Evangel Children’s Home has taken care for children and teenagers from broken families for 67 years, serving more than 1,400 people and 1,300 families. There are many touching stories among them. Some children who were adopted and started a new life overseas, came “home” when they grew up. They did remember their first home in Hong Kong and came back to look for “footprints of home”.
Fung Sai-ming, who was adopted to live in Australia at the age of 9, started a new life. Thanks to God’s protection and guidance, he settled down in Australia, met his wife and built their sweet home with children. Everyone was very happy for him.
Little Sai-ming
Sai-ming and his family
Footprints of Home
Every once in a while, Sai-ming visited Evangel Children’s Home and get with the Superintendent and staff. The pandemic has passed finally. Sai-ming made a special trip and took his family back to this “home”. He introduced his childhood life to his sons and relatives. Sai-ming, who is quite romantic, proposed to his wife under the big tree outside Evangel Children’s Home more than 10 years ago. This really showed that this “home” did play an important role in his life. As a father, Sai-ming likes to bring his children to this “home” and let them learn more about his childhood life. “Oh, this corridor…, and that hall…” – all places brought back many memories. Returning to the scene of the marriage proposal, he even told the children about their parents’ love stories and interesting things.
HK Visit in year 2007
“Home” Visit with his family in year 2023
Embrace his past and live a better tomorrow, Sai-ming always shows his positive attitude and energy. Through different eras, Evangel Children’s Home has expanded to provide comprehensive care and services for children from broken families or with special needs. We believe it is going to pass on through generations.
Evangel Children’s Home has being run the service for children through decades and is carrying children through their different wonderful journey of life on our “Train of God’s Grace”. Former superintendent David Chan Man Yiu (usually be greeted as “Man Yiu gor”), visited ECH a few months ago and had a reunion with old friends after he emigrated to overseas for many years. All colleagues, no matter former or current, together counted the blessings we had in different “space-time” but under the same roof of ECH. Back to the eighties, our former Superintendent, served the children in needs humbly because of Jesus’ love. He saw the urgent necessity of school bus for the children and thus raised money for a new school bus – the children called it “The Hallelujah Van”, and there was a story of love behind it.
David and his brother were the first pair of children to live in the ECH in 1956. They were the first generation of children nurtured and raised by the founder, Ms. Ruth Sundquist. In 1982, he graduated from the Department of Social Work in the United States, he returned to ECH to serve as the superintendent for 15 years. Later on, he went to Canada to work as a missionary and a counselor as well. David does keep ECH in his heart. He paid a visit to ECH with his wife Annie a few months ago – their visit was filled with warmth, just felt like soft breeze blowing from the ocean, with love and praises in our Lord’s grace together.
“The Hallelujah Van” – Supply of confidence in Him
In late 1980’s, among 60 children in ECH, 50 of them were under the age of 12. They attended 7 primary schools and 2 kindergartens respectively. The 7-seat minibus, which had been used for 9 years, had to go back and forth over ten times each day, this really could not meet such heavy demand. Therefore, 35 years ago, ECH needed to raise HKD250,000 to buy a 16-seat minibus. When only HKD100,000 was reached, ECH went ahead to pay the deposit by faith, meanwhile kept praying and waited for God’s provision. All co-workers also participated in the donation and David asked the children to donate their pocket money as well, and the response was unexpectedly enthusiastic. In just a few months’time, with the dedicated support of the church members and the concern of everyone, the brand-new school bus (minibus) was put into service, testifying that God’s provision was sufficient.
Dribs and drabs of Love
A new 16-seat minibus was into service after fund was raised and procurement was done, then another difficult task was to employ a right driver. So, an extra-ordinary captain of the minibus was stepped in.
David shared and said, “When we bought this Toyota Hiace 16-seat minibus (the children called it “The Hallelujah Van”), everyone was very excited. At that time, I acted as a temporary driver to take the children to and back from school. This is the most enjoyable time among my works, much happier than sitting in the office.”
“Once I remember, a teacher asked a child after school, “When would your driver arrive?” The child replied, “He is not the driver, he is the superintendent!” During driving, the little space in the van was the best place for me to establish relationships with the children, not as a superior ‘superintendent’, but me, David Gor, blessed with grace from the Lord.”
