Hong Kong Church Network and Grace Church Hold Symposium on Financial Crisis Response

The Church Caring for the Poor Network, co-organized with the Evangelical Mission Hong Kong Grace Church, held a symposium titled “Christian Action Under the Financial Tsunami” on April 6 at the Evangelical Mission Hong Kong Grace Church. The event addressed the rising unemployment, family and social problems, and worsening poverty resulting from the global financial crisis. Approximately 300 pastoral colleagues and believers attended the gathering to discuss how Christian communities can respond to these challenges.

Dr. Cai Yuanyun, Honorary Secretary-General of Breakthrough Ministries, spoke on the current situation and mission under the financial tsunami. He noted that the crisis has affected governments worldwide, leading to governance crises and a decline in public trust in government leadership. Citing Proverbs 21:1-6, Dr. Cai emphasized that the heart of man is in the hand of God and urged believers to pray for those in authority to possess the wisdom necessary to handle the crisis.

Dr. Cai also highlighted the severe inequality between the rich and the poor in Hong Kong, stating that the government needs to take action to improve societal inequality and help the poor cope with the financial impact. He mentioned that the government has allocated funds to establish a Children’s Fund. Additionally, he encouraged the church to mobilize believers to participate in the Growth Mentoring Program and food bank activities to assist those in need.

The mission of Christians in this context was described as rooted in faith, hope, and love. Faith involves believing in God’s guidance, hope involves giving the next generation a society with hope, and love involves believers caring for and serving those in need through active participation, thereby proclaiming God’s great love.

Pastor Wu Zongwen, Senior Pastor of the Evangelical Mission Hong Kong Grace Church, shared insights on the action of the church community under the tsunami. He identified three distinct groups affected by the financial crisis in Hong Kong: those living below the poverty line, the middle class experiencing decreased income, and individuals who suffered investment losses and lost their capital.

Pastor Wu stated that the church, as an institution, and its believers should work together to identify and assist the poor hidden within the community. This collective effort aims to provide practical support and care to those impacted by the financial downturn, reflecting the biblical call to love one’s neighbor and care for the vulnerable.

Other speakers at the symposium included Ms. Yu Miaoyun, Secretary-General of the Industrial Evangelical Fellowship, and Dr. Liu Dafang, Secretary-General of the Xifu Association. Their contributions further explored the dimensions of Christian response to economic hardship, emphasizing the importance of organized outreach and community engagement.

The symposium served as a platform for discussing the intersection of economic crisis and Christian service. By focusing on practical actions such as food support and mentoring, the participants underscored the role of the church in addressing the immediate needs of the community while fostering a spirit of compassion and solidarity in the face of widespread financial distress.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)