September 2004

Newsletter from Hong Kong

Dear Friends,

On September 12th, I voted for the first time in Hong Kong. The elections were for the Legislative Council and I was eligible to vote because Hong Kong gives the right to vote to foreigners with seven years residency. Compared to the stories I heard about the voting process in the United States, my experience that day was remarkably smooth. The voting station was at the elementary school right next door to where I live. The election officer verified my name from a computer print-out. I was given a paper ballot with color pictures next to the names of the candidates. I used a self-inking stamp to make a check mark next to my choice, folded the ballot in half and slid it in a ballot box. The whole process took only a couple of minutes.

When I walked out of the school, I felt a strong sense of participation in Hong Kong’s future. It was only a simple act of voting, but it was same act that 1.7 million people in Hong Kong performed that day. That’s a turnout rate of over 55 percent of the registered voters, the highest ever.

The right to vote for one’s leaders is something very dear to Hong Kong people. It means that the people have a say about what their government is doing and that the government is accountable to the people. For citizens of other countries, this may seem obvious. But in Hong Kong it is a relatively new and precious experience even amid accusations of negative campaigning and voting errors.

At best, the general population can only vote for half of the 60 seats in the legislature according to where they live. The other 30 seats are elected by those in particular professions, such as the medical sector or trade. This somewhat unusual arrangement has been the subject of constant debate, and discussion on constitutional development in Hong Kong is underway.

The church is also participating in these discussions. As the Reverend Eric So, General Secretary of the Hong Kong Christian Council, says:

Hong Kong Christian Council has been playing an active role in social and political agendas because we are following God’s word. As the people of God, we know that we are blessed and will be a blessing (Genesis12: 2-3). We serve God not only by rituals but by justice, kindness and humility (Micah 6:6-8). Though we do not belong to this world we are the light and the salt of the world (Matthew 5:13-16), and we always keep in mind that we are a community for others and will consider what is good in the sight of all (Romans 12:17).

I take heart in knowing that Hong Kong society and the Hong Kong church are moving together to bring the abundant life to all. While the church is still strong in evangelism, church growth, and discipleship, it has also taken a more difficult path of speaking out on issues beyond religion per se. We in Hong Kong are blessed with the freedom to go beyond the four walls of the church to share our message, our concerns and our love. We should cherish this freedom.

Very soon I should be receiving my overseas absentee ballot for the U.S. elections in November. As one friend commented, “You are lucky: you can vote in both places!” I am indeed fortunate. Therefore I dare not waste the opportunity in either country to make a difference, no matter how small, no matter how imperfect the system. Apathy is another way of saying we have given up.

For followers of the risen Lord, giving up is never an option.

With hope,

Judy Chan

The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 86