Pray for Hong Kong on Sunday August 26, 2012
Prayer for Hong Kong: John 6:56-69
“Lord to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
Dear God, we live in a troubled world full of daily trials and temptations. We look everywhere for answers to our questions and solutions to our problems. Yet when You come offering salvation, we still complain, we still doubt. O Lord, give faith to the people of Hong Kong not to turn back, but to go forward with You. Teach us to be grateful instead of bitter, generous instead of greedy, courageous instead of cowardly. May Your wisdom and grace be upon the Hong Kong Church that they may bear witness to your justice and love in the public square – for education, social welfare, housing, political reform, and the environment. May everyone from young to old have the opportunity to be transformed through the wonderful words of eternal life through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mission Stewardship Moment from Hong Kong:
The logo of Hong Kong Christian Council has a picture of the cross inside a boat. This image is used around the world by ecumenical churches as a symbol of the church afloat on the sea of the world under the guidance and direction of Christ. Rev. Po Kam-cheong, General Secretary of HKCC, recently wrote the following prayer items for Hong Kong. We offer them today in thanksgiving for the partnership we share with Global Ministries.
- Hong Kong’s new Chief Executive Mr. C.Y. Leung and his administrative team started work on July 1, 2012. Hong Kong people hope that Hong Kong can maintain the principles of ‘one country, two systems,’ and Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong. We pray that Hong Kong society will uphold freedom, democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights.
- Since 1997, the gap between the wealthy and poor has become wider and wider. The atmosphere in the whole society is quite tense. Grassroots citizens face more hardships in their livelihood and are not satisfied with the situation in Hong Kong. Please pray for the poor and the improvement of their livelihood.
- Environmental pollution is very serious in Hong Kong. Please pray that Hong Kong people will have a greater sense of responsibility for the environment and that the government will implement policies to reduce carbon emissions, reduce waste from the source, and conserve the natural environment.
- Hong Kong churches actively participate in the social, medical and educational arenas, providing many kinds of services to witness for Christ in the society. May the Lord be with those who are providing social services, medical services and education, and give them strength to love and to express the love of Christ in all they say and do.
- Hong Kong churches have put a lot of effort in spreading the Gospel, caring for the society and serving the people. May Christians continue to strive for social justice. May the Lord give strength to the churches to accomplish the mission that the Lord has given to them.
Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.
(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 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.