by Mrs. Kim Ha Ong Chua
In May of 1954, under the guidance and suggestion of Rev. Calvin Chao, four Chinese churches jointly organized evangelistic ministries. Rev. Chao then saw the need to maintain the zeal of the full-time dedicated Christians who average about 10 yearly in the Nationwide Summer Conferences. Thus, he envisioned in the organization of the Youth Gospel Center in the Philippines.
Immediately, he invited Rev. Wee Hee Lin of St. Stephenโs Parish Church, Rev. Silas Wong and Rev. George Chua of UEC Manila and several youth leaders such as Elder Homer Chua of Westminster Student Church, Mr. David Dychingco and Mr. Lim Giok Khun of St. Stephenโs Parish and Elder Chiu Piak Tat of UEC Manila. They convened at a room at the fourth floor of UNO Restaurant for dinner and meeting with the majority voting in favor for the establishment of YGC. At that time, four churches decided to shoulder part of its expenses. As a result, preparation work was carried out. A second floor apartment on the corner of Sanchez St. and Azcarraga St. was rented serving at its office. The first Board of Directors was established during a Christian Workers Retreat on Monday, the 24th of January, 1955. The Board members were all united and shared the same vision with Rev. Chao by organizing youth ministries especially in the area where churches have not yet explored.
Rev. Chao gave financial assistance during the first three years of its existence until the local churches were responsible for all its expenses. Consequently, the YGC ministry expanded. Rev. Chao was then appointed executive director with Miss Elena Co as secretary. After a few months, Rev. Chao left his Singapore ministry at Singapore Bible Seminary for another ministry in the United States. So, he could no longer serve in the Philippines. As the result, Rev. Paul Contento was assigned to take his place in this pioneering work. Rev. Contento established friendship among churches rallied them to support the ministry and eventually gain their trust.
The ministries of YGC began with short term Bible school and evening English classes where about a hundred students attended. Through the years, Chinese ministers such as Miss Tan Lu Li, Sis. Lim Hui Khim, Bro. Ngo Kong Bu, Sis. Mary Kitty Go and two American woman ministers were invited to serve in YGC. After some progress, Rev. Contento was called back to Singapore. Rev. Contento had been a co-worker of Rev. Chao before and after the Sino-Japanese War in the College students for Christ Movement in China. Rev. Contento was a man greatly used by God.
After Rev. Contento left, Rev. and Mrs. Russell Glazier of China Inland Mission took over the responsibility as executive director. Both of them were in the Philippines for 11 years till early 1962 before going back to the US. They had ministered to a lot of youths. After they left, Rev. Chao appointed Rev. and Mrs. Alban Douglas of China Inland Mission also to assume the ministry. However, due to health problems, they left for Canada. Again, Rev. Chao assigned missionaries and Rev. & Mrs. Poudrier of America continued the ministry till 1972 when they left after joining the Mainland China Gospel Association. Immediately Miss Jane Chiong was appointed as the executive director. From hence on, this ministry has been in the hands of local Chinese Christians. Miss Jane Chiong served at YGC for more than 20 years with tremendous accomplishments. She went for further studies in the United States in 1983 and Miss Lily Lim served as coordinator since then.
During one of the board meetings in 1972, with no premeditated plans and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it was resolved that a permanent location for YGC be established. Mr. Stephen Roxas, the son of the late Mr. Chiong Phai Hun, was elected Chairman of the construction project with Elder Henry Co as Vice Chairman. Through the joint efforts of church members and YGC members, the project was materialized. Today, YGC is situated along a busy strategic area in Manila proclaiming and advancing the gospel and guiding the youth in the right path.
The vision of Rev. Chao thus gave rise to this ministry which up to a certain time was handled and controlled by local Chinese Christians. Up to this time, Rev. Chao still concerns and cares for YGCโs ministries.
