“Rise up, Hong Kong, and lift up your hands to the Lord!”
“Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the LORD. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street.” (Lamentations 2:19, NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | East Asia
Population | 7.27 million
Area | 1,108㎢ Located on the southeastern coast of Guangdong Province, China.
Capital City | Victoria
People Groups | Total 24 groups Chinese 92% (Cantonese 81.3%), Filipino 2.5%, Indonesian 2.1%, Other 3.4%
People Groups Unreached | 10 groups (5.7% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Chinese (Cantonese), English
Total Languages | 22
Bible Translations | Completed 19, New Testament 1
Religion | Christian 13.1% (Protestant 6.3%), Ethnic religion 57.1%, Non-religious 22.2%, Buddhist 1.8%, Other 2.7% Evangelical 6.1% 440,000 people
》 About Hong Kong
Hong Kong was taken by the British in 1842 after the Opium Wars (1840-58) when the Treaty of Nanjing was signed. In 1984, China and the UK agreed that Hong Kong would return to China in 1997 the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, Hong Kong was allowed to maintain its own administrative, legislative, and judicial systems for 50 years, except for defense and foreign affairs. In 2019, protests against an extradition bill grew into large anti-China protests, lasting for six months. On June 30, 2020, just one hour before the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover (July 1), China introduced the National Security Law, which. This law effectively undermined the “One Country, Two Systems” principle promised until 2047. Since then, many politicians, activists, and journalists have been arrested under the pretext of national security, and freedom of expression and academic freedom have been severely restricted.
Hong Kong is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, heavily relying on international trade and finance under a free-market economy. Mainland China is Hong Kong’s largest trade partner, accounting for more than half of its total trade. Many Chinese companies use Hong Kong as a top stock market for overseas listings. As manufacturing has mostly moved to mainland China, Hong Kong’s service industry has rapidly grown. Economic integration with mainland China is most noticeable in banking and finance.
However, housing prices in Hong Kong have skyrocketed due to excess liquidity, low-interest rates, and tight housing supply, making it nearly impossible for low- and middle-income families to buy homes. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the retail and tourism industries, which rely heavily on foreign tourists. The US-Hong Kong sanctions resulting from the US-China trade war have had limited effects so far. Hong Kong’s GDP per capita is approximately $56,200
》 Scripture Focus
| Lamentations 2:13-19(NIV) 13. What can I say for you? With what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem? To what can I liken you, that I may comfort you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion? Your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can heal you? 14. The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The oracles they gave you were false and misleading. 15. All who pass your way clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?” 16. All your enemies open their mouths wide against you; they scoff and gnash their teeth and say, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day we have waited for; we have lived to see it.” 17. The LORD has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed long ago. He has overthrown you without pity, he has let the enemy gloat over you, he has exalted the horn of your foes. 18. The hearts of the people cry out to the LORD. O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let your tears flow like a river day and night; give yourself no relief, your eyes no rest. 19. Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the LORD. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Since 1997, Hong Kong has faced political chaos, and since 2020, it has been under increasingly strict control by mainland China, causing many freedoms to be lost. Most Hong Kong residents follow a mix of traditional religions like Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and folk beliefs, with 22% being non-religious. Christians make up 13% of the population, including around 440,000 evangelicals. The church and various mission organizations have had a strong influence in areas like social service, discipleship, and missions.
Due to pressures in Hong Kong related to housing, education, and uncertainty about the future, many people turned to the gospel, leading to the growth of large churches. However, there is a shortage of pastors and leaders, and church members need renewal and training to fully engage in worship and their faith. Let us pray for the church to rise up during this time of crisis, lifting hands to the Lord, and calling for His salvation in Hong Kong.
2. The “Hong Kong Christian Mission Association” brings together 30 mission organizations, 15 denominations, and local churches, sending hundreds of missionaries overseas. Around 60% of churches in Hong Kong are involved in missions, especially supporting the growth and missionary work of mainland Chinese churches. Additionally, through the “World Evangelization China Partnership,” they unite to spread the gospel to Chinese immigrants worldwide.
Other mission groups include OMF, OM, World Vision International (WVI), and the Evangelize China Fellowship (ECF), focusing on reaching the poorest laborers and Chinese immigrants from the mainland. Let’s pray that the heart of the Lord, who asks, “What can I offer you for comfort?” be poured out on the missionaries and churches in Hong Kong. May they boldly proclaim the gospel of the cross, sparking a revival.
3. Filipinos and Indonesians make up over 2% of the population each, working as domestic helpers in difficult conditions and often facing poor treatment. The Sindhi, Punjabi, and Gujarati ethnic groups from India are mainly traders, while the Gurkhas of Nepali descent work in the security industry. Pakistani Muslims are often employed in hard labor jobs.
At the same time, there is active ministry among students and youth, with many organizations involved. The “Campus Church Network” and “Breakthrough” ministries are doing creative and dynamic work, making Hong Kong one of the most vibrant places for youth ministry in the world.
There are over 30 Christian publishing companies and 70 Christian bookstores in Hong Kong, as well as networks like the “Christian Publishing Association.” They produce and distribute millions of copies of Bibles, Christian books, and pamphlets. Christian radio stations are widely available, and Christian TV continues to create innovative films, music, and many other content.
Let’s pray that the gospel will be proclaimed to all nations through the service of the church and mission organizations, and that various media will be actively used in this effort.
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