Pray in Unity for the City

The 4th meeting was held on 13 July 2008 at the Tsim Sha Tsui Baptist Church, with attendance reaching close to 300. The meeting began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fuk-man Cheung who is currently the head of the Evangelism Department at Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union (HKCCCU). This was followed by a time of worship led by the Amen Ladies' Worship Team. Next, a brief video about the current situation in Sichuan was shown. The video talked about the work of the LISAC International in Sichuan. Next, Rev. Tony Lo led a prayer on the supporting operations at Sichuan. LISAC International had a team of 17 individuals, including 13 pastors, two doctors and a nurse. The team left for Sichuan on June 15. Along with the pastor and his wife of Pang Chou City Christian Church, they visited some of the more remote villages that lacked basic support.

Mr. Lau from LISAC International then shared the current rebuilding work at Sichuan. First, the organization worked with the locals, enabling them to witness the life testimonies of the Christians and understand the work ethics of Christians. In July the agency will hold a summer camp with 50 young adults from Hong Kong. They hope to share the gospel with 200 young adults in these affected areas, as well as to provide training opportunities for believers. Due to the extreme low temperatures in these areas during winter, this agency planned to raise five million dollars and provide survivors with down coats, winter clothing and sleeping bags. Mr. Lau shared four major prayer points: ask God to provide resources, manpower to utilize these resources, rebuilding the working relationship between the people of Hong Kong and the people in China, as well as opportunities to share the gospel.

Rev. Hang-chuen Luk, General Secretary of the HKCCCU, shared from Psalm 46 in his message. During times of trouble, the presence of God will enable us to be victorious in whatever that comes across. This psalm mentions "God is our refuge" in three places, and "The Lord Almighty is with us" is also mentioned twice. During times of trouble mankind might come to a better understanding of this Sovereign Lord who created the universe and everything in it. God is our strength. This strength includes patience in times of trouble, the power to love others and intelligence. After the message, an Adviser to the Executive Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union led a response prayer.

Next, we prayed for the current conditions in Sichuan. Rev. Fuk-man Cheung, Head of the Evangelism Department at HKCCCU. first led a prayer on "May the Lord raise up engineers". After that, the Head of Membership Department at HKCCCU. led a prayer on asking the Lord to bestow wisdom in early detection of earthquakes.

Mrs. Chan, General Secretary of Jireh Fund, led the congregation to pray for those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake. The newspaper had not reported on any major memorial meetings to help those who have lost loved ones to lay aside their grief and burdens. Only the Lord could wipe away the sorrow and heal the hearts of mankind. We pleaded the Lord to pour out His love into their hearts so that they might be comforted. We also pleaded the Lord to raise up good neighbors to help them, and to wipe away their grief and helplessness. Next, Mrs. Chan prayed for God to raise up individuals who can be like Nehemiah in taking up the charge to rebuild the affected areas. In the past Nehemiah wept for Jerusalem, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven. Regardless of who takes up the responsibility in rebuilding the affected areas, they must seek the good of the people and have a heart that is directed by God. On the other hand, Hong Kong donated 10 billion dollars to help rebuild Sichuan. Some of the people questioned if the amount was too much. However, God enabled Mrs. Chan to learn about "it is more blessed to give than to receive", and it was important that we prayed for the people of Hong Kong to offer in their midst of thankfulness.

In the final prayer, Mrs. Audrey Lo prayed for those who were involved in the rescue operations to have a Christ-like heart as they served. Rev. Tony Lo prayed that the power of the gospel might come upon the affected areas. After prayer, a sister led the congregation in their response to God by singing "Jesus is Lord"

Mrs. Chan, General Secretary of Jireh Fund, indicated that many brothers and sisters have expressed willingness to participate in the rescue operations in the affected areas. The convening organizations have continued to be in contact with several Christian organizations that were involved in relief efforts in Sichuan. As the reconstruction process has already begun, the organizations needed to re-evaluate the situations and the needs of these areas. Brothers and sisters are encouraged to pray and become prayer intercessors for Sichuan.

Before the meeting came to a close, an Adviser to the Executive Board of Directors from the Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union led the benediction for the congregation.