Sr. Maria Lange and Sr. Lore Spilker, two Deaconess Sisters who had experienced World War II, had never before come into contact with visually impaired people, and did not even know a single Chinese word. They were called by God and came to Hong Kong from Germany in 1962. They served visually impaired people for more than 30 years and led the production of the first Cantonese Braille Bible and Mandarin Braille Bible in China, nourishing the inner spirits of many visually impaired people and changing their lives.
1978
An Advisor Group was established to support visually impaired.
At that time, visually impaired individuals volunteered will do Braille translation work in their home. Sisters Wong Po Oi and Chu Oi Ching, along with other visually impaired volunteers, copied the original manuscripts, printed the rubber braille, and produced a Cantonese Braille Bible.
1979
Ms. Au serves as Executive Secretary of the centre.
We rented a room in the Ping On Clinic on Hong Ning Road in Kwun Tong to begin our work.
At the same time, we formally employed our first co-worker and named our organisation the ‘Christian Literature for the Blind.’ We produced spiritual books, Christian Watch Word, hymns, and audio books. In the same year, we received our first request for Braille Bibles from mainland China.
MAR 1980
Ebenezer School lent their basement for use as the centre’s office.
AUG 1980
The Social Welfare Department has approved two units on the ground floor of Kai Fai House in Choi Wan Estate as future office.
1981
Mr. Yeung serves as Executive Secretary of the centre.
MAY 1981
The Choi Wan Estate Office has officially opened as a production centre and library,
with a small room set up as a recording studio to begin producing audio books. The basement office at Ebenezer School will continue to serve as the administrative and China ministry.
1982
Mr. Careah Wong serves as Executive Secretary of the centre.
DEC 1982
First group visit to the Church in Macau to introduce the work of the centre.
APR 1983
Started family seminar, and in the same year received requests for Chinese Braille from visually impaired people in other overseas regions.
1985
The first family summer camp was held at Ebenezer School.
1986
Print a booklet “How to make blind people feel comfortable in church” and distribute it to churches.
1987
Mr. Wong serves as Executive Secretary of the centre.
Ebenezer School reclaimed the basement, and the two centres merged in Choi Wan Estate.
In the same year, the computerisation of Braille production began gradually. At that time, the first double-sided Braille embosser, TED600, was purchased. It was the first large double-sided Braille embosser in Hong Kong, and the centre began to print double-sided Braille books on its own. Later, due to insufficient space and future development needs, the centre applied to the Social Welfare Department for a larger space to use.
NOV 1988
We have officially moved to our current location in Tai Hang Tung Estate to continue providing services and develop more ministries.
1989
Fellowship for single people was established, which was renamed the Canaan fellowship in 1991 and has since developed into the Canaan fellowship of the Fook Kwong Fellowship.
1990
Establish EEIII training programme for the visually impaired.
2ND MAY 1994
The heavy rain seeped into the centre, damaging some books, equipment and computer data, which affected our services.
1994
Miss Miranda Sin serves as Acting Executive Secretary of the Centre.
The centre sent a small team of co-workers and volunteers to
Nanjing to assist the Amity Printing Factory in establishing a department for producing Mandarin Braille Bibles, including providing computer equipment and training local visually impaired co-workers. From then on, visually impaired people and churches in China could obtain Braille Bibles directly within the country.
1995
The Southern District Fellowship was renamed as Andrew Fellowship, and has since developed into the Andrew Fellowship of the Fook Kwong Fellowship.
1996
Ms Law serves as Executive Secretary of the Centre.
JAN 1996
Officially renamed ‘Christian Ministry for the Visually Impaired Persons’(CMVIP)
MAR 1996
Established the Deep District Group
colleague Kwok Tak-tong was awarded the Outstanding Disabled Employees Award & Enlightened Employers Award by the Labour Department.
1997
Mr Joshua Lau serves as Executive Secretary of CMVIP
1998
Mrs Canda Chan serves as Executive Secretary of CMVIP
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the CMVIP, the first collection of testimonials from visually impaired people, ‘Living Beautifully,’ was published.
‘Music Concert for the Visually Impaired to Praise God’s Grace’ held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
OCT 1998
Fook KwongG fellowship established a women’s group.
1999
The first summer camp for visually impaired people in mainland China was held at the Deqing Christian Church,
and the first large-scale mainland visitation team was launched in Fuzhou in the same year.
FEB 1999
CMVIP Magazine redefined its goals, content, and production format. The first issue was officially published, becoming an audio magazine that bears witness to the lives of visually impaired people and helps them spiritually.
At the same time, an application was submitted to the CWM / Nethersole Fund for funding to support the publication of CMVIP Magazine.
