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.

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.