Pray for Hong Kong on Sunday, March 9, 2014

Lectionary Selection: Matthew 4:1-11

Prayers for Hong Kong:
O God, we live in a world full of temptations for easy solutions to hard problems. Like Jesus, we are tempted to satisfy our physical needs in ways that are detrimental to our spiritual health. We are tempted to test you when it is we ourselves who need to be proven trustworthy. We are tempted to take shortcuts to glory, even for your kindom, by avoiding the pain of the Cross. Teach us to follow your Son who refused easy solutions to hard problems of human sin. Just as Jesus fought temptation through prayer, fasting and reliance on your holy word, may we also be faithful to the spiritual discipline of these 40 days and 40 nights.

Let us also pray that during Lent our eyes might be opened to the hidden suffering of many, especially the suffering of women. Guide the Church in Hong Kong and give us courage to listen to their stories, to confront the powers that would hide the truth, and to seek justice and healing for all. In our journey through the wilderness, ‘teach us with you to mourn our sins and close by you to stay.’ In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Hong Kong:
Hong Kong takes pride in being a vibrant, cosmopolitan city where ‘East meets West.’ With Chinese roots and British colonial heritage, Hong Kong has preserved its cultural traditions while keeping abreast of the latest international trends. One issue that still demands society’s attention is equality between women and men. Despite advances in overcoming discrimination, there is still significant work that needs to done to achieve gender justice.

The Hong Kong Christian Council (HKCC) is a long-time partner of Global Ministries. As an ecumenical organization, HKCC is tackling the issue of equality through its Gender Justice Program. One pioneer project is the implementation of the formal Policy against Sexual Harassment for the Council. This includes mandatory training for all staff and the creation of a panel who will handle complaints by victims of sexual harassment. The goal is to serve as a model for Hong Kong church denominations and Christian organizations to establish their own policy against sexual harassment.

HKCC is committed to the living out of human dignity and human value in the belief that every individual is made in the image of God. Through partnerships with churches around the world, the Hong Kong Church is inspired to pursue gender justice to ensure that women’s voices are heard and their lives are cherished in the body of Christ and through Christ’s body in the world.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Judy Chan)

Mission Partners in Hong Kong:

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

Global Ministries Missionary in Hong Kong:
Judy Chan, a member of National Capital Presbytery, serves the Hong Kong Christian Council (HKCC). She is jointly appointed by the Presbyterian Church, USA and Global Ministries. She works as a communications specialist in charge of the ecumenical radio broadcasting ministry and editor of English publications.