On January 11, 2020, a red tram wrapped with the designated “Light the World” message attracted thousands of passers-by as it journeyed across Hong Kong Island.
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The “Light the World” iconic tram was filled with 20 full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who, starting at 3 p.m., sang hymns along the route from Whitty Street to Causeway Bay, spreading positivity to the general public.
“Light the World” is a campaign initiated by the world-wide Church to encourage all to become service-oriented people,” said Elder Alan C. K. Cheung, an Area Seventy of the Church from Hong Kong. “[It] helps every member (of the Church) emulate the example of Jesus Christ and helps others through simple and kind acts.”
President Dennis Phillips of the China Hong Kong Mission also participated in the parade with the missionaries for the entire program. He explained how the campaign could promote the message of offering service along the missionary work. “When they experience service, they have a chance to feel the Spirit of God and also to love their neighbors,” he said.
In previous years, the missionaries sang in shopping centers and Church chapels. This year, the Church in Hong Kong went the extra mile in building bridges with the public by organizing this tram parade.
“The tram is a long-established means of transport in Hong Kong and also a witness to this city’s development,” stated Denis Tang, assistant director of public affairs of the Church in Hong Kong. “We hope [the promotion] can strengthen Church members’ faith in Christ and in following His example, as well as widely spread this wonderful message to the public, and allow the people of Hong Kong to get to know the Church from a different angle.”
The “Light the World” tram advertisement and the missionaries singing on the tram was a unique combination. The event provided an unusual opportunity for the missionaries to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through music.
“So much of our missionary work is one-on-one,” said Sister Samantha Sorensen, a full-time missionary from Utah of the United States. “But it was cool to share a message with a massive group of people within a short period of time.”
The missionaries’ performance caused many passers-by to stop along the tram tracks in the bustling city. Friendly waves and smiles were exchanged, and people couldn’t help but took pictures of the event.
“My favourite part was getting to see people’s faces light up as we rode by,” said Sister Emily Chase, another full-time missionary from California of United States. “That made us even happier to feel the joy that Christ brings into our lives.”
About “Light the World”
LightTheWorld is an invitation to transform Christmas into a season of service. It’s a worldwide movement to touch hearts and change lives by doing the things Jesus did: feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, visiting the sick and afflicted, and showing kindness to everyone. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). #LightTheWorld is the perfect way to let our light—and His light—shine brightly.
To learn more about the Church and the message missionaries share, please visit ComeUntoChrist.org