Hong Kong authorities tear-gassed pro-democracy protestors, including two American pastors.
American Pastors
Pastor Bill Devlin of the Infinity Bible Church in New York City and Pastor Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition traveled to Hong-Kong to support pro-democracy demonstrations.
The pastors stood in alongside student demonstrations at Hong Kong Polytechnic University where students rioted with police. Their goal was to share the love of Jesus Christ, pray with the demonstrators, and encourage them as they fight for democracy.
“We spent five days there. We met hundreds of students and young people. And we were right in the middle of everything: rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons,” Pastor Bill said. But we were there to basically encourage the people fighting for democracy and human rights to say: ‘You’re not alone.”
Tear-gassed by authorities
As they were praying in the streets, authorities threw a tear-gas at them.
“We were praying in the streets. I didn’t have my goggles on.” he added. “The tear gas fell right at my feet and within 10 seconds my eyes were on fire and I couldn’t see. It was about three minutes before I could see. I had to wash it out with one of those spray things of saline solution.”
Support for Hong Kong
Pro-democracy demonstrators object to undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy and subjecting Hong Kong residents to China’s legal system. Moreover, Hong Kong has maintained an independent economic and governing system. But that agreement expires in 2047.
“The persecution and the oppressive nature of the mainland Chinese government in 1997 are not what it is today,” Pastor Patrick said. “Christians are being thrown into jail.”
In short, Pro-democracy citizens fear the persecutions of Christians when Hong Kong becomes a part of China.
“When this 50-year end and becomes part of mainland China, we know right now they will be persecuted,” he added. “They will be brutalized, they won’t be able to get a job, and their churches will be monitored.”
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Reference: The Christian Post