Page 39 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

General Secretary’s Report

Rev. Po Kam-cheong

A. Introduction: Rapidly changing world but human rights, migrant workers, diasporas, militarization, nuclear
unchanged desire weapons and religious freedom. All these are affecting each
In the past year, the world changed very fast. In northern country, region or even world peace.
Africa and the Middle East, many stable political power Hong Kong is located in Asia, with convenient transportation
collapsed after pressure from mass gatherings of citizens and freedom of communication, and is relatively affluent.
communicating through the latest technology such as mobile Therefore, naturally the Hong Kong Church understands more of
phones. Those affected regions were facing huge change. In Asia's situation and should make a bigger contribution to the region.
contrast, after a deadly train crash in Wenzhou, China, the
C. Hong Kong Chief Executive Election
authorities tried very hard to cover up the cause of the accident
Committee: Christian Committee sector
and kept the train service running. Victims and witnesses made
In 2012, Hong Kong will have the fourth election of its Chief
use of mobile phones and electronic communication to rapidly
Executive. During this year, we will conduct an election of the
transmit the news all around China and the world. Modern
election committee for the ten representatives from the Christian
technology proved the prophecy of Jesus Christ: "Nothing is
covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that sector. There are always concerns over the election process.
Having discussed the matter with the Executive Committee, the
will not become known." (Matthew 10:26). However, the killings
Council decided to adopt a one-Christian, one-vote method to
in Norway and the turmoil in England, all these were showing
the power of the internet, transmitting hate and fear in no time. choose the Christian representatives for the election committee.
Modern com m unication technology helps people to get The date of election is October 30, 2011. Such practice encourages
connected. It provides challenges and chances for us and also every Christian to actively participate and to elect appropriate
allows people to understand that they are yearning for liberty, representatives to be election committee members.
dignity, social justice and world peace. Jesus Christ preached D. Ministry Report
the gospel, "to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of
For details of the ministries of the Council, please refer to the
sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free" (Luke 4:18). Until
related committee reports. The following is a summary and
today, the gospel still addresses people's needs and satisfies
supplement for reference:
their deepest desires, pointing them in the right direction.
i_ Sharing and C hurch W itness
B. Revelation of earthquake, tsunami and The Sharing and Church Witness Committee promotes the
nuclear disasters in Japan Rural China Orphan Sponsorship, Rebuilding Collapsing
On March 31, 2011, there was a 9.0-magnitude earthquake Schools Project, Senior High School Sponsorship Project, and
recorded in northeast Japan. The earthquake triggered a Project Torch. All these programs have been helping Mainland
tsunami and destroyed countless homes and buildings. Many China to nurture and develop their people and talents. Last year
died and many others were injured. The tragedy of Fukushima more than ten thousand people received our assistance, and the
nuclear power plant exposed the seriousness of the crisis of donations for the year totaled HK$23,000,000• With the
nuclear power, arousing global concern.
enormous needs of China, all these programs may seem like
After the earthquake, HKCC and representatives from the only a tiny raindrop to the continent, but with continuous effort,
National Christian Councils of South Korea, Taiwan and Japan they are impressively changing the future of individuals and the
formed a delegation to visit the disaster areas to express our country. All the effort and enthusiasm of our donors and
churches' concern. We also called for a meeting to work with volunteers were the driving force to carry forward these
international partners for earthquake and tsunami relief and programs.
reconstruction in Japan in the name of Churches Forum on This year, disasters happened all over the world. In March
Peace and People’s Security in Northeast Asia. We called for 2011, the northeast part of Japan was hit by an earthquake,
ecumenical churches to participate in disaster relief and which triggered a tsunami and nuclear disaster• 丨n the same
rebuilding efforts in Japan. Participants were also concerned month, there was also an earthquake in Yingjiang, Yunnan and
about the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster crisis and serious drought in Africa which led to the suffering of millions.
recommended countries to review their energy policy and to HKCC sent appeal letters to all churches to ask for their help for
reduce or stop using nuclear power. Instead, nations should the victims in a spirit of sharing to give food to the hungry, drink
develop more renewable energy, so that the world created by to the thirsty, clothes to those in the cold, and shelter to the
the Lord will become a safe place for humanity to live. homeless. The donation from all these appeals totaled HK$
As the U.S. and Europe face economic crises, the emergence 5,000,000. After Japan’s earthquake, the Council together with
of Asia will become an obvious trend. Asian and African the National Christian Councils of the Northeast Asia region
churches have been recognized as a force and source of hope visited the victims in the disaster areas. We also called for an
for church development in the 21 st century. In Asia, every country international relief conference to raise a wider concern among
is facing various challenges both big and small on the issue of the ecumenical churches.

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