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"At first, we were deviants to the church," says General Secretary Wing Tai. "But by now, most of the pastors were raised on Breakthrough Magazine."

The Hong Kong government too has come to know Breakthrough as a reputable institution, naming Choi as chairman of an influential policy advisory group, the Youth Commission. Hong Kong's reverting to Chinese control in 1997 opened interesting possibilities for Breakthrough's influence.

Choi says that Breakthrough now has the experience needed to teach others, including educators. The government of China has sent a number of teachers and youth leaders to Breakthrough seminars.

"Most of them find that students are bored with education," Choi says. "Teachers don't know how to make it interesting. They come here and see that young people are excited."

Hong Kong could be a key bridge for China to face the world, Wing Tai says, and for the world to appreciate China.

"Most people think the bridge is just economic. In reality it must be cultural and spiritual," he says. "China needs a soul to face the world. Without a soul, it's going to be exploited. It's going to be cheap labor."

The Hong Kong church could be key to helping China build that bridge without losing Chinese identity, Wing Tai says. "The Christian community has a consciousness of how to see the world and how to engage with the world without losing your compass," he says. "It's not easy."

Breakthrough's most important achievement, according to Choi, is that it "has truly broken through the four walls of the churches." Skilled and creative professionals have been able to put their abilities to work in ministry.

"I think Breakthrough has made the church aware that we are the salt and light of the world, not just as individuals, but the whole community," Wing Tai says. "The Christian community has to be visible in society."

Tim Stafford is a CT senior writer.

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Also appearing on our site:

Hit by the SARS Tornado | Breakthrough reacted quickly when the disease hit Hong Kong.

Breakthrough has what appears to be a dynamic, fun website but its English version is still under construction.

For more stories on missions and church life in China and Hong Kong, see CT's World Report.

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July 2003, Vol. 47, No. 7