Protesters in Hong Kong’s “Umbrella Revolution” have expressed determination to remain on the streets until Beijing agrees to their demand for free elections. With the Chinese government’s notorious reputation for “killer” suppression of pro-democracy protests, another Tiananmen Square Massacre is feared.

Newsweek’s Bill Powell reports,

“The Federation of students vowed ‘not to give up,’ and they have been in the vanguard of the current protests. But the likelihood of achieving what they desire seems bleak. The NPC [National People’s Congress of mainland China] statement made it clear that Beijing at the highest levels is in no mood to compromise.”

From the University of Southern California’s U.S.-China Institute, Mike Chinoy, a senior fellow, who covered Tiananmen in 1989, tweeted,

“I see no way the Chinese government can tolerate what is happening in HK. Greatly fear this will end badly.”

Regarding the uncertainties of the present situation, Roderic White, an associate fellow at London-based Chatham House, comments,

“Everybody is in completely unknown territory. … How these things end, we just don’t know. A lot will depend on the attitude of the authorities, and whether at some time there will be room for somebody to talk to somebody.”

Pray for the people of Hong Kong. Ask the Lord to intervene on behalf of His children there and for the sake of the work of the gospel both in Hong Kong and in mainland China.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–4, NIV)

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. He directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases” (Proverbs 21:1, NLT).