New Chapter for Anglican Chinese Mission
Celebrate the ordination to Priesthood and installation as Missioner at the Chinese Anglican Mission of Rev Andrew Lim.
Held at the Anglican Chinese Mission on Saturday 19 July at 2 pm, Andrew’s role continues a remarkable legacy of Chinese Anglican ministry in Wellington that spans more than 120 years.
Andrew brings a deep sense of calling to cross-cultural ministry, shaped by decades of experience across Asia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore, he came to New Zealand in 1994 to study and pursue a missionary vocation. "I thought God would send me off to India or Japan," he reflects. "Instead, He sent me back to New Zealand but always into cross-cultural spaces."
That sense of calling found expression through his chaplaincy work with international students, pastoral ministry in Hamilton, and leadership with the Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF). Since returning to Wellington in 2022, Andrew and his family have become part of the ACM community. His ordination into the Anglican Church was affirmed through a careful discernment process, which he describes as “a great comfort” and a reminder that “I’m not a lone ranger, I’m part of the wider body of priests serving together.”
Andrew is deeply aware of the complexities and richness of ministering in a multicultural Chinese church. “Although we might all be Chinese, the cultural differences are real,” he says. “We have Kiwi-born Chinese, long-time migrants from places like Malaysia and Taiwan, and recent arrivals from China. Each brings a different story, a different culture, and even a different language.”
Services at ACM regularly feature three languages, Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, as a reflection of this diversity. Rather than a barrier, Andrew sees this as a gift and opportunity. “This is possibly the most multicultural church I’ve ever been a part of. It’s a continuation of the missionary journey God has always had me on.”
As he steps into the role, Andrew acknowledges the significant foundation laid by his predecessor, Rev Henry Yap.
Rev Henry has faithfully served as Missioner since 2015, following decades of ministry in Malaysia before migrating to New Zealand in 2011. His leadership reconnected the church with the broader Chinese community in Wellington, particularly the city’s many Chinese associations, clan groups, and cultural organisations. Fluent in multiple languages, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Hakka, and English, Rev Henry played a vital role in bridging generational and cultural divides.
Through his tenure, he revitalised ministries to older Cantonese-speaking members while also pioneering Mandarin-speaking outreach to recent migrants. “The joy has been developing discipleship and raising leaders,” he reflects. “Not just discipling individuals but seeing them begin to disciple others.”
As he steps back from the formal role of Missioner, Rev Henry continues to sense God’s call, especially to equip and mentor others for ministry, including returnees to Asia. “What kind of missionary are we preparing?” he asks. “We need to think beyond just here and now.”
The Diocese gives heartfelt thanks for Rev Henry’s faithful leadership and is confident that the mission and ministry of ACM will continue to thrive under Rev Andrew Lim’s stewardship.
As Andrew looks ahead, he does so with humility, faith, and gratitude. “Pastor Henry has built a great team. I’m not alone in this. I’m looking forward to what God will do among us.”
Installation Service
📅 Saturday 19 July
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 Anglican Chinese Mission, Wellington
All are warmly invited to join this celebration of leadership, community, and God’s enduring faithfulness.
