FORTUNE-TELLING WITH A TWIST OFFERS PRAYER AND PEACE

THEN, FEBRUARY 1991: Customers got more than they bargained for when they stopped at Samuel Lai's fortune-telling table in Hong Kong's notorious Temple Street red light district.

Bibles and tracts replaced the cards and other tools of the occult trade found at neighboring booths, and the anxious inquirers received consultations without charge. But instead of seeing their palms read, they had hands laid upon them and were prayed for by Lai and other members of his team.

For the fortunes-with-a-difference service was provided as part of an unusual evangelism program run in the district - a well-known center for drugs, prostitution, gambling and violent crime. "We set up the table in exactly the same way as all the others, except that the literature is different and we don't charge," said Lai, director of the Youth With A Mission church planting team at work in the area.

Formerly a policeman in the area, Lai used his position to support his growing drug habit. He went to prison three times, and eventually became a Christian through a drug rehabilitation program before returning to the Temple Street area to share his newfound faith.

"Many people who come to the fortune tellers are very troubled. They come looking for life, only to find a curse, he said. "We pray... that they would experience the peace and blessing of the Lord."

NOW: While Hong Kong has returned to the control of mainland China, Lai's outreach - complete with "fortune-telling" - continues as usual. Shepherd Community Fuk Lam Church - founded among converts from the area - celebrated its tenth anniversary last year.

Outreaches are held twice a month, directly in front of the large temple that gives the area its name. The fortune-telling table is manned while other members of the church give their testimonies, present dramas, and talk to passers-by.

Volunteers also visit the area twice a week to give free meals to some of the many street sleepers - people left homeless because of drugs, alcohol or having been abandoned by their families. The food is donated by Christian restaurant owners.

"God has been very merciful to the people of Temple Street," said Lai, who although now serving full-time with the church continues as a member of YWAM's local board. "We have seen how over the years the square has become much tidier because of increased checking by the police.

"We give all the glory to God. Not only did he pull me out of my mess, he has also saved many in and through the Temple Street ministry. Most of those who were converted and who have stayed behind have now become leaders and pastors at SCFLC, and God has blessed them with partners and children."

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