Category: Events

The family members of the first-generation residents of the Evangel Children’s Home, carrying the love of Christ exemplified by the founder, Ms. Ruth Sundquist, generously donated a 2,000-square-foot property in Kowloon City. This allows our organization to have our own residence, offer more lodging in the community for “senior and youth co-living”, and launch the “Life Coaching – Always Stand by You” service. The “Love‧Inheritance Property Donation Thanksgiving Ceremony ” was held on 2nd of April in the hall of Evangel Children’s Home (ECH), witnessed the love passing down from generation to generation.

We had honorable guests attended the Thanksgiving Ceremony – they were from the property-donating family, Mr. Mak Hei Jit, Ms. Mimi Mak Siu Mei and her husband, Mr. Paul Tuen Yat Kan (we always call him big brother Yat-kan) who was brought up by ECH in 1950s, Mr. So Chun Ho (Chairman, Board of Director of E.F.C.C.), Rev. Chan Wing Chau (General Secretary of the E.F.C.C.), Mr. Lau Kwok Wa (Chairman, The Board of Directors of ECH), together with the children, youth representatives and our staffs who witnessed the grace of the Lord. Through the sharing of our guests, those young people from broken family could understand and feel more about the selfless love behind this precious gift.

Lighting Ceremony Ignites Mission Legacy

This property donation lit up a new page of the Youth service. A Lighting Ceremony was conducted by our honorable guests, including the property-donating family, board members of E.F.C.C. and beneficiaries. To ignite the light, the guests inserted ‘activation cards’ representing the eight major elements and cultivation directions of the Youth Home service – housing, companionship, gospel, knowledge, connection, funding, etc. – this is a metaphor for the new service giving the youth hope for future career development. The “lighting” symbolized the “Stand by You” co-living program stepping into a new milestone.  This witnessed the “Love‧Inheritance” under Lion Rock in Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong, everyone struggles for small living space. Those homeless youth had to spend most of their salary on housing, but could only afford a tiny subdivided room. They even tried hard to save money for further education, the chance for upward mobility became slim. On the other hand, those retired missionaries, who have dedicated their lives overseas, cannot find suitable housing when they return back to Hong Kong.  Therefore, our ECH big brother’s (the alumni, first-generation admitted child of ECH) family donated their precious property to us. We were really impressed. This spacious property is located near Kowloon City with convenient transportation and all necessities of life, which makes it very suitable for community housing service. This self-owned residence creates a space in which we can have it both ways – both youths and seniors can co-live, interact, and enrich their lives with each other. We are looking forward to passing on the mission from generation to generation

“Love‧Inheritance under Lion Rock” – Sharing from Ms. Mimi Mak

Ms. Mimi Mak (Sister Mimi), on behalf of the property-donating family, shared her perception of this donation. She expressed, “God’s grace awaits us, no matter how difficult it is. God always has abundant grace.” “Thanks God, Ms. Ruth Sundquist raised up Paul, whom God prepared him for me (my husband). He was inspired with the gospel and believes in God, otherwise we would not have such fruitful blessings nowadays.” After her mother’s death, she continued, the inherited property has been unoccupied. One day, God moved her heart, and she conceived the idea of donating the property to ECH in where her husband, big brother Paul, grew up. The property’s inheritance rights, however, were jointly owned by her four siblings. When Mimi proposed the donation suggestion, all other three siblings agreed unanimously. “Commit your way unto the Lord; trust in him, and he will bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:5)” said Mimi. This shows the Lord’s wonderful guidance, passing on the Lord’s love through human hands, using the property in a more meaningful way, willing to “returning God’s blessings for God’s use.”

Foster home youth, Jessica, created an artwork based on our special character ” ” for making a souvenir for them. The artwork showed our home filled with love and peace.  An angel was fishing leisurely under the stars – this represented our home is a place where youth can rest, develop and be guided. A “home” here means a house having a ‘man’ and with “Lord” together. (The special Chinese character ” ” was designed by the Senior Pastor at the time of Grace Church of EFCC.)

Gratitude Sharing from the Youths of Foster Children’s Home

Kyle, Lynn, Gary and Icy, who were those residents and alumni of the Youth Home, shared their stories about the time when they were at the Youth Home Service. They treated the Youth Home as an oasis in their life, a place where could provide them strength and rest. In Hong Kong which is a fast-paced society filled with pressure, our Youth Home is a place where love, support, and endless encouragement could be found; a place where their hopes for future could be nurtured.  One of the youths shared his future goal is to follow the step like Mak’s family and “to donate an apartment to Evangel Children’s Home after 50 years!” Another alumnus has become a hostel parent at the residential children’s home and she determined to influence one’s life with her experience to help needy children. This really showed the meaningful life brought by the residential home service to the young people.

