Team Hong Kong Newsletter #3
Religion and Christmas
December 23, 2007
by Joshua Blank

On Friday morning, Maria, Karen, Ben, and I made the short hike along the winding path through the thick underbrush up the small but steep hill behind Agape Mennonite Church. At the top, there is a huge boulder from which one can command a good view of the surrounding area. The rumble of traffic, the din of construction, and the other noises of the city can be clearly heard from this vantage point. It seems very out of place to me that after climbing a forested hill, I look around only to see that I am surrounded on all sides by city. (Ben posted some pictures below.)

At many places along the path up the hill, there are little pots filled with incense or food items in front of small monuments, set up for the remembrance and veneration of ancestors. Little spots like this are very common, even on some street corners. Larger or more wealthy Chinese families build temples in which they can worship their deceased family members in the hope that their ancestors will bring good luck and fortune to them so that they may become old and rich. The traditions upon which these practices have been built have been around for thousands of years and are deeply embedded into the people -- even with the strong Western influence that exists here in Hong Kong. This depth of tradition becomes increasingly evident as it draws near to Christmas. To the Chinese, this is just one of the many celebrations during which many people have off work and can (or must) spend time with their families. Christmas becomes simply a reason to party.

In contrast, we spent the beginning half of this week finishing up most of the work at the Tuen Mun Center, which is to shine out as a light for Jesus in that community. At the front of the Center is a silver cross, which really does shine out into the community, since the main entrance is all glass and the cross has a light behind it. There is also a path of floor tiles different in color than the rest which begins at the foot of the cross and gradually increases in size as it extends across the room to the main entrance. It is a powerful reminder of the purpose in the work that is going to be done there. Tomorrow night -- Christmas Eve -- is the grand opening, a celebration in the true spirit of Christmas focused on Jesus, His birth and ministry, and ultimately our salvation -- remembering that it is only by His grace and strength that we live and not by those who have gone on before us.

May you all have a blessed celebration of Christ's birth.

Praises:
- We were able to finish all of the major work at the Tuen Mun Center
- We had some time to relax and catch up on some rest this weekend in preparation for the busy week ahead of us
- It's Christmas time

Prayer Requests:
- That God would use the work at the Tuen Mun Center to extend His kingdom in that community, and especially for the opening festivities that will be happening there
- For patience as we struggle with the language barrier
- For guidance as we get more involved with different ministries here and for wisdom in interacting with the people, both those involved in leadership of those ministries and those to whom we will be ministering