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The LCMS began work in Hong Kong in 1949, shortly after the formation of the People’s Republic of China. In 1977, The Lutheran Church—Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS) officially became an LCMS sister/partner church. It is also a member of the International Lutheran Council. In July 1997, Hong Kong rejoined China as a Special Administrative Region after being under British rule since the 1950s.
Today, the LCMS and LCHKS partner in mission throughout the greater China region. LCMS career and GEO missionaries serve in Hong Kong in partnership with the LCHKS, especially in Lutheran primary and high schools.
More than 22,000 students attend its six secondary schools, six primary schools and sixteen kindergartens, which are staffed by 1,279 teachers. The LCHKS’ membership includes more than 8,500 Lutherans who worship at 33 congregations and 10 mission stations. There are 30 pastors. In addition to its schools and congregations, the LCHKS also serves people through nurseries, youth centers, social centers for the elderly and a center for the deaf and physically disabled.
Every year, LCMS World Mission also sends short-term mission teams to serve alongside LCMS missionaries and LCHKS teachers and staff by hosting special English Bible camps in schools.
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) opened its doors to students in September 1966. HKIS now serves more than 2,600 students, and is composed of four schools on two campuses on the south side of Hong Kong Island. LCMS World Mission also supports theological education in Hong Kong, and has partnered with the LCHKS to plant a church in Macau, another Special Administrative Region of China.
LCMS World Relief and Human Care first provided support for mercy projects in 1992—including social work, youth work and education for people with disabilities. Later, support continued for projects including childcare; tutoring and family counseling for immigrant families; pastoral care for young drug abusers and at-risk youth; and social work among disadvantaged immigrant families.
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