Vision‧Opportunity

Rev Law Siu Tsuen (Vice Chairman, Board of Directors of the Paulus Cultural Center) shared the short-term accommodation needs of missionaries through a video. General Secretary, Calvin Lau (E.F.C.C. – Hong Kong Overseas Missions Board) also shared the meaning and opportunity of the “Life Coaching – Always Stand by You” program, how the missionaries and the young people bless each other, and also ‘influence life with life’.

All Things Work Together for Good

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. Rev. Chan Wing Chau (General Secretary of the E.F.C.C.), recalled how he heard about the” dream” two years ago, prayed, and kept waiting in front of God.  He kept seeking guide for both the housing needs of the youth home and missionaries. From nothing to something, God’s grace was accomplished through the Mak’s family in an unexpectedly beautiful way.  “What is impossible to be happened now turn to be really happened!”  Let the good seeds be sown in good soil.

Evangel Children’s Home thanks the Mak’s family for donating the property, which can provide more lodging for homeless youth and adults to co-live, expanding the 2^nd Chance in Life – Transitional Youth Sponsorship Program in our community – “Life Coaching – Stand by You”. Those homeless youth can break through from the predicament of self-reliant living and go ahead for their goals without fear.

Looking back on this integrated Day Care and support services for primary students with special education needs (SEN), it is regarded as comprehensive and targeted. This service includes one-stop care and holistic development, inter-disciplinary early intervention, support for children and parents and network building. In the 2022-23 annual survey, satisfaction level of each score reaches 98%. This plan effectively improves the abilities and performances of SEN children in various aspects. It realizes their potential, promotes parent-child relationship and relieves the pressure of caregivers.

Evangel Children’s Home (ECH) has been committed to providing child care for “high-risk” families and preventing problems from worsening. Looking back at the beginning of the Millennium, this service was in high demand. If the assisted families could receive appropriate community support, there will be high chance avoiding their children to be admitted to residential service. Such scarce capacity could be reserved for more “high-risk” families. Thus this non-government-funded day care service came into being and became a pioneer in the sector.

Original Aspiration of the Service

Initially, Day Care service took care of primary students from grassroots, single parents or newcomers to HK. Some parents had to work long hours or on shifts, leading to lack of care for their children. This service responded to these needs by operating extra-long time – 365 days a year from 8am to 10pm. Parents could work with peace of mind when their children were properly cared for. The center also provides parent seminars, support and counseling which strengthen family effectiveness and help these families to help themselves. This service achieved remarkable results and the demand was ever-increasing until 2015 when the Social Welfare Department provided Enhanced After-school Care Program in various districts.

Service Change for SEN Children

At that time, many children admitted to our residential home or Day Care service were diagnosed with Special Education Needs (SEN). It then prompted our services to finetune. Since general community care service may not provide professional care for SEN children, if the situation is not properly handled, it may lead to family crisis. In 2018, we developed a comprehensive service of “S.E.N. – Shine· Empower· Network” which takes care of SEN primary students and supports their families. We are grateful for the continuous support and matching donations from the business sector and the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged. The 3 year pandemic did not interrupt this service. With the addition of a Sensory Integration room in 2022, we hope that the business sector can donate again and join hands in this charitable deed. Let us move forward from S.E.N. 2.0 to 3.0 and serve more families in need.

Parents’ Responses to S.E.N. 2.0 Survey

*Parent 1: “S.E.N. 2.0 allows children to develop comprehensively both physically and mentally. Classes such as social skills, speech and sensory integration enhance children’s communication skills, stabilize emotions and they become happier.”

*Parent 2: “In the past, I used to struggle with my son for his homework and self-care. After participating in SEN 2.0, he can finish homework by segment in time, automatically and consciously tidy up his bed and clothes, take meals and clean up by himself. My family is more harmonious now.”

*Parent 3: “In addition to daily life training, children can study intensively in a safe environment. The after-school activities here allow them to broaden knowledge, strengthen self-confidence, interact with others, connect and collaborate. The Bible class teaches them to have empathy and accept each other. Parent workshops help relieves parenting stress.”

*Parent 4: “Training a few days in a week effectively improved the children’s discipline, perseverance and persistence. Thanks to the tutors who answered parents’ questions like friends and saved the whole family from difficult situations. I hope there will be extended services for SEN children who progress to secondary school.

Overcoming Life’s Greatest Difficulties with Daniel’s Family

Primary student Daniel’s mother needed cancer treatment. Daniel’s father could not spare the needed time to take care of him. Fortunately, they learnt about ECH Day Care services for children. ECH considered their emergency situation and referred Day Care service for Daniel to cope with his homework and extended meal arrangements. Daniel’s mother thanked ECH for the quick support to solve the family’s urgent needs. Under the care of ECH, Daniel is grateful to the service and cherishes his beloved family and friends.

