Our Story: Since 1960
From a Prayer Meeting in Diamond Hill to Chinese Christian Publishing Worldwide
The story of The Rock House Publishers / 海天書樓 began in Hong Kong in 1960, not first as a business plan, but as a prayer-born calling. Prof. Timothy Yu, a pioneer in communication education and a committed Christian, carried a deep burden for Chinese Gospel publishing. He believed that Chinese believers should take part in the work of Christian communication, using words, books, and modern media to share the grace of God. From that vision, a small prayer meeting began at the Yu family home in Diamond Hill, where believers gathered regularly to seek God’s guidance, strength, and direction for the ministry. Out of that humble beginning, The Rock House Publishers / 海天書樓 was born.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The Chinese name 海天書樓 carries the founding vision of the ministry. “海天” comes from the phrase: “With the sea as ink and the sky as parchment, we lift our brush to paint the grace of God.” It expresses a vast and beautiful calling: to use God-given gifts, written words, publishing skills, and communication tools to make His grace known. “書樓,” meaning “book house,” reflects a place where faith, learning, and Christian teaching are shared. It also echoes the early Church, where believers gathered, learned, prayed, and carried the message of Christ into the world. The English name, The Rock House Publishers, points to Christ as the Rock. From the beginning, Rock House has sought to build its publishing ministry on Christ, with Scripture as its foundation and the Gospel at the heart of its message.
1960s: Calendars, Daily Faith, and the First Publications
In 1960, Rock House published its first 海天日曆 and 海天月曆. These calendars became more than practical tools for marking days and months. They carried Scripture, spiritual reflection, and Gospel messages into homes, churches, offices, and daily routines. From the beginning, Rock House understood that Christian publishing could serve ordinary life. A calendar on a wall or desk could become a quiet witness. A daily page could become a moment of reflection. A printed word could bring encouragement, truth, and hope. That early calendar ministry became one of the lasting signatures of Rock House Publishers.
1970s–1980s: Growth, Book Ministry, and a Bible Vision
As Hong Kong grew, Rock House also developed. The ministry moved into locations better suited for publishing, printing coordination, office work, retail contact, and distribution. Over time, Rock House expanded from calendars into Christian books, translated works, children’s publications, devotional resources, and Bible study materials. In 1982, the 海天文字基金會 was formally established to support the publication of the Chinese Study Bible / 中文聖經啟導本. Prof. Timothy Yu had long recognized the need for a Chinese Bible with helpful study notes, clear explanations, and faithful guidance for readers. After years of preparation, editorial work, scholarly contribution, and pastoral support, the first edition of the Chinese Study Bible was published in 1989. It became one of the most significant publishing milestones in Rock House history and introduced many readers around the world to the work of 海天書樓.
1990s: Wider Reach and Major Publications
The 1990s brought continued development. The Chinese Study Bible was strengthened with a red-letter edition, becoming the first Chinese Bible to print the words of Christ in red. Rock House also authorized the printing and distribution of the Simplified Chinese edition of the Chinese Study Bible in mainland China, allowing the resource to serve a wider readership. During this period, Rock House continued to publish important Christian works, including major historical and theological resources. In 1997, Rock House published the Chinese edition of the major Christian history work 《基督教二千年史》, adding to its catalogue of substantial Christian literature for Chinese readers. These developments reflected the continuing purpose of Rock House: to provide resources that inform the mind, strengthen faith, and support the life and ministry of the church.
2000s: New Formats, New Readers, New Access
As publishing technologies and reading habits changed, Rock House continued to adapt. Music recordings, translated novels, youth-oriented titles, and website development opened new ways for readers to discover and engage with Christian content. In 2009, Rock House launched its website, making it easier for readers around the world to learn about the ministry and access its books and products. The website became an important step in extending the reach of a publishing house that began in a small room in Diamond Hill. Rock House also continued to publish works for children, teens, families, and general readers, seeking to serve both established believers and those beginning to explore the Christian faith.
2010s: Remembering the Founder, Continuing the Work
In 2012, Prof. Timothy Yu, founder of The Rock House Publishers / 海天書樓, rested in the Lord. His passing marked the close of an earthly chapter, but not the end of the ministry he helped establish. The work continued through books, calendars, Bible resources, website improvements, and the ongoing service of colleagues, family members, ministry partners, churches, bookstores, and readers. In 2017, the Rock House website began offering sample reading pages for books, helping readers preview publications before purchase. The story of Rock House has never been the work of one person alone. It has always been carried by many hands: founders, editors, writers, translators, designers, printers, office staff, family members, booksellers, pastors, readers, and ministry friends.
2020s: Digital Publishing, Audio-Visual Experience, and Renewed Mission
The 2020s have brought new opportunities for Rock House to continue its calling in fresh ways. Rock House developed new products such as Christian memorial envelope designs and continued to expand the witness of the 海天日曆 through audio ministry. In partnership with Far East Broadcasting, the podcast program 《聽得見的海天日曆》 allowed calendar content to be heard, not only read. This direction reflects an important conviction: the printed page can be extended through sound, image, and digital access. For older readers and those who benefit from hearing text aloud, audio content can make spiritual reflection more accessible. For churches, families, and younger generations, video and multimedia elements can help create a richer devotional environment. In 2023, Rock House launched the 海天月曆一領三運動, encouraging readers to use the monthly calendar as a simple and meaningful way to share the Gospel. In 2024, Rock House published a Traditional/Simplified Chinese parallel-read edition of 《重審耶穌》. In 2025, Rock House published its first e-book, 《日子背後的故事》, renewed the 海天月曆 design with multimedia elements, and continued developing new publications for young readers and Bible students. The tools are changing. The calling remains. The Rock remains.
Looking Forward
From prayer meetings to printed calendars, from Bible publishing to digital media, from typewriters and printing presses to cloud systems, e-books, audio, video, and AI-assisted publishing, Rock House continues to serve with the same purpose: to make God’s grace known through faithful Christian communication. The next chapter of Rock House Publishers will continue to honour its founding vision while embracing new tools for a new generation. We remain committed to publishing, translating, designing, producing, and sharing Christ-centred resources that serve Chinese readers, churches, families, and ministries around the world.
With the sea as ink and the sky as parchment, we lift our brush to paint the grace of God
海為墨汁天為紙，共揮彩筆繪神恩.”
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