thericechronicles: Under the Bridge

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Under the Bridge

Hello My Great People,

Mong Kok is a district in Kowloon famous for its open air markets. Most of the items sold at these markets are of dubious quality. In fact the Americans have advised their citizens that Mong Kok is one of the worst places in the world to shop. Yet every night it is packed with tourists (including Americans) and locals buying stuff that, may be cheap, but will break down in a hurry. There are stats out there that say Mong Kok is one of the most densely populated spots on earth. Mong Kok also attracts some rather unsavory characters intent on pickpocketing some unwary shoppers and is also a magnet for drug addicts and homeless people trying to feed off the crumbs from the hordes of people that frequent Mong Kok.

In the midst of this craziness is a small church, a haven for the homeless, addicted, lonely and the mentally unsound. Every Tuesday people from this congregation go out with bags of food and distribute them to the homeless, or, "street sleepers," as they are known here.

Last Tuesday Celia and I joined them for worship, all in Cantonese, but the Holy Spirit is universal so we felt at home and at peace, and then we went with a group to a nearby bridge. It was sobering to say the least.

Yes, I am sure that there are homeless people, who if they just tried a little harder would not be in the situation that they are in, but I think for the most part people in that situation have a legitimate reason for their misfortune. Needless to say I believe erring on the side of grace is in my opinion the right thing to do.

So pray for this little church, Fuk Lam Church, and their efforts to help the less fortunate with food and to encourage them with the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Also pray for the homeless in Mong Kok that they may find a way out of their deplorable situation and find comfort with God and a place that they could call their own.

God bless you,

Love adios and peng on!

Dirk