2 Million Protestors

Hello My Dear Great Ones,

It has been an amazing couple of weeks in Hong Kong.  The love that millions of Hong Kongers have for the city and their precious legal freedoms is awe inspiring.  I am especially proud of the young people in Hong Kong who refuse to sit idly by as the government tries to push legislation through that could harm so many.  There are Christians being persecuted and arrested in China.  The potential of this happening in Hong Kong would become practically a reality if this extradition bill got through.  Here is a newspaper article and media pictures from the demonstration on Sunday, June 16.  A demonstration that may go down as one of the greatest demonstrations for democratic freedoms ever.

Nearly 2 million protesters flooded the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday, organisers claimed, delivering a stunning repudiation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s governance and forcing a public apology out of the city’s leader over her campaign to bulldoze a controversial 

extradition bill

 through the legislature.

A day after Lam suspended her push for the bill, expecting it to defuse a crisis that has seen violent clashes between mostly young protesters and police, the centre of Hong Kong was brought to a complete standstill as the masses marched to chastise her for refusing to withdraw the bill or apologise when first asked to, and declaring that nothing short of her resignation would satisfy them now.

Just the day before, Lam had said she would hit the pause button on the bill but take another shot at it to build a bigger consensus, as there was still a need to allow the transfer of fugitives to mainland China and other jurisdictions with which Hong Kong has no extradition deal.

A day later, six hours after protesters had transformed Central, Wan Chai and Admiralty into a sea of black, the public apology they were demanding came in the form of a government statement at night.

“The chief executive admitted that the deficiencies in the government’s work had led to substantial controversies and disputes in society, causing disappointment and grief among the people,” it read.

“[She] apologised to the people of Hong Kong for this and pledged to adopt a most sincere and

humble attitude to accept criticisms and make improvements in serving the public.”In a city polarised by politics for months over the extradition bill, this was the second Sunday in a row that historic numbers took to the streets to protest, but this time it was bigger and covered wider swathes of the city.

Braving the sweltering summer heat, wearing black to reflect their mood, Hongkongers of every age, profession and background, from every corner of the city, marched in a massive show of solidarity and defiance. “Don’t shoot our kids!” the crowd chanted. “Students are not rioters!”

They were out to condemn police for firing tear gas, rubber bullets and beanbag rounds at protesters last Wednesday, and to demand the government retract its categorisation of the violence as a riot.

Sammi Lee, 35, said she was touched by the commitment of young people on the streets to their cause against the bill.

“The police should be professional. Why did they treat young people and media workers with such violence and rudeness?” she said. “Young people have already came out on the streets. As an adult, I have no excuse not to join.”

Christian groups were also out in force. Auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong Joseph Ha Chi-shing called on followers to take to the streets to wake up people in authority and ask police to show restraint.

“We need to be the light in the world amid the darkness,” he said. “Victory is conscience and peace.”

Pray for Hong Kong.

Next week Celia and I will be in Africa where the internet is pretty bad.  As a result the Rice Chronicles will probably take a break for a couple of weeks.

Have a great 2 or 3 weeks.

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk

Pray For Hong Kong

My Dear Great Ones,

Here is an article I found which sums up the problems in Hong Kong this week and what I think about it all:

Christians in Hong Kong are praying for the city's future in the face of a wave of protests over new legislation that would allow suspected criminals to be extradited to mainland China. 

Over a million people came out onto the streets to protest the proposed law on Sunday, with the rally later turning violent as police used batons and pepper spray against protesters, leading to some on both sides needing hospital treatment. 

There are plans for further protests outside the Hong Kong legislature on Wednesday, when the bill is due to have its second reading, and calls have gone out for a general strike.  

The protests are the largest in Hong Kong since the handover from British rule in 1997.  Critics say that the bill will jeopardise Hong Kong's independence and the civil liberties of its people, and undo 'one country, two systems' in the semi-autonomous territory.  

Amendments to the Fugitive Offenders bill will apply to the mainland as well as Macau and Taiwan, territories with which Hong Kong currently has no formal extradition treaty in place.

In a pastoral letter, Anglican Archbishop Paul Kwong said that the bill had caused "deep-seated uneasiness" throughout the city. 

"I appeal to all parties concerned – those who are against and those who are pro the amendment – to immediately calm down and to return to reasons in discussing how to resolve the dispute so as to avoid causing further chaos to the society," he said.

"It is my hope that people from all sectors, especially young people, to express their demands through legal and legitimate channels and means, and not to resort to illegal means. Illegal means will harm not only those who resort to it, but also those who love them and their beloved, and the society as a whole.

"I called on all Christians to pray for the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and for a perfect resolution to the dispute." 

The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong has urged the SAR Government of Hong Kong not to pass the bill "hurriedly" before adequately addressing the concerns of the general public. 

It is asking all Christians to pray for Hong Kong "in the face of the extremely turbulent situation".

"We request both the SAR Government and the general public, first and foremost for the wellbeing of Hong Kong society, to exercise due restraint and to seek through peaceful channels a solution to the current impasse which conforms with justice and legal principles," it said in a statement. 

The Council for World Mission East Asia team said it was praying for the city amid the unrest.

"Dear sisters and brothers, please be assured of our prayers and solidarity for the people of Hong Kong during this difficult time," it said.

"May the words of Prophet Amos strengthen our hearts, 'Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.'" (Amos 5:24)

The Hong Kong Christian Council has urged the legislature to listen to the concerns of the people and called for "empathetic dialogue" to find a way forward.  

"We pray for government officials," it said.

"Let the government officials listen to the voices of all walks of life in a humble manner ... so that the public's worries are not neglected and the formulation of policies is more comprehensive."

