Treasures in Our City

Christian Action was born because of the Vietnamese refugees who arrived in Hong Kong in the 70s and 80s. There were tent camps at Kai Tak. That was when my career, and CA began. Since then I have always had a soft spot for refugees and displaced people. To mark World Refugee Day this year, we held a series of events aimed at educating the public about the plight of those who have been displaced.

With the Refugee Ministry group at Kowloon Union Church, we held an event to celebrate our services. Refugees and locally talented people sang, danced and played African drums. We all promoted love, hope, courage and unity. Three refugees who became successful adults, shared their journey growing up in Hong Kong. It was a joy to see and hear our refugees, and how they have contributed to society.

CFR's Drummers

Representatives from UNHCR and the Refugee Ministry Group also gave speeches advocating human rights for refugees. Reverend Hanz Lutz, one of the founders of Refugee Concern Network, highlighted the fact that when Paul was shipwrecked, the islanders in Malta were unusually kind to Paul and the sailors. When refugees are not welcome anywhere, the biblical significance seems to be forgotten. We presented Rev. Lutz with farewell gifts as thanks for his tireless service to refugee communities for 20 years. He recently stepped down from the role of chairperson of Refugee Ministry Group and Refugee Concern Network.

We also viewed an online collection of short films based on the escalating migrant crisis. It was followed by discussions on how to alleviate the growing refugee catastrophe. We had an Open House at our Centre for Refugees (CFR) at Chungking Mansions and showed the humanitarian work we do every day. We served home-cooked ethnic foods prepared by refugees, and viewed our archive artwork reflecting the history of refugees in Hong Kong. Handicrafts made by refugees and asylum seekers were displayed in our Arts and Enterprise for Women Program. Instead of discriminating against people who are displaced, we must open our hearts, and continue to pray for our refugee and asylum seeker friends.

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