Experiencing China

Day 11: H. K. Polytechnic
Hong Kong

After a final 5th grade class period of answering questions about my height, hobbies, family, and hidden talents, after packing and repacking, and after surprisingly long good-byes at Tony's school, we traversed to Hong Kong; turned into a five hour jaunt though it usually takes around two and one-half hours. Not even sure why it took so long; public transportation can be spotty. We walked a kilometer to find a taxi, rode in the taxi, hopped a train for a one and one-half hour ride, presented passports and filled out departure papers at the border, made three subway changes, and walked a bit more, and this with all of my souvenir-bloated luggage. We finally arrived again at the Chungking Mansions in downtown Hong Kong by early evening. I fly out in three days, but until then Tony and I are going to visit and sightsee some more. There's no shortage of things to do.

After quickly checking into another windowless, two-bedded cube of Chungking space, we ran, quite nearly literally, north on Nathan Street and then a kilometer east on Austin Street to Hong Kong Polytechnic University. We were over an hour late in meeting up with Ching, a staff worker with Hong Kong Fellowship of Evangelical Students, to accompany her to a weekly worship meeting with students. We asked for directions from a few random students then found the library, the original rendezvous point. After pre-occupying the library door monitor with our confused questions and charades, Tony and I found the Student Union and, within the Union, a room full of student organization offices and desks, much like what I'd taken part in at my own college alma mater in the States: dozens of students lounging around desks full of invitational signs for the Fencing Club, the Environmentalists, Choir, the Chess Club, the Society of Left-handed Civilians. Some students gathered around an acoustic guitar player, others huddled around a poster board pointing and apparently discussing its contents. Voices clamored to be heard. Space was very tight. Dodging our way between crowds and random furniture proved to be slow going.

I was surprised to see so many students present, so many involved in extra-curricular activities. After speaking with Chinese students and campus ministry staff, I've had the impression that Chinese students work so fiercely at studying and part-time jobs that there's little room left for such involvement - then again, the library and student union were both inundated with student-filled study carrels.

No one was sitting at the Christian Fellowship desk, as they were at the meeting, of course, but neither could we figure out the location of the meeting. Finally, with the assistance of a helpful student, it dawned on me to call Ching on her cellular phone. Everyone in Hong Kong seems to be wired.

We made the tail end of a Bible study on Jesus' parable about the Good Samaritan, Luke 10. Four groups of five or six students gathered in small circles to discuss observations and reflect upon their own lives. Just before this they had sung a few worship songs and in fact, for the benefit of Tony and I, had chosen a couple of English songs. I was sad we'd run so late. They sometimes have speakers but oftentimes after worship they'll watch a movie or video clip, something pertinent to the interests of the student body at large, and discuss it in light of the Truth of their faith. Relating with such media and thoughtfully engaging their culture seems a good and "whole" approach to living their faith; prudish avoidance seems a fruitless alternative.

After the meeting, we ate a late meal at a cafeteria; several different seafood items and some chicken and pork dishes. I felt myself reinvigorated as I was again on a college campus, again sharing with students. Their academic majors vary from nursing, to computers, to linguistics, to architectural structuring (ventilation, heating, etc.) to hospitality management in hotels and restaurants. Most of them speak fairly good English; wish yet again that I spoke Cantonese. I found them eager and full of character. They reminded me much of students I've worked with in the States, could almost pinpoint parallel personalities and group dynamics between these students and InterVarsity chapters I know in America. So very similar in temperament, interests, leadership, faith.

Hearing their interests, a bit about their faith, and just laughing and sharing a meal with them gave me a bigger perspective of the world, and a better look at the character of God, I believe. Seeing them find hope in Christ excites me, as it does with American students, but it's easy to forget that people are being moved like this, that lives are being affected and even salvaged like this the world over.

Bruce, the Christian Fellowship "Chairman" shared with me that their theme for the semester is "Social Concern"; another glad discovery for me. They hope to do much service work in nearby, impoverished cities as well as get involved with a social action group here in Hong Kong which is battling the use of elicit messages and materials in the local media, such as pornography, even in the daily papers.

The University itself, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is the second largest university in Hong Kong with 6,000 full-time students and another 4,000 part-time. It's an urban setting.

At the advice of Ching and several students, we're vacating the Chungking Mansions tomorrow. In fact, Ching is going to make a few phone calls for Tony and I in the morning to price other hostels. If she calls we'll more than likely get a much cheaper quote on a room. It's regular practice to charge foreigners more, though this practice seems to be more prevalent on the mainland. This we've found frustrating.

I'm glad to have met these students. Just being present with them has widened my view of the world. Yet again I want to look into the possibility of applying my interests in writing to missions. I think people need to hear other peoples' stories. Students in Walla Walla, Washington need to be encouraged, or challenged, to know what students are learning about God in Hong Kong. Cambodian community development workers need to know what urban ministries in the United States are doing to bring equality to the poor. Americans need to know what injustices occur outside of our cozy borders. Spanish university students need to hear of the struggles and joys that South Africans live as they pursue racial reconciliation. The list could go on. It's an endless "web" of material and spiritual events, knowledge of which, I'm convinced, can help to bring understanding and a greater passion for God.

I pray, Lord, for your direction and that I seek only your goodness and glory, not my own.

Mark

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