On April 13th, approximately twenty college students from Hong Kong Elim Presbyterian Church (led by Pastor Park조윤태) visited the Evangel Children’s Home, a local residential group home to serve the children from broken families in Hong Kong. There, we conducted a Korean language workshop, shared traditional Korean games (딱지치기 ttakji-chigi and 제기차기 jegichagi) and basketball, introduced Korean food culture, and participated in a mural service project.。
At first, there was a sense of unfamiliarity and distance, but as time passed, the children at Evangel Children’s Home approached us with bright smiles and warm welcomes. Despite their smiles, it was impossible not to feel the pain and difficulties these young friends had been through. Most of the children there had been separated from their parents due to domestic violence and discord. Consequently, I was cautious in approaching them, also worrying whether it might be burdensome for the children. However, as we taught them songs of praise and played traditional games, the children began to open up and enjoy themselves, prompting me to reflect on my own hesitations. “Ah, they are also God’s beloved children,” I thought.
Realizing that I could not solve all their problems or be of significant help was both a burden and a source of compassion. Yet, upon realizing that God could accomplish what I could not, I devoted myself to expressing God’s love to these young friends through my limited language and gestures. I wondered the extent of grace that God, who gently heals even my smallest wounds and sorrows, would extend to these children who have endured great hardships from a young age, and what plans He might have in store for them. This experience led me to a moment of prayer: “I will do my best from my position, God. Please watch over these children, meet them, and stay with them.” I hope that the short time spent with these children offered them some comfort for their wounds and replaced their painful memories with joyful ones. To the end, I look forward to the next visit and will continue to pray that God’s love reaches them.
Master노래 Rae No of NRG Taekwondo, a donor of the Evangel Children’s Home, a local residential group home in Hong Kong, also played a bridging role in this volunteer activity. The loving heart that shares this involvement with others is truly beautiful. The college students conveyed love to the disadvantaged children, and a child who received love will in turn share that love with others. I look forward to seeing such activities continue to flourish.
About Evangel Children’s Home (ECH):
ECH was established in 1956 by an American missionary in Hong Kong. This NGO is committed to supporting the healthy growth of orphans, children and youth from broken families. Part of the funding is raised under the ECH Sponsorship Program for the holistic development of children.
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.
Connecting Love with the Community
Mr. Lau Kwok Wa, delivered a welcome speech and shared about the origin of the “LifeCoaching – Always Stand by You” service. The Board of Directors, starting from the review and further development of youth services, brainstormed about the idea of the Life Coaching Youth Project. The Mak’s family had made a donation of their property to ECH, passing on love and connecting to the community. Then, our ECH worship team led us singing songs to praise our Lord. Afterwards, Ms. Vivian Law, Superintendent of ECH, narrated the development history of the youth home service and her expectations for the future.
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
Main Guests conduct the Lighting Ceremony
(From left to right: Mr. Lau Kwok Wa (Chairman, Board of Directors of ECH), Rev. Chan Wing Chau (General Secretary of the E.F.C.C.), Mr. So Chun Ho (Chairman, Board of Director of E.F.C.C.), Mr. Oliver Mak, Ms. Mimi Mak, Ms. Vivian Law (Superintendent of ECH), Mr. Kyle Kwong (a youth representative of the ECH Youth Home)
“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.”
Ms. Mimi Mak and Mr. Paul Tuen
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.
Rev. Chan Wing Chau (General Secretary of the E.F.C.C.) Gives Thanks and Blessings
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 2nd 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.
Additional night shift for at least 4 nights per week
Job duties
Mainly responsible for carrying out night shift duties
Take care of secondary school female residents
Education and experience
Form 5 or above
Candidates with residential home care experiences preferred
Salary and benefits
Salary up to HK$16,000 (including night shift allowance)
14 days annual leave
Applicants should share the vision of our organization and have team spirit. For interested parties, please send your resume and expected salary to the Administrative Department, 120 Shatin Pass Road, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, or email to info@ech.org.hk . (Applicants not invited to interview within 2 months may consider their applications unsuccessful. Applicants’ personal data will be destroyed after the recruitment process is completed).
In response to the implementation of the “Sexual Conviction Record Check”, the hired person will be required to conduct a Sexual Conviction record check on a voluntary basis.
It was great news for Evangel Children’s Home (ECH) when we knew the little girl Helen (alias) would be adopted by an Australian family. ECH have served many children coming from broken families for decades. It was fortunate Helen could walk out from the haze of sadness due to broken family and she could live in stable home with love. The new family ignites hope for Helen and her life could turn to a new page. She is the youngest sister in the new family and she settles into a new life in Australia well.
New Life of an Adopted Child
Most people may think that adoption is limited to infants or babies, but it is actually not. By referral of the Social Welfare Department, an Australian family adopted 8-year-old Helen. We were more than happy and grateful that a suitable family could be arranged for Helen and she would have a new home. After the epidemic, the adoptive parents and the family came to Hong Kong from overseas, who wanted to acquaint Helen and escort her to Australia to start a new life. They were so warmhearted they even prepared a pony pet for her which can grow up with little Helen!
As she was not good at English, Helen was afraid of speaking to her family in English at the beginning. She was only able to speak to her new family in simple conversation plus body language. In order to express her affection, she would give a hug to her adoptive father. Her adoptive siblings were willing to teach her and accompany with her, so Helen has adapted the new environment quickly. Her English has got much improved. More, she even loved to have Western cuisine as she could add the ketchup whichever she liked!
