Pray for Macau

Macau is known as the gambling capital of the world. At night, grand casinos, hundreds of feet high and glowing warmly with golden lights, light this compact city. Macau is a city of cities — one of the most densely populated regions in the world. Every flat piece of land on this small peninsula and island is full of high-rises and apartments. More than 700,000 people live in 33 square kilometers (13 miles). For centuries, it was a Portuguese colony, but it was returned to China in 1999 and is now governed by a “one country, two systems” framework — similar to Hong Kong. The city has its own government, currency, and rules, while remaining under the authority of the Chinese government in Beijing. This city is the only part of China where gambling is legal, an industry that produces roughly 90 percent of Macau’s government income.

In an effort to expand beyond gambling, the government has launched initiatives to develop healthcare, technology, banks, and tourism. Most citizens of Macau avoid the tourist-filled casinos, but many have been trapped by gambling addictions, and few support programs exist to help them recover. Macau’s extreme population density also puts pressure on infrastructure and housing. In response, the city is creating artificial land on the coastline and is trying to build new houses. International groups have urged the city to take more action against human trafficking, but the government of Macau has argued that its current efforts are addressing the problem.

In the early days of Portuguese colonization, 95 percent of the population was Catholic, but today only 8 percent identify as Christian. Most people in Macau live well, receiving government allowances and free healthcare thanks to the nation’s massive economy, and they do not see a need for a savior. Instead, most residents of Macau pray to their ancestors and traditional idols for happiness and wealth. Moreover, those who practice Christianity often do not have a strong faith, investing in Christian tradition instead of a relationship with Jesus. Even though they are free to worship in the city, Christians often choose to spend time at work or with their families instead of going to church. Yet, a small community of believers remains faithful. These church members are some of the only ones who care for those broken by gambling, and they continue to share the Gospel with their friends and family.