“The Hallelujah Van“was named by children. No wonder David was so grateful. He also encouraged current and former colleagues to believe in God firmly in all kinds of resource provision.
“This van also represents our caring Heavenly Father, who has shown His faithfulness and provision again and again.”
“Train of God’s Grace” – The Inherit of Love
Although David had a broken family when he was young and was arranged to live in ECH, he has a big family with children and grandchildren now. He receives God’s love, upholds the selfless spirit of Ms. Ruth Sundquist in Christ, and is willing to obey in Him and becomes a channel of love and life, passing on His blessings from one to another generation of children.
The inheritance of Love can be witnessed in the continuous development – from the first-generation ‘school-bus’ in more than 60 years ago, to the nowadays “nanny vans” and children are picked up and dropped off by co-workers nearby.
“The 16-seat van does not have the words “播道會兒童之家” on it indeed.” David added. “Regard the word “” (home) painted on the van body, the indexing component ‘宀’ means a house, its bottom part ‘住’ means that the Lord ‘主’ who is the head of our home and man “人” stands aside to the Lord. This was a deliberate creation of a Chinese word and it could not be found in the dictionary. When the van was driving on the road, peoples often asked what the character ‘’ was and how to pronounce it. The old character ‘’ was used for many years, and then it was changed back to the common character “家”.
In the early days, the full Chinese name of ECH was “播道會兒童之家”, but later the word “會” was deleted, which was aligned with the names of Evangel Seminary and Evangel Hospital (in Chinese).
David Chan is on this “Train of God’s Grace”, being His servant from the 1950’s to the 90’s. When he had reunion in ECH, for what he recalled was all about gratitude; for what he showed was all about caring – selfless Love is passing on.
Amber participated as a singer in ECH 65th anniversary theme song in 2022, which matched with her study of musical production. She deeply feels that the lyrics are like a portrayal of her childhood: “Obstacles are all around the dark abyss. Settling down is already difficult. How can I climb up?” Even though there are many obstacles, it did not hinder her enthusiasm for music. Moving around for 10 years, she finally settled on the happy road of music and started a brilliant second life
How to climb up while settling down is already difficult?
Due to the unstable mental condition of her parents, 3 sisters including Amber were admitted to ECH successively. At one time, Amber was the youngest in the girls’ house. She was so loved and brought happiness to everyone. They thought by arranging the 3 sisters together in one room would let them take care of each other. However, even small things like who should turn off the lights led to arguments that persisted until dawn. On the contrary, in order to get the long desired reward – 2012 Flying Project, they could also do their best after encouragement of the house parents. They were awarded to a trip to Korea for cultural exchange which broadened their horizons. Ordinary care homes cannot guarantee one fixed caregiver to one particular child, the change in caregivers left profound impact on Amber – it was like losing a relative. She was unable to adapt to these changes at a young age, so she went on her way and disregarded the house rules. Eventually, due to long-term conflicts with the house parents, she left this home before 18 when our youth home was not yet established.
Ideals vs. Reality
Amber is very talented in music. She could instantly play the musical notes she heard on the radio. When she was a child, there were not many choices of after school activities. She either read comic books or novels quietly, or played on the piano randomly. ECH discovered her talent and looked for resources that allowed her to receive formal musical training starting at the age of 6. Since then, she had the opportunity to study music formally. However, when it came to the idea of pursuing music as a career, there were only objections. Upon 16 years old, she returned to an inappropriate home – her original family. Due to violent behavior of family members, she was forced to stay temporarily in a youth hostel, giving her some peace and quiet time for a few months. In the end, she completed public exams with some difficulties. Her grades were not good. With the help of some friends, she travelled to Taiwan and learned Music. The work-study life was difficult and the amount of homework required for the subjects increased in the 2nd year. If she continued to work part-time, she could not complete her studies. At the same time, her father’s health deteriorated, so she had no choice but to return to HK before graduation.
