Barren Upland and the Haven of Hope
Over 50 years ago, Haven of Hope Christian Service (the Haven of Hope, formerly known as Junk Bay Medical Relief Council) was founded on a totally isolated, barren upland by a group of foreign missionaries. Since the beginning God’s grace has been ever present.
Haven of Hope is a non-profit organisation providing medical and social assistance and services. The Haven of Hope began by providing medical relief for refugees coming to Junk Bay (near Tseung Kwan O) from Mainland China to reside at Rennie Hill. The work of Haven of Hope quickly increased in scale as it began to assist the community as a whole. Today, the services of the Haven of Hope extend throughout Tseung Kwan O, Sai Kung and other areas in East Kowloon.
In the past 50 years, the Haven of Hope has undergone many changes. Its beginnings were modest, just a makeshift clinic on a stone slab providing simple medical services and alms. Today, the Haven of Hope is a flourishing, service-oriented enterprise providing health care, elderly care, rehabilitation services and evangelistic work. To learn more about Haven of Hope’s fascinating history, read Clouds over the Barren Upland and watch the videos below.
The History of the Haven of Hope
Haven of Hope’s Service Milestones
1950s’
| 1953 |
Miss Helen Wilson from Scotland and Sister Annie Skau Berntsen from Norway, founded “Junk Bay Medical Relief Council” and set up “Rennie's Mill Medical Centre” near the pier of Rennie's Mill.
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| October 1955 |
With rich blessings from the Lord, donations from churches and prayers from faithful brothers and sisters, “Haven of Hope Tuberculosis Sanatorium” and Haven of Hope Nursing School were inaugurated.
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| April 1957 |
The 1st Graduation Ceremony of Haven of Hope Nursing School.
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| September 1957 |
Sir Grantham, the Governor, visited the Haven of Hope.
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1960s’
| 1961 |
A chapel was built.
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| 1963 |
Establishment of Haven of Hope Evangelistic Fellowship. |
| 1965 |
The “Preventorium”, which took care of patients’ children in Haven of Hope Hospital, moved to Anderson Road.
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1970s’
| 1971 |
Treatment programme for drug addicts with tuberculosis began. |
| 1976 |
“Haven of Hope Tuberculosis Sanatorium” was renamed the “Haven of Hope Hospital”.
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The “Preventorium” was converted into a school and hostel for severely mentally-handicapped children.
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1980s’
| 1980 |
Planning began for the Hospital Redevelopment Project.
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| 1982 |
The establishment of the Tiu Keng Leng Social Centre for the Elderly and the commencement of the Community Development Project.
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1990s’
| August 1990 |
“Junk Bay Medical Relief Council” renamed as “Haven of Hope Christian Service”. |
| 1991-92 |
Haven of Hope Hospital set up a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team, joined the Hospital Authority and started the Hospice Home Care Service. The first Haven of Hope specialist clinic commenced service in King Lam Estate.
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| December 1995 |
Opening ceremony of Haven of Hope Sunnyside School.
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| June 1997 |
The new Haven of Hope Hospital was completed, providing beds for 248 patients. The Community Evangelistic Work Unit was established to serve the evangelistic needs of various communities in Tseung Kwan O.
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Recent Milestones
| September 2006 |
The Haven of Hope adopted a new logo and service slogan – “With Love, We Serve and Care”, in order to further promote God’s love and the spirit of loving and caring within the community. |
| November 2006 |
The Haven of Hope Holistic Care Centre (HCC) was launched to provide integrated and holistic end-of-life care for frail elderly, the chronically ill, and patients with late-stage cancer and other irreversible illnesses.
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