Fourteen Days of Praxis Retreat
In the past, when the Israelites faced the opportunity to enter Canaan, they sent twelve spies to observe and report on the Promised Land, assessing whether it was the right time to advance. Today, we are also in a period of evaluation. As community services return to normal after the pandemic, our coworkers and executive committee members need to discern the vision and direction of Praxis, to avoid falling into the trap of "busyness, forgetful, and lost." We have decided to set aside fourteen days around the Lunar New Year to pause our services and arrange seven gatherings to review, discuss, reflect, pray, and set the direction for the future. We pause in order to go further.
Serving Together and Building Connections
The twelve spies represented the twelve tribes; they saw each other and understood the importance of working together. "Connection" is one of the core purposes and directions of Praxis. Besides sharing sermons and vision in different churches almost every Sunday, we also arrange material distributions in various congregations in the afternoon. Additionally, some churches participate in service experiences. We are also working to establish connections through the Alpha course, Hong Kong Church Network for the poor, and five local churches to jointly promote the "Elderly Alpha Course for Church Network" which is conducted across different churches in Yau Ma Tei and Jordan area. Furthermore, we have partnered with Marigot Living, the Salvation Army Elderly Service Center, and Joyful Network Community to provide various types of elderly support services.
In mid-February, we hosted the "Praxis Church Network breakfast meeting for pastors and church leaders. At the end of March, we collaborated with six community organizations in Yau Ma Tei to hold a community screening of Obedience, reflecting on the changes in our community. The Lord has woven us into a network, allowing people to experience the love of neighbours in the community.
Walking Together Through Life’s Journey
The spies reported that the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey, but it also had great enemies. Should we still go? Ministry always comes with challenges and crises. Among the neighbours we serve, as they age and experience changes in their physical condition, some have lost contact, moved into nursing homes, suffered from terminal illnesses, or even passed away. Through material distribution, we maintain regular contact with elderly friends, gradually building relationships akin to family. If one get sick or another has an accident on the street, volunteers immediately show concern, arrange visits, and offer prayers. Serving "the least of these brothers and sisters" fosters a close, family-like neighbourhood connection. In an aging community, this helps prevent loneliness among the elderly. This is the challenge that Praxis is currently facing and a deeper issue we are discovering in our community.
Responding to the Vision and Moving Forward
During these fourteen days of retreat, we spent time revisiting the vision and direction of Praxis. We recognize that sharing a vision is essential—not as an individual revelation or a democratic majority decision, but as a process of returning to God’s word to explore our path forward. We reviewed our operational principles and the guidelines for serving our neighbors. Reflecting on Caleb and Joshua's experience in entering Canaan, we saw how they faced opposition yet firmly held onto God's promises. This steadfastness in pursuing the right course, despite differing opinions, is an essential lesson in communal discernment. Please continue to remember us in your prayers, participate in action, support us through donations, and become a part of Praxis.