Photos with ECH Superintendent 20 years apart
Life Coaches Altered Life Path
Amber returned to HK for work. ECH superintendent and ex-house parent (Ms. Chak) both invited her to serve in the church. While working, jumping musical notes always call to her. Gratefully, she met some life coaches over the years: Mr. Luke – a doctor she met through work and David and Agnes – a church couple. Based on their life experiences, they guided her to step out and follow God’s lead, strive for her dreams and embark positively on a music career. In between, she returned ECH and teached piano, hoping this passion of pursuing dreams could be passed on! She started with classical music in ECH and studied pop music afterward. She said it was a process. Never thought that as long as she has determination and enthusiasm, a young lady with mixed emotions and misfit in traditional education can overcome all difficulties, aim at the target and break through her boundaries. With the support of ECH scholarship fund, she successively obtained musical achievements – including grade 8 piano exam, bachelor degree majoring in music, performing with instruments and her voice at different concerts, and was recommended to be interviewed on TV with outstanding performances.
After passing through the twists and turns, Amber strived to move forward with her eternal musical dreams. No matter where she goes, she shines brightly and can face new challenges optimistically.
Dorcus’s idea of joining residential home care service stemmed from an orphanage described in a Japanese cartoon back in the 70’s. Her bright smile and majestic voice became her signature here. She loves to take care of children, just like she took care of 4 younger siblings when she was young. In ten years, this “Big Sister” has taken care of dozens of “siblings”, what’s unchanging is love.
Changes in 10 years
Dorcus is a member of the Evangelical Church. She has heard about Evangel Children’s Home (ECH) for a long time. Full of fantasies in her mind on how the main cartoon character grew up strong in the orphanage “Bonnie’s House”, she also hopes to raise up the children in ECH. She became a full-time houseparent after serving as a volunteer. This change was a big challenge to her. Looking back on those 5 years, she said, “There were endless works here.” Working on shifts also distanced her from relatives and friends. She started to question if this job is really suitable for her. She left here and trained handicapped adults in Hong Kong and the Mainland China. After a while, she returned Hong Kong to take of her elderly parents. At the same time, an ex-colleague suggested she rejoined this big family. Since she loves children, she had decided to come back and serve primary school girls again. Another five years gone by.
Memorable group photo including ECH founder, Ms. Ruth Sundquist (back row 3rd from left) and Dorcus (front row 3rd from right)
Happy time with the children she took care of at their childhood
Unconditional Love
This time, Dorcus found that there were more children with Special Education Needs (SEN). Based on her past experience, she gained new insights into raising up children. In the past, she trained children against her own standards. Now she places more emphasis on discovering the children’s potentials and giving specific instructions. “Schooling is not only about chasing after grades.” She pays more attention to whether the children are trying their best or being sloppy. This change brought her closer to the children. In fact, learning is not limited to the children only. Dorcus realizes that God sent her to serve here so she can grow and change. Through these children, she sees God’s unconditional love. Sometimes she asked God, “Have you also tolerated me like this?”
Giving and Returning Love
Even though the children sometimes exhausted Dorcus physically and mentally, some of their actions also moved her. She remembered when she first came back, there were lots of adaptations and changes. Seeing that she was busy, a quiet girl came to her and said, “Dorcus, I know you are suffering with loads of work”, then the girl went out. Unknowingly, tears ran down her face. Another stubborn girl who could hold a grudge for two hours became friendly with her after two years. Dorcus was curious and asked why, the girl replied: “Because I feel loved, then I can change.” The dialogues with true feelings reflect that the children can feel the care of houseparent and give back, thus healing both parties.
Houseparent Dorcus encounters new challenges every day in face of the children with problems of broken families, special education needs, emotional instability and behavioral issues. In addition to the training in knowledge, skills and experience, she also strives to care for children based on the unchanging love of Christ.
Dorcus realized that God punishes human but He only deals with their behavior, and does not hate that person. When children challenge her, she constantly reminds herself that she may not like their behavior, but everyone is lovable in the image of God. This has become her greatest learning.
About 20 years ago at an ECH volunteer activity, a few strangers were connected and developed family-like relationships, spanning over the years and across different regions. An “Elder Sister” nurtured four young boys’ growth with blessings from heart to heart.
