reach out to the Yi people of Southwest China. Broomhall’s family and Joan were called to Zhaojue in Daliangshan in Sichuan. They were there for only three years before “the reluctant exodus”. Then in the early 1990s, it was the two visits by Broomhall and Joan which opened the doors for MSI. The amazing invitation to return to Zhaojue birthed MSI. Thus, we are a part of a procession. As Broomhall was faithful many years ago, we are faithful today and are laying down roads for people who come after us.

Second, MSI is a divinely timed opportunity. God brought together three people with uniquely different talents and connections and weaved this unbreakable cord of three strands to launch MSI’s ministry. Dr. Reggie Tsang is a doctor who brought in the medical side. My father (James H. Taylor III) was diplomatic and brought in the relational side. Yet another important part of the equation was Richard Chen, who was a businessman and had connections with China’s Yenjing Alumni Association. The then provincial governor of Sichuan was a member of this alumni association. These connections enabled the kickstart of MSI, even though some people had reservations. It was the efforts of these three founders who had the intentional focus of mobilising Christian professionals to use their professions to witness for Jesus Christ. I know this was very much on my father’s heart, especially mobilising within the Chinese Christian community.

Third, the importance of the word integrity. I thank God especially for Dr. Wang Xiangheng who was also pivotal and key in MSI’s development. Dr. Wang reminded us of the importance of integrity: that as we go to serve, we need to serve and do what we say we have come to do. This needs to be the first line of our witness for Jesus Christ.

Thus, these three characteristics: continuation, timing and opportunity, and integrity remain very important for MSI till today.

GIVING THANKS
By Joyce L

God enabled several others and me to return before China closed her doors in March 2020. We give thanks that all MSI sites were operational by the end of 2020, as long-term colleagues returned with the invaluable help of mainland staff. Truly, God is sovereign over our times and over closed borders. It had seemed China no longer welcomed foreigners and became increasingly isolated. However, we give thanks that provincial authorities continued to approve MSI’s annual work plans and budgets.

God also opened up opportunities for MSI to increase and deepen our partnerships with local believers. Truly, God is sovereign over geopolitics and closed spaces. During the pandemic, we all knew people who had died, as well as those who faced restrictions on large-scale gatherings. We give thanks that many rose up to serve in online ministries or in small groups. Truly, God is sovereign over our suffering and closed doors. In God we trust.

OUR FAITH JOURNEY
By Sam H

Our ministry in Daliangshan (literally, The Great Cool Mountains) was started by Sunshine. I am grateful to her, as I probably would not have gone there if she had not been with me.

One of our mutual understandings before marriage was to have three children, but it was not something we took for granted. Now, we have three healthy and lively children, all because of God’s protection and guidance. As parents of three children, we hope that they will become disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that God will protect them as they grow, and that they will develop healthily in all areas.

We have met a lot of friends in Zhaojue, resulting from the hard work of past short and long-term field workers, as well as everyone’s service and prayers. But many friends still have not received God’s love and do not know their purpose in life. They face the challenges of marriage, family and work, tossed about by the difficulties of life. Possibly because I am now a father, I feel sad when I see so many spiritual orphans, just like sheep without a shepherd. Truly the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. So, we continuously ask the Lord to send more workers. On the other hand, since there have been co-workers who have labored in the past, I feel there will be others who will sow and water to help them grow, so that they can also spur others to grow in the future.

Looking back, there were times when dark clouds over shadowed me and tempestuous waves washed over me. Yet the Lord is still seated on His throne. Although we are faithless, He remains faithful. Praise the Lord, He is faithful and trustworthy. With boundless gratitude, we thank Him that in the last ten years, he has never failed to protect and guide us.

A MEIGU STORY
By Wanda Z

When I think about the years I worked in Meigu, so many stories come to mind. Of course, they always include teammates with oodles of creativity, tenacity and love, as well as all the Han and Nosu nationals who came alongside to help facilitate activities and summer camps. So, which story to tell? Hum…

At first, we could fit in my living room. Just adding a few stools and squeezing slender bodies together on the couch made room for the village school-assistance students. With a little creativity, we could play games, tell stories, enjoy snacks and encourage them to “hang in there” even when things at school were difficult. But soon, even the large, combined, dining-living room space in my teammate’s apartment was too small. We had to find another place where we could hold our regular monthly activities.

The private kindergarten near the market let us use their outdoor space, but unpredictable weather, as well as folks from the neighborhood peering through the gate, made us feel like we were in a zoo. We tried renting the lobby area of a nearby hotel. That sheltered us from sun and rain, but did little to guard us from the stares of the curious. What else could we try? Not exactly hopeful, I decided to ask Director Zhao for a suggestion. To my surprise, he knew of a place.

Just up the road from the Foreign Aided Project Management Office was the Health Bureau Office compound. Since they seldom worked on Sundays, Director Zhao was pretty sure we could use their large meeting room. Then, besides arranging everything, he even gave me the key for easy access when he was out of town.

So, month after month, under the red Party flags spread across the stage area, we gathered in that spacious room. How convenient! Not only nearby, it was also already set up with tables, chairs and electrical outlets. Tucked away in the corner of an enclosed building with a courtyard, it was perfect for active games outdoors and reflective sharing times inside.

Sometimes, when the students were singing a praise song, listening to a story or working on a poster to show their ideas, I stood back in wonder. What blessings our team had been given—a welcome by the Meigu government, space to work in the Foreign Aided Project Management Office, a man of peace to open opportunities, local colleagues to help us, and now a meeting room to hold student activities. God’s provision was so much more that we could have ever imagined or thought!

JEHOVAH JIREH
By Joy T

It has been four thousand days since I came to the field in 2011, and I have experienced God’s abundant provision all along the way. We have had the opportunity to accompany families of children with autism, to support them in organising their own mutual support group, and now the parents have become our partners.

God’s provision has been abundant, especially during the pandemic.

As a result of the quarantine policy, there was a shortage of staff in the field. But God showed us how He had prepared for us more than we could ever ask or expect. It turned out that apart from foreign experts, there were also many “local experts” in the Mainland who could work with us. They knew the local culture and policies and where to locate needed resources.

We truly witnessed that “all things work together for good to those who love God.” Praise the Lord!

REFLECTION AND THANKSGIVING: 30 YEARS IN MSI
By Sharon L

Sharon’s poem is a beautiful and moving reflection on her nearly thirty years of service on the field. She uses a variety of God’s names to express her gratitude for His many blessings in her life.

駐紮涼山快三十，帳棚歲月已髮白，宣教服事當趁早，耶和華拉法
專業服務破傳統，心意更新而變化，朋友家人是後盾，耶和華以勒
海內外友守望頻，禱告勇士常記念，前線後方共爭戰，耶和華尼西
人事變遷常變臉，順勢而行抓時機，諸般智慧祂賜予，耶和華沙龍
艱難彰顯主信實，恩典夠用化險境，忍耐老練生盼望，耶和華沙瑪
弟兄稀缺無樣學 慈母嚴父不易扮，有風有雨主遮擋，耶和華羅以
靈裡成長路漫漫，真理紮根生活中，拉拔周折終成長，以馬內利
盡心竭力小事做，聖靈引導與庇佑，撒種收割主成就，耶和華齊根努
合一服侍做主僕，忘記背後奔標杆，靠主持守始至終，阿拉法俄梅嘎。