Wesleyan Life - Spring 2009 Back to Wesleyan Life Home

Domestic Workers Are Weekend Ministers in Hong Kong

By Tricia Allen

In the thriving metropolis of Hong Kong, thousands of women live far from their homeland and family members. Their living quarters are cramped and their free time is severely limited. They arrive in one of the largest cities in the world to live a lonely life.

Many of these domestic workers from the Philippines have found refuge within The Wesleyan Church of Hong Kong, a mission of the Philippine General Conference, in the region of over seven million inhabitants. Some have placed their faith in Jesus for the very first time.

The approximate 200 women do more than meet for church and a meal every Sunday on the fourth floor of an old, rickety building in the city. Once they finish worshiping, they trek to “Central,” a busy district in Hong Kong. Hundreds of domestic workers, as well as thousands of natives and internationals, congregate outside, causing a few blocks in the area to be closed to traffic. Some Filipino women bring food, books, and hobbies; they sit on blankets as they enjoy conversation and camaraderie outside the confines of their employer’s home.

While the women enjoy times of fellowship, they also use their Sundays as a time to tell others about Jesus. Others hear the gospel and become curious; they, too, end up attending a Sunday morning service at The Wesleyan Church of Hong Kong.

Planted in 1995 and operated by ordained Filipino ministers in The Wesleyan Church, the church is ministering to these women in the midst of poverty, loneliness, and separation from family. The Wesleyan Church of Hong Kong also operates a refuge center that provides counseling and classes in a non-threatening environment, different than many of their home lives.

It is because of the church and refuge center that numerous women return to the Philippines with changed hearts and lives.

— Tricia Allen is Public Information Coordinator in the Department of Communications

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