Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, Lutheran Church - Hong Kong Synod

Introduction

In 1915, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod sent missionaries to China. They preached the gospel along Changjiang in Hubei and Sichuan. The Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod, HK & Macau Mission was established at that time. In 1949, the missionaries planned to return to the United States, but when they saw so many refugees in Hong Kong, they decided to stay. They started evangelical work in Hong Kong, and later established the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Hong Kong Mission.
In the beginning, the missionaries set up shelters for worship in Tiu Keng Leng. They also started a Bible School in order to train people for God's service. Then they rented a place in Kowloon and established the first synodical congregation. At that time, services were conducted in Mandarin and Cantonese. Through evangelizing on the street, visiting patients in hospitals and organizing Bible classes, the church grew rapidly and more congregations were set up.
In 1953, the first synodical school was founded. The Synod started many secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens from the 1960s onwards. The schools also became bases of evangelical activities. Many churches and mission stations held their meetings in schools.
The Synod has been serving the public ever since giving assistance to the refugees in the 1950's. In 1977, Lutheran Social Service was set up. The church gradually changed from a mission station to an independent local church and registered as Lutheran Church–Hong Kong Synod. It then became a“partner church”of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod of the United States.
From then on, the Synod continued to develop in the areas of evangelism, education and social service. To date, there are congregations totaling over 8000; 34 churches, 8 mission stations; 40 schools with over 1000 staff and more than 22,000 students; 43 social service units.

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Aim

To reflect Christian attitude of social justice through appropriate action. To provide versatile facilities and services for people with different needs. To provide 'pioneer' or 'experimental' services for the neglected in drastically changing society. To attain mutual help and sharing of resources through the implementation of social services.

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Services

Service Brief:
- Providing Elderly Services
- Providing Children & Youth Services
- Providing Rehabilitation Services
- Providing Family Services
- Providing Community Development Services
- Providing Substance Abuse Services

Service Scope:
Children Centre, Counseling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers, the Counselling and Treatment Centre for Problem and Pathological Gamblers, Youth Integrated Service Centres, Community Development Project, Community Centre, Elderly Centres, Day Care Centre for the Elderly, Homes Cum Care & Attention Units, Day Nurseries, Day Activity Centres for the Mentally Handicapped, Social and Recreational Centre for the Disabled, Hostels for the Mentally Handicapped, District Support Centre for People with Disabilities, Supported Employment and Training Scheme, School Social Work, Family Life Education, Foster Care Service and Hotline Services.

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Location