Have you even been to a place, that, when you walk through it, it is almost as if you can 'feel' the pain, suffering, darkness and sin creeping all over your body??
This place for me is temple street. And yet somehow I feel very drawn to it, in fact I enjoy spending time there. Ok, this sounds very bad, so I am going to try and explain.
Despite of all the things I have mentioned, Temple street is one of the most fascinating areas of Hong Kong. Tourists are drawn to it. The funny stalls selling ANYTHING YOU WANT, bright lights and cheap prices make it a classic visitors spot. But I do think think many of them truly know the wheels and clogs working behind the scenes. Even with local people, many of them know a little bit about what takes place inside, but do not really see it as a cause for concern. "Temple street has always been, and probably will always remain the same": thats probably what they are thinking.
However, for me, the problems are hard to ignore. It is a place that really lacks true light. In fact if Jesus was alive in Hong Kong today, I think it would be a place where he would frequent. A place where people need love, care and peace.
This Friday just past, we went to a outdoor church service at temple street. It was a fantastic. One of the first conversations I overheard, was a person who came up the Pastor Sam, can of beer in hand! (he is the founder of the temple street church) and said the following..(translated frm Cantonese)
Man: Alright Pastor Sam! Do you remember me?
PS: Yhea, I havent seen you for a long time
Man: Haha yhea, I have been clean (off drugs) for six months now, just thought I would let you know!
PS: Oh thats great, Praise the Lord
Man: Yes..haha
(and then I couldnt hear anymore)
These kids of situations and stories are not ones you get to hear and experience everyday. Some people feel as if street evangalism is pointless, as there are too many people around, its too loud, people just think the others are crazy etc etc etc etc....
However, even if all that effort saved only that one man from his addiction and lead him to christ, wouldnt that be worth it??
And if it affected one person then why to 10,40,50 100 who knows?
I love temple street and Jesus does too. Mircales happen there everyday, so please remember this area in your prayers once in a while! Hong Kong!!!!!! REPRESENT!!
(The temple street outdoor service happens on the FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Please stop by if you have a chance)
1 comment:
Temple street really affected (effected???? who knows?) me for the same reasons. It blessed me so much to see all those people from different churches who were laughing and so happy to be in the Lord, and think about how it must be for those people on Temple Street who almost never have a chance to hear or see anything about God.
I really liked this blog. I'll definitely be praying for Temple Street.
Post a Comment