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Sacred space in the city
On a normal day, the streets and alleys between the Hong Kong high-rises teem with the clamor and frenzy of traffic — vehicles and pedestrians, destination-driven and in a rush. For its workers, 12-hour workdays are more norm than exception, and six-day workweeks are standard. "We can't be quiet. We can't talk to God. It's not easy for us to focus when we try to pray," said Sandy Lo of Grace Mennonite Church. "That's the problem we are facing, not only for us Christians, but for most of Hong Kong." Lo and several other young, female leaders found space within the din by means of a prayer group with Susan Wade, a mission worker through Mennonite Mission Network. While the group involved support, there was little sharing. The women stayed silent. They prayed for each other, guided by the Holy Spirit, not by human voices. Instead, they listened for God’s voice. When they talked, they discussed worship styles, techniques and ideas. Many of the women now regularly lead worship at Grace. Lo is a church deacon. She and Vivian Wun form the core of the worship team and meet weekly with the pastor to pray for the church. Congregations in the Hong Kong Mennonite Church are small, but Wun, Lo and Wade said their size is advantageous because it provides opportunity for small groups. "When someone has a need at Grace church, they don't go to the pastor," Wade said. "They gather in a group and lay hands on each other and pray." Groups can share intimately with each other. They can work for each other’s visions. They can reach out freely. They can take time to pray. For more information on the church in Hong Kong read Hong Kong mission celebrates 40 years In this issue: Features Highlights Viewpoints |
