Pray for Hong Kong on Sunday, August 28, 2011

Pray for Hong Kong on Sunday, August 28, 2011

Prayers for Hong Kong:

For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? (Matthew 16:26)

Living God, all creation declares your glory and so do we. Yet we so often forget your love for everything you have made – including nature. In your wisdom, you gave us all we need for the planet to flourish:  fresh air, clean water, sunshine, wind and waves, land, animals, plants, mountains and much more. Why do we abuse these precious gifts to our own detriment? Today we pray for Hong Kong – a bustling Chinese city of 7 million – where the desire for economic gain and consumer goods has overtaken any responsible stewardship of the environment. Teach us to how to live in harmony with creation because this is your survival plan for the Earth and all who dwell upon it.  We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Hong Kong:

Environmental Situation of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s deteriorating environment is a growing concern for the government and its citizens. Many factors contribute to the city’s oversized ecological ‘footprint’. For one, Hong Kong’s heavy consumerist lifestyle and throwaway mentality result in high energy consumption and overflowing landfills. Second, the city’s need to stay competitive in the region means there is always pressure to expand – whether it’s another airport runway, taller buildings, more roads, more shopping malls, more luxury housing or tourist attractions. This results in serious air, water and land pollution as well as destruction of nature. Thirdly, since Hong Kong is now mainly a financial and service hub, it depends on imports for much of its food and manufactured goods. The environmental costs of producing and transporting these items to Hong Kong are usually not calculated in the city’s footprint, though they add considerably to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Hong Kong Christian Council coordinates an ecumenical environment group called ‘Christians for Eco-Concerns’. The group seeks to make churches aware of their responsibility to care for the Earth as part of their faith commitment. As one member said, “To be in relationship with God and with his creation is the meaning of life. Modern civilization and science tend to create the illusion that we human beings are self-sustaining, independent beings. With this we lack fear of God and disconnect from our environment, including our fellow humans. This disconnection leads to fear and worries which in turn creates unrest and greed. The Bible teaches us to fear God but not to fear life. If we do not care for God’s creation it means we do not care for God. If we lose connection with God’s creation we have lost connection with God. Whatever we do to God’s creation we are, in fact, doing to ourselves.”

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Judy Chan)

Video Resources for Hong Kong:

–          Judy Chan, GM Missionary: http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/videos/video-mission-moments/hong-kong-the-church.html

–          Bruce Van Voorhis, GM Missionary: http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/videos/video-mission-moments/hong-kong-human-rights.html

Global Ministries International Partners Hong Kong:

  • Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs: http://www.asiapacificymca.org/ – Federation of YMCA movements in 27 countries in the Asia and Pacific region, with programs for global citizenship and social responsibility, peace with justice and sustainability for life.
  • Asian Human Rights Commission: http://www.ahrchk.net/index.php – An independent, non-governmental body, which seeks to promote greater awareness and realization of human rights in the Asia region, and to mobilize Asian and international public opinion to obtain relief and redress for the victims of human rights violations.
  • Christian Study Centre on Chinese Religion and Culture: http://www.csccrc.org -Ecumenical research institute for study of the religions and culture of China, including Hong Kong.
  • Chung Chi College Divinity School: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/theology – Ecumenical seminary providing theological education for church leaders and laity. The school is supported by mainline churches and is part of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
  • Hong Kong Christian Council: http://www.hkcc.org.hk – Ecumenical body of mainline churches and Christian organizations. It works for a united Christian witness and mission in Hong Kong society.
  • Hong Kong Christian Institute: http://www.hkci.org.hk/ – Christian center for education and advocacy on issues of social concern.  The organization promotes human rights, democracy and justice in Hong Kong.
  • Hong Kong Christian Service: http://www.hkcs.org/index_e.htm – One of HK’s largest social service agencies. It was started by mainline churches and provides Christian Service for “The Healing and Growth of People.”
  • Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China: http://www.hkcccc.org/   – Hong Kong church denomination with historic Congregational and Presbyterian roots. The Council has 66 congregations and is the sponsoring body for more than 80 schools for kindergarten, elementary, secondary and evening students.
  • Hong Kong Women Christian Council: http://www.hkwcc.org.hk/en – Organization to fight for social justice and women’s rights, to promote feminist theology and to stand with marginalized communities.

More info on Hong Kong: http://globalministries.org/eap/countries/hong-kong/

Global Ministries Missionaries in Hong Kong:

  • Judy Chan is a Global Ministries missionary serving with the Hong Kong Christian Council in communications.  She is in charge of ecumenical radio broadcasting ministry, English publications and ecumenical partnerships in Hong Kong and overseas.
  • Bruce Van Voorhis serves as missionary with the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs in Hong Kong. He work as their Coordinator for Interfaith Programs since July 1, 2009.
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Pray for Partners without Global Ministries Mission Personnel: New Zealand

More info on New Zealand: http://globalministries.org/eap/countries/new-zeland/