Welcoming Hong Kongers
A Missional Opportunity
Since the introduction of the British National (Overseas) visa in 2021, over 180,000 people have relocated from Hong Kong to the UK. For Baptist churches, this wave of migration is not just a social development — it's a significant missional moment. The Hong Kong Response Project, coordinated by Sharon Shek and supported by the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB), has been at the forefront of helping churches respond with hospitality, creativity, and gospel hope.
New Growth and New Congregations
Many Baptist churches across the UK have experienced a fresh sense of vitality and growth through the arrival of Hong Kong migrants. In some places, entire congregations have been renewed. In others, new Cantonese-speaking congregations have been planted.
These developments aren’t just encouraging — they’re a clear example of the “Everyone, Everywhere” vision in action: evangelism and church planting emerging from real relationships, cultural exchange, and the movement of people.
Equipping for Evangelism: Cantonese Alpha Resources
Our response co-ordinator, Sharon Shek, has also been involved in equipping churches to share faith in ways that are culturally and linguistically accessible by holding a webinar to help Hong Kongers and others access the Cantonese versions of the Alpha course resources. This enabled churches to run evangelistic courses that speak directly to the heart and context of many new arrivals.
These resources, alongside bilingual worship gatherings and contextual discipleship tools, have helped many Hong Kongers explore faith in Jesus within a supportive and culturally relevant environment.
Local Hubs: Planting Together
In 2024, the Hong Kong Response Project appointed a second co-ordinator, Londy Chan, who is now working with Sharon to develop ten regional hubs across England and Wales. Each hub brings together:
Cantonese-speaking leaders and British-born Baptists
Existing churches and newly planted fellowships
A shared commitment to worship, witness, and welcoming well
These hubs function as catalysts for further church growth and mission, encouraging collaboration in planting new congregations or integrating Cantonese believers within the life of existing churches.
How to Get Involved
Churches can participate in this movement by:
Registering as a Hong Kong–welcoming church, receiving support, resources, and networking opportunities
Hosting a Cantonese Alpha course or integrating Cantonese materials into their outreach
Partnering with local Hong Kong leaders to explore the potential for a new congregation or fresh expression of church
Using BUGB’s bilingual worship resources and training events to grow in cultural awareness and mission effectiveness
“God is doing something remarkable through the movement of people,” says Sharon Shek. “We’re seeing new communities, fresh faith, and lives transformed — this is what gospel mission looks like in today’s world.”
A Kairos Moment for Evangelism and Church Planting
The arrival of Hong Kongers in the UK is a kairos moment—a Spirit-led opportunity for the church to act. By welcoming the stranger, planting new communities, and proclaiming the gospel across languages and cultures, we participate in God’s mission of love and renewal.
For tools, stories, and further resources, visit the Baptists Together Hong Kong Response page.