The Sight of a Tree of Life Church

Recently, Hong Kong’s society has been under great tension; as the proposed amendment to the “Extradition Bill” by the SAR government has sparked the biggest ever protest in Hong Kong; and the city is on the brink of being torn-apart. During the monthly prayer meeting last Thursday (June 13), with one heart we prayed for the peace of Hong Kong. Thankfully, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong announced that the legislative amendment would be suspended last Saturday (June 15). This Tuesday (June 18), Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive, made a televised apology to the public again, promising that the amendment would not be tabled again without careful consideration.

The event has sparked much opposition and controversy. As a Tree of Life Church, with what insight and perspective shall we contemplate this matter?

The discord over the amendment of the “Extradition Bill” reflects the fear of Hong Kong people toward the PRC government and its legal system, greatly concerned that Hong Kong people may be sent to the mainland for unfair trials. Such fear is entirely understandable: even if the amendment has a good measure of consideration in legal and rational aspects, people are shaken to bits.

A Tree of Life puts “Grace before Truth”. A government should really think from the perspective of grace and appreciate the worries of Hong Kong’s people, and acknowledge their feelings during policy formulation. As citizens, we should communicate with the government in trust. Both
parties should respect each other and be willing to reach a consensus.

In the “One Way Parents’ Meeting” last Sunday (June 16), I also encouraged brothers and sisters whose children or family members had participated in the protest to not criticize or blame them. Instead, they should believe that we all love God and love Hong Kong. They should also appreciate those young people who are bold enough to express their opinions in a peaceful and lawful way. Likewise, those who take part in these protests should not accuse those who do not. We are not to be polarized, and are not to take a binary approach. Rather, we are to hold on to the Truth with mutual acceptance and respect.

We are preaching the Tree of Life Church series in our current Sunday services. As a Tree of Life church, we take no political stance, but hold on to the Truth and believe in God’s Word and live it out to be the Tree of Life.

Dear brothers and sisters, God reigns in all, “For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.” The Hong Kong government does not determine the fate of Hong Kong, because only God rules over history. We should continue to pray for Hong Kong. May the perfect will of God be done in Hong Kong, and may real peace come upon this city.• [2019.06.23]