“Through Christ the Door” –The 2nd Asia YMCA Mission Conference

“Through Christ the Door” –The 2nd Asia YMCA Mission Conference
Hosted by YMCA of Hong Kong

The 2nd Asia YMCA Mission Conference was successfully hosted by the YMCA of Hong Kong (YMCAHK) from November 21 to 24, 2025, under the theme “Through Christ the Door.” This spiritually enriching event united 80 passionate YMCA leaders, volunteers, and staff from a total of from approximately 15 nations across the Asia Pacific region, Europe, and the USA, all connected by a shared faith.

Inspired by John 10:9 “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”. Participants engaged in insightful discussions and collaborative activities over four days, aimed at strengthening the mission and exploring the transformative power of the Gospel.

Central to the conference was a commitment to spiritual growth and development, nurtured through prayer, discussion and the study of Scripture. Attendees were encouraged to deepen their relationship with God and seek His wisdom in all endeavors. Morning devotions were included in the daily programming, aimed at starting each day grounded in God’s Word.

Esteemed spiritual leaders were honored as hosts of the daily keynote sessions. Mr. Joachim Schmutzm, the General Secretary of Munich YMCA; Dr. Samuel Stephens, the President of Salem YMCA; Mr. Peter Ho, the General Secretary of YMCA of Hong Kong; and Dr. David Newman, the Founder and US Network Leader, each shared their insights, reinforcing the foundation of faith for all attendees.

Visits to significant Christian sites in Hong Kong, such as the Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre and St. Joseph's Chapel at Yim Tin Tsai, were included in the agenda. A highlight of the conference was a special overnight prayer session, where all participants gathered to pray not only for their own YMCA but also for the YMCA Christian Network, World YMCA, YMCA Vision 2030, and advocates for global peace.

At the conclusion of the conference, another highlight involved a powerful symbolic act to reaffirm commitments to the Paris Basis—YMCA’s foundational principles established by Sir George Williams and his peers in 1844. Participants actively signed the Paris Basis, reinforcing their collective commitment to the values that have shaped the YMCA for over a century. This moment served as a poignant reminder of our roots and enduring mission, inviting reflection on the spirit of unity and purpose that led to the formation of the YMCA.

The 2nd Asia YMCA Mission Conference sought to ignite inspiration and drive transformative change across YMCAs. As the participants return to their respective communities, they carry forward the hope of living out their faith and mission in an increasingly interconnected world, guided by the door that Christ has opened.