Our alumnus, Reverend Yuen Tin-Yau, rested in peace on the morning of July 15, 2023, at the age of 71 due to a cerebral haemorrhage. The Divinity School of Chung Chi College at The Chinese University of Hong Kong expresses our deepest condolences at the loss.
Reverend Yuen was born in 1951 and graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1974 with First-Class Honours in the Bachelor of Science degree. After teaching at a secondary school for one year, he responded to the call of God and was recommended by The Chinese Methodist Church, Hong Kong District to receive theological training at the Theology Division of Chung Chi College, which is now the Divinity School of Chung Chi College at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He graduated in 1978 from our Master of Divinity program and began serving as a pastor in The Methodist Church, Hong Kong (which was founded by amalgamation of the British-affiliated “The Chinese Methodist Church, Hong Kong District” and the American-affiliated “The Methodist Church, Hong Kong” in 1975). In 1981, he was ordained as a minister in The Methodist Church, Hong Kong and went on to serve as the senior pastor of several churches, supervisors of several schools, executive director of the Missions and Pastoral Care Department, executive director/head of the School Education Department, and superintendent of the Hong Kong Circuit. He was the President of the Methodist Church, Hong Kong from 2012 and 2015. From 2011 to 2015, he also served as the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Christian Council.
Reverend Yuen loved his alma mater and supported theological education. He served as a member of the Theological Council of the Divinity School of Chung Chi College from 2014 to 2017 and actively participated in the School’s activities. In November 2014, he was invited to preach at the Theology Day. His sermon was "Being a Pastor at the Crossroad." In 2018, he returned to the School with other alumni to attend the Homecoming Thanksgiving Worship Service. He recently wrote a sharing for the School's Lectionary ad Excellentiam project in Easter 2023 to remind everyone that life can be changed because of Jesus' resurrection, and the feelings of failure, guilty, and inferiority can be overcome.
Reverend Yuen studied the New Testament with great insight success. He obtained a Master of Theology from the Association for Theological Education in Southeast Asia and a Master of Arts from the University of Birmingham in the UK. His published works include Chinese Bible Commentary - Gospel of John, Chinese Bible Commentary: John 1, 2, 3, Introduction to the Book of Acts, The Colourful Life of the Church, etc. He also published a collection of his sermons completed in recent years, including Faith in a Powerless Era, Faith 2.0 in the Present Era, and Faith Passing from Death to Life. He often wrote articles for various journals such as Christian Times and Christian Weekly. Reverend Yuen was talented in many areas and enjoyed reading, writing, photography, swimming, and driving.
Reverend Yuen was kind and humble, broad-minded, gentle on the outside but firm on the inside, and self-possessed. He served God loyally, cared for his flock, supported his colleagues, and encouraged his juniors. He was loved by so many people. As a Christian leader, he was sensitive to social needs, willing to walk with disadvantaged groups, and dared to speak from a position of faith about social issues. He was widely respected by people inside and outside the church. Reverend Yuen was diagnosed with cancer earlier, but he continued to preach and participate in various gatherings while receiving treatment. His life was described in the 109th issue of the Divinity School Newsletter as "being a servant of the Lord, holding his position tightly." Now Reverend Yuen has rested from his earthly labour and entered eternal happiness. May the Lord comfort his family and all who remember him.