DEC 1999
The ‘Member Fun Day’ event, formerly known as ‘CMVIP Memebers day,’ has officially launched. This event promotes community care for the visually impaired and encourages everyone to do something meaningful on this day.
5th JAN 2000
The first Walkathon 2000 was held to raise funds for the work of CMVIP
27th JAN 2000
The Deep Zone Group has been renamed the Yilin Fellowship
OCT 2000
Purchased a second Impacto 600 double-sided braille embosser to replace the damaged old machine. The new machine also has a printing function.
JAN 2001
Fook Kwong Fellowship Establishes Brotherhood Fellowship
MAY 2001
The first New Testament Distance Learning Certificate Course was co-organised with Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary, with 10 visually impaired participants.
AUG 2001
The first EEIII for visually impaired people in mainland China began in Guangzhou.
JUL 2002
CMVIP launched a reading programme, which began with a telephone hotline for listening to book catalogues and book introductions.
As a result, it also launched spiritual retreats, prayers, and listening activities via the telephone hotline, laying a solid foundation for the 24-hour CMVIP hotline.
DEC 2002
CMVIP collaborated with the China Braille Press to publish the first volume of a Mandarin Braille book entitled ‘Living Beautifully’ in mainland China, with 4,000 copies printed.
In addition to being distributed to visually impaired individuals in mainland China, the book has also been added to the libraries of blind schools and blind associations across the country.
JUN 2003
In response to the severity of the atypical epidemic in Beijing, the Centre once again collaborated with the Chinese Braille Press to fully support the publication of 4,000 copies of the Mandarin Braille version of the ’SARS Prevention Handbook” in mainland China.
This became the only Mandarin Braille publication on SARS in mainland China at the time, and also allowed visually impaired people in mainland China to feel the immense care and concern from Hong Kong’s visually impaired community and Hong Kong friends
JUN 2003
Our co-worker Chow Wing-yiu received the Christian Soldier Award for Creative Ministry from the Christian Organisation Association for coordinating the telephone hotline work plan.
AUG 2003
The Hong Kong Bible Conference was broadcast live for the first time at CMVIP, and was open to visually impaired people and christian.
2004
CMVIP celebrates its 25th anniversary with a series of events
MAY 2004
Integrated evangelism campaign
JUN 2004
Pastoral Conference on Ministry to the Visually Impaired
OCT 2004
‘I Am in God’s Hand’ Testimonials from Visually Impaired People Published
24-hour CMVIP bible hotline officially launched
25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Music Worship Service and Thanksgiving Dinner
NOV 2004
CMVIP Piano Recital Fundraising Concert.
2005
15th Anniversary of EEIII Training for Visually Impaired Persons in Hong Kong.
AUG 2005
The Mainland Ministry Department held the first ‘5W1H Bible Study Group Leader’ training course in mainland China.
2006
Publishing MP3 audiobooks of the Old and New Testaments, launching training courses for ministry, and training visually impaired people to serve in churches.
MAY 2006
The third New Testament Diploma Certificate Course, co-organised with Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary, has commenced.
OCT 2006
CMVIP was invited to become a voting station specifically open to visually impaired persons
NOV 2007
Participate in the Hong Kong Franklin Graham Festival, responsible for companion work in special groups
FEB 2008
Guizhou was one of the areas affected by the snowstorm in China. CMVIP raised some funds and visited visually impaired friends in the area through the Guizhou Church, delivering winter clothing and providing financial support.
MAY 2008
The first distance learning Old Testament certificate course co-organised with Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary.
2009
CMVIP is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of events:
MAY 2009
‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’ China-Hong Kong Pastoral Exchange Conference
JUN 2009
30th Anniversary Special Edition
DEC 2009
China-Hong Kong Cultural and Music Fundraising Gala Performance
30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner
The third testimony collection, “Thank You for Being with Me”, was published, which recounts how S. Mary Lange began her gospel work among the visually impaired.
2010
Co-organise a sports programme with Hong Kong Baptist University to help visually impaired people develop healthy lifestyle habits.
MAY 2011
Ms Lucy Ching, Honorary Advisor of the Vision Centre, passed away peacefully in the United States on 19 May. CMVIP held a memorial service in Hong Kong on 25 June.
With the support of the Lee Hysan Foundation, we help visually impaired people learn and adapt to life skills. This includes orientation and mobility, Braille learning, computer operation, and home safety.
NOV 2011
The centre sent a small team of our co-workers to Hunan to help local churches establish Braille production services. CMVIP provided Braille equipment and trained local visually impaired people and volunteers to produce Braille hymns and materials themselves.
2012
Established the first service point in mainland China to serve local visually impaired people.
MAY 2013
Our co-worker Kwok Tak-tong received the ‘Faithful Service Award’ from the Christian Organisation Association.
