Spread the Word
Preacher Jonathan Palitayan, 34, works full-time at the Wan Chai Church of Christ. With his ever-present smile, he tells us about life in Hong Kong's Filipino community.
HK Magazine: Did you always want to be a preacher?
Jonathan Palitayan: I think so. I was raised in a Christian family and my father is a preacher. I may only earn $7,000 a month but I am passionate about what I do. Besides, I'm used to living simply and it's a blessing that my job can support my daily needs.
HK: How do people respond when you preach in public?
JP: I sometimes preach the gospel in the parks around Central, but the locals usually ignore me.
HK: Did you have culture shock when you arrived in Hong Kong?
JP: Definitely. The language barrier was difficult to overcome, and I didn't know how to do my job properly. Also, people here have a totally different mentality. The city is fast-paced and people are tied to their job so there is little time to think about religion. Young people find the church more appealing when their friends are part of it, but as soon as they start working they lose interest.
HK: Why do you smile so much?
JP: I guess that's my nature. I like to draw people closer to me and smiling is a good way to break the ice and create a better atmosphere.
HK: Tell us about the Filipino community.
JP: Most of the Filipinos I know have come to Hong Kong to better their prospects. But life here is tough for them because they have to live so far from their families. They also encounter problems with their employers. Domestic workers are sometimes not given proper places to sleep or food to eat.
HK: How do you help people?
JP: Mainly by teaching the gospel. My congregation find strength in the church and each other's company. I also assist in providing emergency supplies for people in need.