Memorable Miday Musings of a Middle-aged Man

Barbie has done most of the writing for the Blog so far, much to her credit. I think its way past time for me to give an update. I have seen that spiritually Hong Kong is much like the other major cities of the world, there is great opportunity, but also great suffering. There is great excitement and rush in life, but great apathy as well.
It has saddened us greatly; as I’m sure Jean has told many of you, to see the plight of many of the underclass’ here. It is interesting to see the Hand of God work. Often we don’t realize the direction He wills until the road is well underway. So it is with the Fairview Church. While Ken and Linda’s calling has for the last 30 years been to the Chinese here in Hong Kong, in the last few years his ministry has had impact in the Philippines. Many of the upperclass here in Hong Kong have “Domestic Helpers” a term for a live in nanny/maid/whatever-unpleasant-task-you-don’t-want-to-do person, it is actually cheaper than child care (the wages while low in Hong Kong are very good in the Philippines) and you get someone to clean your house. . It is not necessarily just the Philippines; it is many of the third world countries like Indonesia, or wherever they can get cheap labor. They work 24 hours for six day’s a week, their only time and day off is Sunday. They work typically for a two year contract, many of them working more (some we know have been here for upwards of 14 years). They are apart from their families back in the Philippines, and though many are women, there are some men, typically drivers. (One we know named Rex has a three year old daughter in the Philippines, the last time he saw her was Christmas. There is simply no work or opportunities in the Philippines so he sends all his money back to his family.) What has been amazing is to see how Ken and Linda are able to train the women here in Hong Kong to go back to the Philippines. So much has been done there. Many churches have been planted as a result of this mission. Ken equips the women and then they go and plant churches, or revive the churches they attend in the Philippines. Some of the women who go to already established churches are better equipped, trained and knowledgeable than the pastors there! The pastors go to them for council, prayer and direction!! While they are here some suffer abuse, discrimination and no to little rights. If they complain, if they file a grievance, they will simply be shipped back home, after all they aren’t citizens, likewise, the Philippines government will not press any issue or defend them for fear Hong Kong will simply go elsewhere for their workers. It is one step above modern slavery, I can only guess what kinds of abuses these young women suffer. And suffering it is. If they have a good “employer” it is seen as the greatest of blessings. However, the situation makes for a wonderful Sunday experience, the people who come to FCC on Sunday truly appreciate the blessings they get from gathering together, from the fellowship of each other, from the music (no matter how…musically challenged it is!) and the blessing of having someplace to come where they will be treated with dignity and common love. I jokingly said to one wonderful lady, “Edna, will you be here this afternoon?” In a response that betrayed a sincerity I have rarely encountered she said, “Of course! This is my home, I have nowhere else to go. This is my home.” I cannot tell you how this effected me. I see the fellowship and blessing in a different light, I see my own ingratitude, my own spoiled lack of appreciation. Friends we are blessed beyond measure, we have resources and gifts the likes of which most of the rest of the world could only dream, yet we are selfish and stubborn with them stingy with them. I thank the Lord that we have a church that sees the blessing that God has given her (physical, spiritual and relational) as things to be shared, and opened. If there is a need and the church can meet it, then we must meet it, we must be open with the talent and the tools that God has entrusted to us. It is not my church, it is not something for me to use, misuse or neglect at my whim, it is the Bride of Christ, and I am privileged, honored to be a part. Well, I’ll get off the soapbox (at lest until I get home, or the next time I blog.) We love you all and miss you dearly.