More precious than gold

More precious than gold

By the grace of God, Gold Coast Cantonese (Lutheran) Community Church began its first Saturday service in Southport on the Gold Coast in May 2024. And here we are, about to enter our third year of ministry.

This church-planting ministry was started by Pastor Ronald Lee, his wife, and four former Chinese Grace Church members. Our congregation is the first Cantonese-speaking local community church on the Gold Coast—whether Lutheran or non-Lutheran—established with the vision of serving as a bridge between the church and the wider community. Guided by Christ’s love and the command to ‘love your neighbour as yourself,’ we seek to provide a supportive, one-stop service for people in need within the Gold Coast community. Through a variety of community programmes and activities, we hope that individuals and families in the community may receive holistic care and support.

Over the past year, we have organised events such as day trips, hot-pot fellowship evenings, and the Mid-Autumn Festival Rallies that drew nearly one hundred participants. These gatherings have enabled us to connect with many newly-arrived Hong Kong migrant families in the area. Through pastoral care, we have also been able to support several families and couples facing personal or relational challenges. Step by step, we are seeking to build a compassionate and caring community that bears witness to Christ’s love for all people.

Praise the Lord! Our weekly Saturday service attendance has now grown to nearly 25 people, with 13 registered members in the congregation. Last Saturday (7 March), following the service, the church held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM). Three deacons were elected, forming the first Church Council for the 2026–2027 terms. Afterwards, we gathered at a nearby Chinese restaurant in Chinatown for a Lunar New Year fellowship lunch. Although some brothers and sisters were unable to attend, the gathering was still filled with the warmth and joy of Christian fellowship—truly reflecting the words of the Psalmist: ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity’ (Psalm 133:1).

The theme of our church for 2026 is ‘Practising unity, rebuilding community.’ Our hope is that the unity we share in Christ will be expressed through concrete acts of service. Together we seek not only to serve God and one another, but also to care for people in the wider community—especially persons with special educational needs (SEN), disabilities, youth, the seniors, and new migrant HK families. Through mutual respect and cooperation, we pray that our faith may be lived out within the community, and that the church may become a joyful and welcoming home that glorifies God and blesses others.

Looking back, we remain deeply grateful for the gracious encouragement of Bishop Mark and Pastor David Schmidt, who supported us in renting the facilities of Trinity Lutheran Church Southport and beginning this church-planting ministry on the Gold Coast. We are also very thankful to the Trinity Lutheran Church Council for generously allowing us to use their facilities.

We ask that you continue to keep our ministry in your prayers, that the Lord may guide the growth and development of this congregation, and that He may add to our number daily those who are being saved. Amen.

Images: Sunshine Coast Lychee Farm Day Trip in February 2026 (top); Full Moon Festival rallies in September 2025 (left); Lunar New Year Yum Cha fellowship in March 2026 (right).