2014
CMVIP celebrates its 35th anniversary
APR 2014
Officially launched the Youth Ministry and established the Jonah Fellowship
2015
After updating CMVIP website, it was officially launched, allowing visually impaired people to browse the centre’s website, listen to spiritual information, and develop online ministry
2016
The founder of CMVIP, S. Mary Lange, passed away on 18 October at Diakonissenmutterhauses Bad Harzburg. CMVIP held a memorial service in Hong Kong on 9 December.
JUN 2017
Purchased a Basic-D V5 double-sided braille embosser to replace the damaged old machine and continue to provide braille materials and church resources for the church.
DEC 2017
Participated in the ‘Hong Kong Gospel Festival’ counselling group, responsible for counselling special groups. Seventeen visually impaired individuals were trained to become counsellors.
APR 2018
Co-organised a ‘Sports Charity Carnival’ with the St. Paul’s College Alumni Association, raising funds for ministry work through sports activities for the first time.
NOV 2018
Launched the first distance learning course with Baptist Theological Seminary to help visually impaired believers in mainland China study the Bible systematically.
JUN 2019
In June, we purchased a new FanFold-D braille embosser to replace the ageing Impacto-600, continuing our braille services and supporting the needs of the Vision Centre.
JUN 2019
CMVIP 40th Anniversary Fundraising Concert
JUL 2019
CMVIP 40th Anniversary Pastoral Exchange Conference – The Appointment at the Pool of Siloam
SEP 2019
CMVIP 40th Anniversary ‘Holy Land Tour’
NOV 2019
Publication of the fourth collection of testimonies – Break through the simplicity Follow Me
40th Anniversary Special Edition
CMVIP 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Service and Dinner
DEC 2021
CMVIP APP completes layout and content design
DEC 2021
Executive Secretary Mrs Canda Chan retires
2022
Miss Shirley Chow serves as General Secretary of CMVIP
JAN 2022
Signed a CMVIP APP cooperation contract with ICON
FEB 2022
CMVIP has launched Facebook and Instagram pages
21th FEB 2022
Ms. Chu Cheung Chung-ling, Honorary Secretary of the Administrative Committee, has passed away.
MAR 2022
CMVIP launches PAYME and FPS donation channels
APR 2022
Establishment CMVIP learning couse ‘First, Second, and Third Epistles of John’
MAY 2022
CMVIP APP begins testing phase
JUN 2022
CMVIP has been named ‘CMVIP VOICE,’ hoping that through CMVIP’s ministry, visually impaired people can hear God’s voice.
In collaboration with the Wing Wah Charity Foundation, Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitors were distributed to visually impaired individuals.
SEP 2022
Rev. WONG Pui-kei teaches visually impaired people about the ‘’Touchable Bible Map’
OCT 2022
Launching the ‘Friday Spiritual Time’ ministry, with live broadcasts of recorded books or sermons every Friday afternoon.
DEC 2022
CMVIP VOICE App Launch Ceremony
8th JAN 2023
Mr. Theodore Hsueh Hung Ki, founder of CMVIP, has passed away.
APR 2023
Launched a ‘“Bitter Path Meditation” specially designed for the visually impaired.
JUL 2023
The two Braille printers at the centre are worn out, and the Braille they print is not clearly visible, seriously affecting the use of Braille by visually impaired people. Components need to be replaced and repairs carried out urgently.
SEP 2023
Launching a discipleship growth and mentoring practice course
DEC 2023
Launched an online ‘Advent Meditation Retreat’
JAN 2024
A prayer meeting for visually impaired pastors was organised.
MAY 2024
In the ‘Church Touch’ article of the Christian Weekly (Issue 348), the ‘CMVIP VOICE’ app was selected as one of the pastoral care methods recommended in the article.
CMVIP received a charitable donation from the Ella Kiang Singers Charity Concert
AUG 2024
The IMPATO 600 Braille printer owned by CMVIP has been officially retired.
DEC 2024
45th Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Service and Dinner
JAN 2025
Carnival of communion cum Walkathon held at City Art Gallery, City Plaza, Shatin
CMVIP has received funding from a charitable fund managed by the HSBC Trustee to develop TEXT TO SPEECH technology for the production of audiobooks.
MAR 2025
CMVIP has moved to the temporary office in San Po Kong on 11 March
April to May 2025
Remove all artificial ceilings in the centre and demolish the affected wooden walls.
The Housing Authority replaced leaking pipes, repaired peeling ceilings, and installed sprinkler systems.
JUN 2025
The renovation company hired by CMVIP has begun renovation work.
“CMVIP VOICE” developed by the CMVIP and ICON was awarded the Gold Award (Android and IOS) respectively in the 2024-2025 Digital Accessibility Award Scheme, organized by Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited
