Hong Kong Delight

It could be argued that Hong Kong is one of the world’s most delightful cities, after factoring in the natural beauty of mountains rising up from the sea, gorgeous waterways, sparkling sky-scrapers, fantastic cuisine, bargain prices, efficient, affordable mass transportation, gifted artists, and optimistic people.

 There is a darker side to this city, famous for her shady business deals which exploit the poor, the weak, the women, and even the children. Extortion is often the order of the day.  The city boasts a teen suicide rate that is one of the highest in the world.

 In a world of fear, “a battle is continually going on between the forces of good and the forces of evil.”  These words written by Ellen White, are currently being shared by a team of 2000 Adventists with their neighbors.  A few months ago, the Hong Kong / Macao conference decided to deliver 1.1 million messages of hope - “Don’t Be Afraid” - to the six million Hong Kong residents through “Sow One Billion.”  Provocative pamphlets in Chinese and English,  featuring a child’s face on the front page with the the words “DON’T BE AFRAID,” were designed to attract three demographic populations living in Hong Kong:  teenagers, professionals, and families.  

It doesn’t take long to give 100 pamphlets away.  While standing in front of McDonalds, it took me about 45 minutes.  But some of the teenagers, during their YOUTH ALIVE EVENT in July, were twice as productive, giving away 250 in one hour. 

 It is too early to give a complete evaluation, because “Sow One Billion” will be concluded in February 2005.  However, a very creative large city evangelistic follow-up venture is happening right now. It is unique, and may be of interest to the world church.

 “Hi-end” Church Planting began September 2, 2004.  Occupants of Mercedes and BMWs entered the Royal Pacific Hotel lobby, and proceeded to the third floor banquet hall which overlooks Hong Kong harbor.  A team of 40 group facilitators, lecturers, and church, school, and hospital leaders who had been equipped by Pastor Lee, Choke Woh and Dr. John McGhee, met the 200 well-dressed pre-registered guests, welcoming them to their reserved places, decorated with elegant table settings. 

 Every Thursday for one month, they have been eating, making friends, learning about health and spirituality, and developing a relationship with the 8 - 10 people at each table.  This will be followed by hospital-based health/evangelistic events, resulting in the planting of a new “Hi-end” cell church by early December, which will meet in the ball room of the Best Western Hotel in Hong Kong’s business district.

 Pastor Lee, Choke Woh was asked, “So how did you find these people?”  His response was, “Two thousand former clients of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital’s Health Promotion services were invited, along with those who responded to the invitation for health seminars located on the last page of the “Sow One Billion” pamphlet.  Eight percent responded by purchasing tickets.” 

John McGee NSD SS/PM Director