Become a Volunteer with Boundless Love
ears ago, Joanne was a member of EFCC – Woot Chuen Church. Dedicated to becoming a volunteer and serving the community, she is full of love. In the past, she trained her own puppies to become dog doctors. They had been serving elderly homes and hospitals for over 8-10 years. In 2003, after a charity walk organized by Evangel Children’s Home, Joanne took the initiative to offer volunteer services to the children. The social worker at the time (now the social work supervisor) – Joe arranged two pairs of little brothers under the age of 10 (including Ah Yin and Ah Wai) be mentored by Joanne and implemented an “Elder Sister Plan”. Out of expectation, this arrangement connected these few strangers and created family-like and boundless care thereafter.
In the 2003 ECH charity walk, Joanne participated with her beloved dogs.
Life Nurturing and Selfless Companionship
Joanne has a bright personality which makes her appropriate to be a caregiver of boys. She hopes to accompany these children with the love of Christ and influence these little lives with her life experience. At that time, Joanne worked in a commercial firm. She brought snacks to the children’s home and chit chat with the little brothers at her spare time. At the beginning, she did find it hard to look for some common topics to kick-start a conversation. Nevertheless, she accompanied and listened patiently and carefully. Gradually she opened up the little brothers’ inner world, sharing their sorrow and joy. She will not forget the time she was invited to be a boy’s guardian and met his teacher at school. Joanne found these kids kind-hearted. Occasionally, she applied to take them out for a movie, or go hiking and stretch their body and mind. All these were wonderful experiences to the little brothers
A Relative with No Blood Relations
After these little brothers left the children’s home at the age of 18, Joanne continued to communicate with the four boys who became young men and exchanged greetings. Seeing that they were not self-reliant right away, she devoted herself and bought suitable home appliances for them. Even at one of the boys’ life event – the wedding day, she was asked to be formal witness of the wedding. This showed that even though they have no blood relationship, they shared the same family-like relationship. What comforted her most was watching them grow up and becoming loving and responsible adults. Some got married and even gave birth to the next generation, inheriting the love of Christ.
Boundless Care Brought up Doctoral Student
In recent years, Joanne emigrated overseas. Thanks to the internet, their communication never stopped at her fingertips. One of the big boys, “Ah Wai” is now a doctoral candidate in nutritional studies at a Taiwan University. All these achievements did not happen by chance. Great thanks to the irrigation from all aspects with love so that little saplings can grow into big trees and benefit the community.
This kind of invisible relationship does not require too much verbal communication. Companionship with heart brings out the most sincere dedication and care.
Few years ago, Joanne originally planned to meet “Ah Wai” in Taiwan, but the two unexpectedly met at the Hong Kong airport.
Joanne visited HK and made a special trip to reunite with members of ECH.
From left to right: Ms. Law (Superintendent), Joanne, Joe (Social Work Supervisor) and Calvin (Deputy Superintendent)
Youth staying in Evangel Children’s Home not only face the predicament of homelessness, they also face challenges of future residence, independent living, further education and employment issues. This leaves them feeling helpless especially under the constant threat of Covid-19. Grateful that there are empathetic and kind-hearted donors who sponsored 2nd Chance in Life-Transitional Youth Sponsorship Program “Start-up Fund”, a continuous subsidy since 2021, and helped they transit gradually to independent living.
“Start-up Fund” – Timely Support under the Pandemic
Businesses in Hong Kong were hard hit in the face of severe pandemic. Residential youth encounter many difficulties when finding part-time jobs. Some being laid off are under tremendous mental and psychological stress. For a living, they have to allocate time on both study and work, which causes a dilemma. In the past two years, we are blessed to have kind donors – Angie & Cathy, who injected sponsorship of “Start-up Fund”. This helps the youth to transit through difficulties and prepare for further studies and career development.
A few sponsored youths are studying in accredited tertiary qualification courses or participating in pre-employment internships offered by the service project of the organization. They need to work part-time after school to cover rental, tuition and other living expenses. They recalled that during the pandemic, various industries fell into recession. They encountered financial difficulties, such as deduction in working hours or being laid off. Fortunately, they received the “Start-up Fund” and solved their immediate needs. Their psychological and mental stress was relieved so they could continue to focus on studying, complete their coursework or internship then gradually transit to self-reliance.