Amen

Again the above sums up my view of the demonstrations/protests/riots that have rocked Hong Kong this past week.  Sadly these views are not shared by all Christians in Hong Kong.  They would prefer to do nothing, which in my opinion is siding with the atheist Chinese government who is persecuting Christians.  Pray I don't get judgemental and bitter towards them.  

I had a chance to watch and take pictures of the protest march last Sunday, where over 1 million people showed up. Since then the Bill has been suspended.  Yet, the distrust towards the government is high.  Very high.  Pray.

Have a great week.

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk

Tiananmen Vigil/Rally

https://sc.mp/gu44

Hello My Dear Great Ones,
Hong Kong is a "semi autonomous," region of China.  In fact its official name is Hong Kong (SAR) Special Administrative Region.  This is because it was once a colony of Britain and as part of the conditions for the infamous "turnover," in 1997 to China, Britain struck a deal that their former colony would enjoy some of the "freedoms," it had while under British rule for the next 50 years.  So in other words China gets complete control of Hong Kong in 2047.  Till then Hong Kong has its own currency, passport, Olympic Team, soccer team, government,  free press, access to the internet, and many other examples that upon first glance gives the impression it is its own country.  Yet, it does not have total independence from China.  Confusing?  Welcome to the club.

It is like having an adult child living at your house.  He has his own room and rights to do what he wants in that room, but in the end the room is still part of the house and the owner of the house, you, has the ultimate authority.  This of course causes some tensions.  Many Hong Kongers have grown to love their freedoms and find the oppressive, controlling, tactics of the mainland Chinese government abhorrent.  Others are indifferent.  Many are pro establishment and agree with China's, (in my mind)  draconian policies.  This of course makes Hong Kong politics spicy.

The persecution of Christians in main land China is for me the most egregious example of terrible Chinese government policies.  Being persecuted for a faith that promotes love, peace, and morality is ridiculous.  While the history of Christianity is not perfect, missionaries to China established schools and hospitals that benefitted the local population.  How can that be perceived as a threat?  The gospel of Jesus is all about sharing, caring, helping others, which is ironic considering many communist ideals are similar.  The threat is that the gospel of Jesus is also about freedom and equal rights.  Similar to the US civil rights movement in the 60's, which was based on the Bible,  I believe that the revolution in China when it comes, and it will come eventually, will be led by Chinese Christians.

I believe this because on a rather hot and humid Tuesday, June 4,  night over 180 thousand people gathered in Victoria park, on Hong Kong island for a candle light vigil and rally commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen massacre. (Check out link above for more info)

 Miraculously I bumped into a Chinese pastor friend of mine who I then "hung," with.  He translated the speeches that stirred the crowd to chant for justice and freedom.  The crowd's energy and anger, 30 years after the event,  towards a government that murdered its own was thick and real.  It was compounded with the disgust most Hong Kongers have towards a proposed extradition bill that would give China the right to extradite Hong Kong citizens to China if they have committed a "crime."   The fear is that China could/will trump up charges against Hong Kongers they consider a threat or annoyance to their "interests," and have them arrested and sent to mainland China for imprisonment or trial.  Outrageous!

The gathering on Tuesday night was a cross section of Hong Kong society and there were many Christians, some who even gave speeches.  The suppression of religious freedom is very real in China and many fear it is only a matter of time that Hong Kong will suffer the same.  Yet, the irony is that persecution historically stimulates the growth of Christianity rather than kills it off.  Apathy and indifference is what really hurts Christianity.   I was proud to sit with my pastor friend amongst the thousands who made it very clear to the government of China and the world that Tiananmen and those that died will not be forgotten.  Eventually the sacrifice of those brave ones will be vindicated.  God will prevail.  He always does and I believe that China will eventually become the greatest Christian country in history.  It is estimated 5% of the population in China is Christian.  With a population of 1.4 billion that is already a staggering statistic.

Pray for China.  Pray for Hong Kong.  Pray for God's grace and the brave Christians standing up in God's name against a self proclaimed atheist government who cannot last.

Hong Kong's government leader is called the Chief Executive.  Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, is a Beijing appointed puppet that is in power because of her compliance to Beijing.  She is getting a lot of flak for pushing the extradition bill.  Here is a picture of her at the vigil made out to be a  Chinese communist stooge.

Police were present during the vigil, but were pretty chill.

The walk to Victoria Park was interesting as a variety of pro democracy political parties outdid each other proclaiming their virtues.  It was loud and ear shattering.

Lots of noise and action.

There were a few enterprises trying to cash in.  Stools and teeshirts for sale to make the vigil/rally a memorable one.

Tank man was celebrated too.

Upon entering Victoria Park the mass of humanity and sounds were overwhelming.

The yellow umbrellas also showed up.

Crowds made themselves comfortable to hear the speeches and chants.

With my pastor friend.

Almost everyone held a candle, including this young one below.  Made for a dramatic scene.

The following are sights and sounds from that dramatic evening....

Have a great week everyone.  Pray for China.

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk

Hong Kong Street Scenes

Hello My Dear Great Ones,

The streets of Hong Kong intrigue me.  There are street markets where you can get anything and everything.  The human element of course is very interesting.  So many people milling about, everyone of them interesting.  Here are a few pics to show you what I mean:

 Bartering over some jade.

 Mr. Cool listening to some cool tunes.

 Need a watch?  Need a watch fixed?

 This storekeeper succumbed to a long day plus a lot of heat and humidity.

 Two men having an intense game.

 An ongoing tragedy in Hong Kong.   The homeless are ignored and forgotten by too many.

 Book seller.

 Fresh juice salesman.

 Plenty of selection at this market.

Umbrellas for the rain, umbrellas for the sun.  An umbrella and a water bottle are must need pieces of equipment for life outdoors in Hong Kong.

Have a great week everyone.

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk