One Desire Fast is HMCC’s annual fast so we can start off the year hearing from God, both individually and as a church. This year’s theme is Witness.
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Jeremiah 29:7 – “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.“
Many of us are familiar with Jeremiah 29:11 where God promises the Israelites: ‘For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ This verse originates from a letter Jeremiah wrote to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. God assures them of His guidance and protection, yet in the same chapter he also gives the astonishing command for them to seek and pray for ‘peace and prosperity’ in the city that held them captive (29:7a).
God’s will for His people to love and serve within their immediate environment still prevails: instead of conforming to the world and remaining consumers of our environment, we are called to gain a heart of service for the pains and struggles within our community as beloved children of God. It is safe to say that we all want a prosperous future, but how many of us also actively seek the welfare of our city? Unlike the exiles, we enjoy the privilege of studying at universities and working at corporations with all the perks and conveniences of a lively international city that we call home. Even so, Hong Kong –like many other bustling cities– is plagued by problems such as poverty, mental illness and various forms of discrimination that reflect a deep need for the gospel. During His life on earth, Jesus demonstrated this by devoting His ministry to caring for the poor and marginalized, providing for their physical needs and giving them an eternal hope which He purchased with His own blood. As we have personally experienced this hope through His unconditional love, we are empowered to follow His example and serve our own city and campus/workplace.
In this coming year, let’s open our eyes to the social needs of our city and campus/workplace, open our ears to the stories of our neighbors and friends, and commit to praying and serving earnestly for the peace and prosperity of Hong Kong.
Reflection and Application
- Reflecting on the journey through which God had brought you to your current city and campus/workplace, do you currently have a heart for the people within your immediate context?
- What do you think are some of the greatest needs of Hong Kong that you feel called to respond to? How about your campus/workplace/neighborhood?
- What actions/habits can you incorporate into your life on a consistent basis in order to respond to these needs?
Prayer requests for CityU:
- For members to internalize the Gospel and take their own faith personally — living it out beyond LG or Church contexts
- Godly friendships, and a heart that desires to reach out beyond friend groups — to the campus and the lost
- Layers of discipleship and new leaders being raised
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