Rev. Titus Tse left, Rev. Alex Wong right
In the 1960s, WELS missionaries were sent to Hong Kong to assist local Chinese Christians. In 1977, a Lutheran church body named SALEM (South Asian Lutheran Evangelical Mission) was established.
In 1997, Rev. Titus Tse from Hong Kong was called and installed as the first chairman of SALEM. By God’s grace, under Rev. Tse’s leadership, the SALEM church body grew and matured into a stable, developing, and faithful community of believers.
After many years of faithful service, Rev. Tse has now entered a new chapter. Having “retired” from his pastoral ministry at the congregation in accordance with SALEM’s policies, he was immediately commissioned as a missionary to establish a Chinese Lutheran church under SALEM’s mission work in Auckland, New Zealand.
The mantle of leadership in Hong Kong has now been passed to another capable leader, for God always provides the right people at the right time. Rev. Alex Wong officially assumed the role of chairman of SALEM on January 1, 2025, with the installation ceremony taking place on March 2 of the same year. He now steps into this new role with over a decade of pastoral experience and a shepherd’s heart.
When Rev. Tse assumed leadership in 1997, Hong Kong was undergoing historic transitions. Now, as Rev. Wong takes office, the city once again faces new challenges amid shifting times. Through these eras of change, God continues to expand his kingdom and raise up fitting leaders for each season. These pivotal moments create unique opportunities for his people, and we rejoice in his unfailing wisdom and grace.
Rev. Wong’s leadership is a gift to the church. By God’s power, SALEM is poised to embrace this new chapter, strengthen believers, and seek the lost. We praise God for all he has accomplished through his people in Hong Kong and pray that he grants Rev. Wong and all church leaders strength and wisdom equal to their calling.
Submitted by WELS Missionary Tony Bartels