A Difficult Start with a Dilemma
“Due to the pandemic, I was unemployed early2021, resulting in zero income. I was under intense financial stress in face of various expenses, such as rental, transportation and food. In the last semester, the courses I studied are the most difficult. It takes me a lot of time to search in the internet every day. I study hard with my classmates, and depart school only when the campus closes”Amanda (alias) who is studying Chinese Medicine.
“Under the severe pandemic outbreak, labour demand dropped drastically. Many employees suffered either from deduction of working hours or being laid off. Due to the same reason, I was laid off from my last part-time job. The competition of finding a job is very high. There was no news about the jobs I applied. I was confused and under a lot of psychological pressure. At the same time, I have to take care of my studies. I need to spend a lot of time practising in the hospital to avoid making mistakes. If I fail in the exam, my graduation will be delayed for one year. My mental burden is very heavy…”Gwyneth (alias) who takes Nursing Studies.
“I attend school Monday through Friday. I do not have enough time for a regular part-time job. My income is unstable that intensifies my financial pressure. The schoolwork in the new semester is also getting heavier. I really hope to devote more time to my studies without worrying about my living expenses…“Britney (alias) who is studying Nursing.
Gratitude from the Youth Beneficiaries:
Amanda (alias) who is studying Chinese Medicine
“When I couldn’t find a part-time job and urgently needed financial support, this fund gave me a buffer period during the difficult time. It allowed me to study and complete the course with peace of mind. I am greatly thankful to the sponsors who contributed silently. When I am able to give back, I will do my best to contribute to the society.”
Gwyneth (alias) who chose Nursing Studies
“The Start-up Fund allowed me to relieve some financial burdens. It provided support under the unpredictable situation of the pandemic. Hence, I could focus on my studies and achieved satisfactory results. I look forward to obtaining enrolled nurse license subsequent to my internship… After overcoming this hurdle, I deeply realize that I shall serve people with different needs in this helping industry, and practise selfless dedication.”
Wing (alias) who is learning Information Technology
“The Start-up Fund relieved my financial pressure, allowed me to spend more time on further studies and start developing my second life. After becoming financially independent in the future, I hope to help those with financial need.”
Beautiful DIY thank you cards made by the youths
Once again, we thank Angie & Cathy for their timely assistance, encouraging homeless youth to come out of their predicaments and strive to move up. Hope that intergenerational poverty can be lifted and they could live a prosperous second life, and give back to the society.
“Honest and Helpful”, this is Man Tat in the eyes of former house parent Onson.
At the age of 6, Man Tat was arranged to stay in Evangel Children’s Home because his family could not provide proper care in the 80s. When he first came to this unfamiliar place, all the house parents he met took great care of him. In this lovely home, he stayed for 12 years.
A Good House Helper
In this home, there were energetic boys and girls of different ages. Man Tat actively participated in activities such as primary student fellowship and loved sharing. Everyone loved him very much. Each child needs to do household chores, e.g., making the bed and cleaning. Man Tat not only did that, he also assisted in other tasks such as moving gas tanks and became a good house helper.
Selfless Love
One of the house parents – Hung, took good care of Man Tat and taught him well. Hung continued to be his big brother in a “Big Brother and Sister – Mentor Project” even after he resigned. He took care of him for many years. Because of the selfless love he received, Man Tat worked in ECH to look after the youngster of the Home for a short while after he left. It showed a sense of belonging, a response to God’s love and a giveback to this Home.
Love Your Neighbors as Yourself
Man Tat deeply understands that young children need to be accompanied. The brothers and sisters here took care of him like family members. This molded himself to be a brother who loves God and mankind. In the last annual Alumni gathering, he tried his best to attend and extended this love. He looks up to God with a pure heart and helps other alumni that grow up with him.
Evangel Children’s Home – a place that raised him up. He wishes this Home continues to shine and ignite hope.