Farewell with lots of Blessings
Though Helen had lived in ECH for only around 2 years, she got well with everyone, like social workers, houseparent and the kids living together. It is obvious love was around this little girl. When everyone knew she was going to depart from Hong Kong and to live in an unfamiliar place, they all felt reluctant to her leave. They prepared a farewell party for her wholeheartedly – they made a commemoratory photo album and short video which carried about lots of sweet memories. In order to improve Helen’s English in short time, the houseparent not only tailor-made a picture book for literacy, which could help Helen to learn more English vocabularies, and also accompanied and watched videos from YouTube with her. In addition, to express her love and thankfulness, they taught her to make a DIY gift for her adoptive mother as well. Even though we missed her much, we sincerely wish Helen to grow up in a healthy and happy family. We may have chance to gather with her in future. Everyone in ECH continues to work hard for the new comers.
Dorcus, the houseparent, was very fond of Helen. Before Helen left, Dorcus told her about the mission of ECH – Jesus said “Let the children come to me…”
God take care of Helen and provide her a new home, with her adoptive parent and five siblings together, we sincerely wish her to be a cute and good girl with her big family in new place.
Whenever we met Elaine (alias), she smiled always. Whatever we told or asked her, she responded spontaneously with “yes”, “it doesn’t matter”, “whatever”, etc. She has encountered many difficulties in these years and we understood her days were not easy. We appreciated her positive attitude when we found she was temperless and willing to help others, with her smiley face on.
However, we found Elaine was not really a “yes-man” indeed. When she said “it doesn’t matter” but did not mean it; her facial expression could not help disclosing her ‘disagreement’ deep inside her heart. This discrepancy made her smile not authentic at all.
The coach discussed this ‘tip of iceberg’ with Elaine and investigated her iceberg underwater together. The impact from those barriers which she met in her life, made her not dare to express herself. She thought she could avoid any conflict from peoples around her after she said “yes” and just accepted others’ request, no matter she liked it or not. But, this would only suppress her feeling and ignore her real thought inside. This would not help her in solving problem at all, it even made it worse repeatedly.
When she knew the reason behind, she got the clue and understood there could be other way out. The coach encouraged Elaine to start how to speak out her thought and express more about her own feeling and needs. In order to learn how to love and protect herself, Elaine had to learn not to say “it doesn’t matter” everytime.
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.
Due to drug abuse and negligence, Connie’s (alias) family failed to take good care of her. She had to move into a small group home at the age of 4, where regular caretakers (including a couple) worked on shifts to provide her a stable childhood. Soon after adolescence, girls of similar age left one by one, leaving behind the younger children who were incompatible with her. Even worse, this situation triggered her hidden sense of loneliness and helplessness. She threw temper tantrum at those who cared about her.
For Connie’s emotional issues, her SWD caseworker assisted with referral to a clinical psychologist (CP) and helped her move to a new environment. At the age of 16, she moved into a girl’s hostel for high school students. There she met new friends and had a little more freedom but the rules still need to be followed. For example, she used to sleep with the lights on. Now she could only use a little night light instead.
Good Character and Academic Performances still not enough?
Without support of the original family, Connie’s relatives and friends urged her to succeed in her studies so she could transit to independent living smoothly. Throughout the years, she set high standards for herself. Living up to all expectations, she is excellent in both her character and academic performances. She is good in literature and sports, and has a solid foundation in art. She is sportive and a member of the school running team. She knows Judo, table tennis, swimming, canoeing and other outdoor sports. She is tanned, and should be displaying limitless youthful vitality… However, in front of us is a petite and a bit hunched young figure. She lacks the brightness and positive energy that is anticipated at this age. It turned out that when everything seemed fine, her sense of inadequacy and inferiority lingered. This time, she was concerned about her appearance and considered her body shape sub-standard. Indeed, she is not fat at all but she used extreme methods to help herself “lose weight”.
Right Care Right Time for Priceless Health
After the summer holiday, SWD CP diagnosed Connie with anorexia (a form of eating disorder). The Hostel in Charge referred her to Project 3R* which is supported by The Hongkong Bank Foundation through The Community Chest of Hong Kong and provides medical and counseling services for assessment and follow-up. Shortly after, 3R family doctor referred her to 3R psychiatrist and nutritionist for evaluation. 3R specialist doctor gave her medication and conducted blood test immediately. She was grateful for the timely help which made her feel more relaxed. Various professionals also gave her valuable advices. While her condition was stabilizing, out of everyone’s expectation, she continued to participate in the running competition and fainted during the 800-meter run on the School Sports Day. Ambulance was called for immediate treatment. In the hospital, SWD caseworker asked for referral to public medical services so as to ease everyone’s concern. However, Connie did not seem to learn from the experience and continued to participate in the dragon boat training afterward. As a result, she fainted again and was sent to the hospital for recovery.
Lay Solid Foundation for the Future
Connie considers herself as a bit stubborn and likes keeping her own opinions. On one hand, she is self-demanding and always pursues excellence. On the other hand, she has low self-image and always thinks she is not good enough. She also has sleep problems. Perhaps the little night light beside her bed could give her a bit of warmth, comfort and companionship. Pray that Connie will recover with the help of various social welfare services. So she could lay a good foundation of health, persevere for the things she loves with unparalleled sportsmanship, no longer live under the eyes of others, cherish priceless physical and mental health, and welcome a bright future.
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.
” (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 ‘