Daniel’s family presented testimony in ECH Thanksgiving Worship

We are family focused, children oriented, and community-based. Through Day Care services, we support SEN children and family caregivers in an all-rounded way and strengthen family effectiveness. Families with difficulties derive various parent-child and parenting issues, in addition SEN children have special learning needs, their difficulties are indescribable. The support from all parties motivates us to move forward to S.E.N. 3.0

《日出過山車》 is a mind-refreshing MV that speaks out the voices of our children. Founder of the Shining Life Ltd – Ms. Jade Kwan, volunteered to support and lead ECH girls to sing. Life is like a roller coaster. With courage, supporter’s companionship and spiritual transformation, they could finally “soaring high like an eagle” and see hope with “sunrise that breaks through the night”. Jade and ECH girls personally expressed their true feelings through the lyrics. Hope that the audiences can also feel the positive energy.

Theme Song 【MV】《日出過山車》Must-see! Brings you Mind-refreshing Inspiration!

The pain of traumatized children can be healed after help. Wish that the children can grow up steadily and “become pillars of tomorrow and the weak become strong”. In the next stage of their “2^nd chance in life”, they will see “dazzling sunrise”.

Accompany and Nurture   Jade Volunteer to Teach the Children

Thankful that Jade already started accompanying ECH children since 2017. She volunteered to teach them singing and nurtured a group of youngsters who were interested in joining the singing career. This time, she even sang and recorded the MV with ECH girls and be their role model. Jade watched them grow up and felt their youthful stamina. They are like her sisters and this is heart-warming. Jade encourages children to have dreams and direction, and believe in love. Then miracles will happen. They can overcome all difficulties and embrace every challenge in life. She shared, “I experienced various difficulties in my life. But only with God, I can soar like an eagle.”

Ups and Downs in the Preparation Process

It was a difficult process with ups and downs in preparing the theme song. Thanks to Music 2000, Eternity Music Ministry, and Ms. Jade Kwan – founder of the Shining Life Ltd who volunteered to support, dedicated in producing, performing and supporting.

Through the lyrics, the team conveyed a life like a “roller coaster” ride in front and behind the scenes. Going through the highs and lows in life, they experienced all kinds of difficulties. With will power and perseverance, the results are finally seen.

Miracles Happened Again and Again

Lawrence, the MV director was particularly impressed by the 3-day filming process. In face of the challenges of wind and rain, miracles happened again and again. It was raining on the day of shooting outdoor. At the shooting location, Tate’s Cairn was very foggy. Not only the Tate’s Cairn Meteorological Station was invisible, they almost lost their way. While shooting on the muddy hills in the fog, the girls slipped down one by one. Nevertheless, the director appreciated that they continued very cooperatively. When the clouds and fog slowly scattered, sunny sceneries appeared. He was overwhelmed with gratitude and admiration. Within a few hours, the weather also fluctuated like riding on a “roller coaster”. Under the clear sky, some girls almost suffered heat stroke after running up to the hilltop. Big thanks especially to the hard work of ECH team. The shooting can be completed satisfactorily.

Performing Girls – Sharing from Hiu Tung and Jo

Hiu Tung felt that recording was a big challenge that required high standard. She worried that her articulation or intonation was not as good and might affect the end result. So she was very nervous. However, the more nervous she was, the worse she could sing. The producer therefore taught her to relax then she could sing well. She is thankful for this opportunity.

Jo remembered that it was very foggy on the day of outdoor shooting. With blessings, the fog finally dispersed. Thanks to the boys who took part in the filming, their legs were sunburned (like the color of a lobster) due to previous activities but they still tried their best. It was more difficult to go downhill than to go uphill. She needed help from others. Although they have gone through periods of drizzling rain, scorching Sun and feelings like riding on a “roller coaster”, all is worth after taking pictures of the beautiful sceneries at the end. Thank all for the hard work. Especially thank Jade for teaching and recording together which adds color to the MV.

ECH superintendent Ms. Vivian Law praised the participating children for overcoming all difficulties. She hoped that the children would understand that “one minute on stage needs ten years of hard work off the stage”.

Social work supervisor Mr. Joe Fok shared that the children did experience paths of wandering life in former days. Just like the lyrics “being lonely and dazed, bearing sorrows and joys, gatherings and separations since childhood”. They found footholds in ECH. Arrived at a “temporary harbor where they could take a breath in the wind and rain”, hope they can walk out of the pain through our services.

It was very meaningful that the girls themselves lived out the lyrics and performed in the MV.

Let us “walk through the highs and lows” and feel the positive energy of 《日出過山車》.
Please donate to support ECH services and ignite hope:

Ms. Jade Kwan not only volunteered to teach our children singing, she also attended ECH annual award ceremony as an award presenter and sang the 65^th anniversary theme song – 《日出過山車》on stage together with the performing girls’ team as encouragement and experience building. Everyone was excited in the encore section. In the ceremony, children were awarded for their achievements in academic, character building, social interaction and living skills. Let us board on the 65^th anniversary ECH “Grace Train” – the theme of the event and give thanks for the blessed journey of over 65 years.