*Thank Onson (Alumni Gospel Ministry Worker and former house parent) for contacting and interviewing Man Tat.
Ah Yu always cares about Evangel Children’s Home, and has been keeping a close “Father-son Relationship” with Yu Kwok On, Onson, the ex-house parent who helped him transit to self-reliance. Today, Ah Yu has a stable career and family. Onson praised him as being a good dad, but he said, “During my stay, I could tell from you what a good dad is like… “. This kind of love is not just about his taking care of him, but the passing on of love.
A Reborn with Strong Will
Ah Yu had been used to a loose life style and was negative at the beginning of his stay. Gradually he learnt the rules and found more freedom living in a safe environment. He finally realized what a “normal” life should be. Due to the lack of parental care since childhood and his wandering around different places, Ah Yu was more sophisticated than other children, with a strong sense of self-protection, insecurity and not easy to trust others, and got used to rely on himself.
One time Onson discovered that Ah Yu had a severe toothache and did not ask for help. He took him to the dentist personally. He got a feeling of being taken care of like his father. That was his warmest childhood memory. In fact, Ah Yu had had a toothache for a long time, and that endurance came from “willpower.” Before moving in, Ah Yu had acquired a bad habit, but he finally got rid of it by willpower. He was grateful to God for awaking him from time to time and he met many people who helped him. His strong willpower lied on his unwillingness to let down those people who love him. He was also touched by their love and he passed along the love to others.
AppleMark
“Flying Project” was organized by the Christian Lawyers Fellowship to encourage children to explore and develop their talents. For accomplishing of the plan would receive flight rewards. When Ah Yu was in upper secondary school, he knew how to cherish resources, worked hard to achieve the goals, and had the opportunity going to Singapore to broaden his horizons.
Two life coaches who influenced Ah Yu – Onson and Joe (left)
Onson and Joe, the Social Worker Supervisor, had great influence on him. Onson was a “father-like” figure, he was a caretaker providing rigorous teaching at the same time. Joe was like a life coach, guiding him with advice. Even after leaving the home, they continued to accompany with extended care.
By learning to Accept to know How to Care for Others
Ah Yu is very proud of his current career in insurance. He has been blessed by others in the past that he takes the opportunity to give back and help others now. He did not trust people in the past; and because of love, he learns to accept others’ treating him well, and to care about others. His mentality has changed, and this is helpful to his development in the workplace. The most rewarding part of Ah Yu’s insurance job is that, he has finally got a presentable career. Ah Yu works very hard and has become a manager in his early thirties.
Family．Inheritance
Ah Yu met his wife in the secondary school. They felt in love, and had gone through downs together. Knowing that he grew up sometimes not in the right path and got lost, she did not give up for him. Because of being accepted, his life had been changed, and his wife is his best intimate partner. Ah Yu thanks his wife for letting him learn to be a husband and he also learns from his daughter to be a father. He also remarked that fortunately he met Onson and Joe, who were his role models of being a father.
Ah Yu was lacked of parental care when growing up, that was why he cherished the time spent with his daughter very much. He set up “Daddy’s Time” to establish a parent-child relationship. Knowing that in order to strengthen family relationships, couples must maintain love, respect each other, and set a role model for daughters. Ah Yu and his wife understand that their different background will affect their parenting style. He also appreciates his wife’s parenting style, which is not forcing nor doting. She teaches daughters how to make choice, be responsible, and bear the consequences. Yet, he tells his wife that their daughters may go astray when they grow up. If they can grow up smoothly, it is a blessing.
Ah Yu thanked her elder daughter for giving him the opportunity to learn to be a father, and cherished the time spent with her two daughters
Message to New ECH Children
Though Ah Yu complained in the past, he is grateful to have the past experience to build him up for today, and he has built up a career and family. “Hold a normal heart in everything. Be successful “smoothly” is a good thing. If it “does not go well”, try again. You have to accept your past without too much regret.”
Sharing to Children of ECH: “ECH is a safe island. You have to cherish the opportunities and resources you have available, prepare yourself, and do not regret and complain after you leave the home!”
With the past experiences, Ah Yu ultimately has seen through the world and expressed his love and care. Because of being loved, he is able to love others.
