Pray for Hong Kong on Sunday January 1, 2012

Pray for Hong Kong on Sunday January 1, 2012

Prayer for Hong Kong: Luke 2:22–40

O Lord God, we come before you with joy on this New Year’s Day. For our eyes have seen your salvation in Jesus Christ, the light of the world and a glory to your people. Today we lift up the 7 million residents of Hong Kong – young and old, male and female, natives and new arrivals. May they experience your justice and mercy anew this coming year as citizens in the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

We ask your special blessing on our partner, Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS), as it celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2012. As the service arm of Hong Kong Christian Council, HKCS serves more than 1 million persons annually with 1,800 employees located at more than 80 service units. The need for social service is urgent in the midst of a complex environment with many deep-rooted social and economic problems. Hong Kong has one of the world’s largest gaps between rich and poor. It has a youth unemployment rate of 17% while divorce and single parent families are increasing. The number of elderly is expected to rise from13% to almost one quarter of the population in the next twenty years. As symbolized by its logo, Hong Kong Christian Service is guided by its unwavering faith in Jesus Christ to serve those in greatest need with utmost dedication and commitment. May it continue to be a powerful testimony as a local and international Christian organization to witness and to glorify God for his blessings upon us.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Hong Kong:

With the support of Disciples and UCC mission dollars, over 200 Christian radio broadcasts go out over the airwaves in Hong Kong every year. This ministry includes worship services, sacred music, devotional reflections and social commentary from an international Christian perspective. Global Ministries missionary Judy Chan serves as producer with the kind assistance of the Communications Center of Hong Kong Christian Service. This fruitful collaboration has made it possible for the ecumenical radio broadcasting to continue bringing the Good News to Hong Kong and beyond 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. We thank God for providing for our every need in terms of finance, facilities, personnel, speakers and local churches. May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Judy Chan)

Video Resources for Hong Kong:

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 Service: http://www.hkcs.org/index_e.htm – One of HK’s largest social service agencies. It is the service arm of Hong Kong Christian Council and provides Christian Service for “The Healing and Growth of People.”
  • 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 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 works as their Coordinator for Interfaith Programs since July 1, 2009.