In China they’re closing churches and jailing pastors. What about the churches and other Christian organisations like CEF in Hong Kong?
Religious freedom is one of the fundamental rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. Twenty-two years after the handover to China, Hong Kong became a city of China. The Chinese Government continues to strengthen her control of Hong Kong at every level. Cantonese (our local language) has been replaced by Mandarin, Religious Education has been replaced by Life Education in Christian schools which are subsidised by the government. Our constitutional laws made in the 1980s have been amended and interpreted by the Chinese Government, and values among Hong Kong residents have changed after an influx of more than a million immigrants from China since 1997.
As the Hong Kong Government allows 150 immigrants to settle in Hong Kong every day from China, these immigrants have come to dominate much of the social atmosphere. It is getting harder and harder to evangelise in the schools and communities.
“How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23) Hong Kong is one of the richest cities in the world and materialism is a characteristic of our city and our children. Materialism and entertainment are obstacles for the children to receive Jesus. Please pray for our children to be free from the false fulfilment of materialism and entertainment, and that we and the churches can show them Jesus.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me,” (Matthew 19:14). As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of CEF Hong Kong we offer new hope to the children of the country. Alongside a local church we helped organise a children’s evangelistic drama reaching over 200 children. We have also launched our new website lovekid.hk offering Gospel animations and e-classes, with the aim of reaching children with the Gospel and encouraging spiritual growth.
This article first appeared in our Spring 2019 National Newsletter.