For anyone wanting to better understand what is happening in Hong Kong right now, my friend Stephanie has written a very helpful synopsis. Please pray for a quick and peaceful end to this. ---begin--- For those of you that are not familiar with what is happening, there has been growing discontent in Hong Kong over the measure of control that Beijing is putting over Hong Kong, particularly with upcoming elections in 2017, and it seems to have come to a head today. Here is a brief timeline taken from bbc (bbc/news/world-asia-china-29397738) to explain some of the main events: 1984: Britain and China sign an agreement where Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs for 50 years following the handover in 1997. 2004: China rules that its approval must be sought for changes to Hong Kongs election laws. 2008: China says it will consider allowing direct elections by 2017. June-July 2014: Pro-democracy activists hold an unofficial referendum on political reform and a large rally. This is followed by protests by pro-Beijing activists. 31 August 2014: China says it will allow direct elections in 2017, but voters will only be able to choose from a list of pre-approved candidates. Activists stage protests. 22 September 2014: Student groups launch a week-long boycott of classes in protest. Last night, following 2 days of protests by students that involved use of force and arrests by the police, a protest called Occupy Central was launched, drawing over 30,000 people (and still growing) to the financial district of Hong Kong. Protesters gather during a demonstration outside headquarters of the Legislative Counsel on 28 September 2014 in Hong Kong. (photo courtesy of BBC) Unfortunately, and to the dismay of the Hong Kong people, the Hong Kong police have resorted to using force (pepper spray, tear gas, and threatening plastic bullets) against the peaceful protest. The Hong Kong police in the past have been one of the most conservative when it comes to using force and this came as a large shock to the people here. As one of our local staff said, My heart is broken. This is not the place I used to know anymore. (photo courtesy of scmp) The local government has not made any concessions in response to the protest, which is still ongoing. They have closed subway lines and sent police to the subway stations to stop people from joining. Tomorrow the teachers union is striking to support the students and to protest the police use of violence. Please pray for Hong Kong. What happens through this time will determine the future of this city. Please pray that God will bring about righteous changes. Pray for protection for those involved and for Gods principles to be enacted, whether it is on the side of the protesters, the Hong Kong government or the Chinese government. We need Gods help to bring change to this city. Thank you for standing beside Hong Kong in this time. stephanie
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 23:01:02 +0000
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