Hong Kong

Bordering the South China Sea and mainland China in East Asia, Hong Kong means “fragrant harbor” and has one of the finest harbors in the world. Only 15 percent of the land is populated (the rest being grassland, woods, or recreational parks) and the city-state is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. An administrative region of China, Hong Kong and China have a “one country, two system” relationship. This means Hong Kong will continue to have a capitalist society, as opposed to China’s socialist one, and that they will be autonomous in all affairs except foreign relations and national defense. One of the most open and free societies in Asia, the nation is governed by common law and has its own economic and legal system.

Hong Kong has the world’s most free economy, with no tariffs on most products. The city is one of world’s leading financial centers and has one of the busiest ports and the busiest airport for international cargo. Hong Kong is the greatest trading center in East Asia and has shipping connections with all major world ports. It is also one of the world’s richest cities and largest economies. The people in Hong Kong are very hardworking, passionate, and detail-oriented. Affection is valued in family life, and family gatherings, such as a trip to the beach, are common. Adaptability is another trait that has brought success amidst changes, such as reunification with China.

Hong Kong citizens experience more religious freedom than any other city in China. Chinese folk religion, Buddhism, and Christianity are just a few expressed here. The source of many missionaries being sent out to the Chinese-speaking world, the nation has more opportunities to spread the Gospel than the rest of China. While only 10 percent of the population is Christian, the Church runs a quarter of the hospitals and the majority of schools and social organizations, providing the Church with more opportunities to reach out to the community. Hong Kong is a very wealthy nation, and this has both positive and negative effects on the Church. Some Christians use their wealth to fund ministries and give to the poor, while others make wealth their ultimate goal. Only two-thirds of congregations have a pastor, leaving many people seeking spiritual leaders to spark their growth.

• Pray for continued freedom to produce and distribute Christian media.
• Pray for amassed wealth to be used for God’s glory rather than materialistic excess.
• Pray for Hong Kong to lead in proclaiming the Gospel to Chinese people worldwide.