Ms. Jade Kwan of Shining Life Limited presented awards to children and youth who participated in the shooting of the 65^th anniversary theme song 《日出過山車》music video. We look forward to the premiere on Oct 22.

“I hope to extend my talent from God by volunteering to teach the children singing. These youngsters may pursue a career in music or singing. Through the process of recording the ECH 65^th anniversary theme song in the studio and shooting the music video, they can build experience and get in touch with related works. I believe every child is gifted and can unleash talents”, said Jade. Jade even presented the ECH 65^th anniversary theme song 《日出過山車》with the performing girls’ team at the ceremony.

The children handmade little planet of《日出過山車》 as appreciation of Jade‘s contribution. This gift depicts the ups and downs our children have gone through in life. Now they have boarded the ECH “Grace Train”. Thank Jade for brightening their lives. The illuminated planet represents part of the theme song lyrics, that the sunrise casts away dark nights and hope is in sight.

Primary and secondary school children and youth sang in worship and unleashed different musical talents.

Thanks to Rotary Club of Kowloon Tong for their long term support to ECH in nurturing children and for presenting the Overall Performance Awards to the winning children. William, the president of the Rotary Club of Kowloon Tong was awarded special souvenir handmade by the children.

On that night, masters of the ceremony included two children. This gave them the opportunities to learn. Guests were invited to visit the primary school boy’s dormitory. The boys introduced their lifestyles and displayed their neat wardrobes at this Home. Good habits can be trained at a young age.

Children DIY potted gifts for the guests. Joe, the social work supervisor explained the meaning of this gift. It signifies that the children can lie on stable green grasses, their pains could be healed, their lives could be improved and they can rediscover themselves in the process of receiving our services. Pain from the past will no longer be their obstacles. They can move forward happily, thanks to supporters’ help.

During the peak of the 5^th wave pandemic, ECH children need to be quarantined on-site. All staff was united to safeguard the children’s home and to cut off the spread of virus. Thankful that we could win this tough battle. This large-scale “Battle against Covid-19” involving everyone in this Home was documented in a micro-film. It re-lives the heart-bounding scenes and the touching moments when our staff advanced to take care of the children wave after wave.

Caseworkers invited children and youth to play different roles in the film, deepened their understanding of how our staff cooperated in the process of the fight and faced the unpredictable challenges together.

This micro-film was premiered in the 2021-22 ECH Award Ceremony, where guests and supporters shared the production results. The film director praised that the children could. bravely try, patiently learn and showed team spirit. After overcoming the tsunami-like pandemic, while looking back on the process, what everyone retains is a grateful heart.

Children and youth played the roles of the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent and Caseworkers who were having an emergency meeting on the pandemic. She also played as a news reporter who interviewed ECH.

They played the roles of cleaner and food delivery staff dressed in personal protective equipment. She pretended to be a busy supporting staff distributing emergency supplies.

The invisible virus also participated in the scene of infecting the children’s home, while she acted as Superintendent asking for help calmly.

This special scene with the children’s interaction, represents that time goes back when the virus first struck the children’s home. They need to face the unknown development during the pandemic. After the 5th wave pandemic, what remains is our grateful hearts.

The fifth wave pandemic swept all over Hong Kong and our children’s home was in deep water. A total of 22 children, youths and staff were tested positive. We are grateful to get over this battle with peace even at the precarious stage. Our staff standby each other and protect this Home against the pandemic.

Take Care of Children’s Emotions

Under the pandemic, children need to stay inside our Home, take online and make up lessons. Some extracurricular activities could only be carried out to a limited extent or moved online. To our children, especially those with special educational needs, staying focused could be a big challenge. House parents not only look after the children’s daily living, protect them from infection and teach them self-care, they also care about their emotional stress due to the pandemic. “Beibei” (alias) – one of the children tested positive and recovered, recalled that she used to co-live in a group and felt lonely when isolated during quarantine. Fortunately, social workers and house parents kept chatting with her and cheered her up.

Despite the difficult process of the fight against this pandemic, the patient care and fearlessness of our staff, the implementation of preventive measures by all staff, compounded by the care and donations of all the kind-hearted supporters, united as a fortress, our organization peacefully overcome this tough battle against the pandemic.

Hong Kong has no choice but to face the raging 5^th wave of COVID-19. We are grateful for the timely assistance from kind-hearted donors and organizations. Your kind donations replied our urgent funding needs. Your donations in-kind safeguard the residential children and staff so they can fight the virus with peace of mind. Our organization is deeply grateful. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Donation methods: https://www.ech.org.hk/en/support-us/donation-methods

Let’s fight the virus together!