Andrew Au grew up worshipping Buddha. He was born to Chinese parents who immigrated to the USA in search of the “American Dream.” His parents were natives of China and Hong Kong and wanted better things for their children. Believing that those “better things” came with money, they passed that desire on to their son. Andrew decided at a young age to devote his life “to make a lot of money.” God, however, had other plans for Andrew.
In San Francisco, at 13 years of age, a friend invited Andrew to Vacation Bible School. There, he heard the gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time in his life. In the summer of 1993, he trusted Christ as his personal Savior. He found a ride to church through the bus ministry of a local church. He grew in his passion to learn more of Christ. Andrew served the Lord in his church but did not sense a leading into Christian ministry until sometime later. It was during his last semester in the business program at a secular college that he sensed God calling him to full-time service. He finished his degree in business and then enrolled in Golden State Baptist College, a ministry of North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California.
During his Bible college education, he interned at an independent Baptist Chinese church that had been recently planted. It was there that he met Elena, who would eventually become his wife. After graduating from Bible college, Andrew thought to continue on staff at the church. But once again, God had other plans.
During that same year, Andrew and Elena visited Hong Kong and mainland China. While there, among their own people, the Lord began to speak gently to their hearts. “You know the culture. You know the language. These are your own people. Why don’t you serve me here?” They saw great potential for the gospel among the seven million residents of Hong Kong. Because of its legacy of British rule (that ended in 1997) they still enjoy religious freedom. More importantly, it is a wonderful base for reaching into mainland China. Even still, hardly any missionaries have gone to Hong Kong since its return to Communist China.
The decision to surrender to the Lord’s will was not without internal struggle. The insecurity of leaving their “comfort zone” and the uncertain response of their parents bore on their hearts. Ultimately, God’s will and peace won the battle. In May of 2006, they began deputation with BIMI. The indecision has been replaced with unbridled excitement at the prospects of taking the Gospel to the Chinese of Hong Kong. Andrew stated it best when he said: “We found that we did not surrender anything but have gained so much more than we had!”