Eva Chan, Resources Development and Communication Manager, had been working in the business fields for long. But then she had turned her back on highly paid jobs and moved to work in the social welfare sector. She relinquished the mentality of creating “wants” based on materialistic values that her previous jobs promoted fundamentally. In response to God’s call, Eva joined Evangel Children’s Home (ECH) and is committed to finding the resources needed for services that can bless the children and youth in need. What she has gained is her life being fuller and more meaningful. Eva cried and laughed with the home children together. She has also witnessed the change upon the help from the caring parties and supporters. In the COVID-19 pandemic, friendship with selfless love is connected together under the grace of God.
Eva is passionate singing songs with children; and running Live show of ECH on Facebook /YouTube
In retrospect to her experience of early family adversity when she was a teenager, Eva felt thankful that the fellowship mentor accompanied with her during hard time and introduced gospel to her. When she meets the youth who have suffered from childhood trauma, Eva understands well how helpless they are due to family crisis, issues and their broken family background. She is most anxious to meet their needs and is committed to find appropriate resources so as to provide a stable environment for the youth to grow and thrive. More resources could help them live out their second life.
Affected by the social situations and the pandemic in recent years, the organization has encountered unprecedented difficulties in fund raising. There was donor who had suspended monthly donations due to unemployment. However, it was touching that she emphasized to resume as soon as she got a job. Eva experienced God’s supply in appropriate timing when there was lack of resources. She was so glad that there were brothers and sisters in Christ and other supporters always went along with ECH. Looking ahead at the big challenges in fund raising affected by the adverse economic situations, she will work hard to overcome difficulties. This is to meet the needs for the growth of the home children and youth. She fully entrusts to God’s hands to nurture more “seeds” to sprout.
“I hope to see home children who were sad and helpless when moving in, to be changed to happy and grateful with gospel in their hearts when moving out!” This is Eva’s wish.
The 2nd Chance in Life Transitional Youth Sponsorship Program, equips foster home youth for their independent living. Through the guidance of different mentors and companions, capital is built in the aspects of “career, financial, personal and social.”
“Wealth Management and Savings for Future Planning”
To live independently, understand first financial management, and then invest in the future! Dicky, the instructor of the “Financial Management Workshop”, shares the “twelve styles” of financial management with his own experience. He encourages young people to spend time, save monthly, be disciplined and take good risk management plan, everyone can enjoy financial freedom! Young people at youth home are actively studying and have tried different ways to manage money!
“Career Guidance”
When CK, a young man from youth home, started his job search, he was guided by Kenny on how to distinguish recruitment information, compare different types of jobs, and understand industry development and the opportunities for further education. Encouraged by this life coach, CK started his first job to work in property management as a clerk in a real estate development company. CK shared: “Colleagues treat me well and are willing to teach me. After a few months of learning and operation, he will be transferred to other positions to learn more.”
“Attitude and Grooming Workshop”
Remember the stressful situation of having job interview? Young people always feel distressed when they encounter a job interview for the first time in their lives.
Alice, a beauty business supervisor, helping as their workshop instructor, teaches young people proper attitude and grooming skills. Well-equipped young people will naturally improve their interview performance!
“Workshop on “Personalities” and “Interpersonal Relationship”
Knowing yourself and learning to get along with others are very important for young people in the workplace. In the workshop, Mr. Kurt let the youth understand that each person created by Heavenly Father has his/her own characteristics and strengths, each has different destiny, and the most important thing is how to respond to the Heavenly Father! He hopes to walk with them and be their “Tree Hole”.
“Community Resources and Living”
Youth Home mentors train foster home youth to live independently. The “Community Resources and Living” workshop introduces various resources, including employment, further education, medical care, housing, care funds, etc., to help them broaden their knowledge and get access to community resources.
” (home) painted on the van body, the indexing component ‘宀’ means a house, its bottom part ‘住’ means that the Lord ‘主’ who is the head of our home and man “人” stands aside to the Lord. This was a deliberate creation of a Chinese word and it could not be found in the dictionary. When the van was driving on the road, peoples often asked what the character ‘
