Category: Supporter Stories

Evangel Children’s Home is filled with endless love! Our beloved colleague Cheung Mei Ling, Yvonneretired in October. Before joined Evangel Children’s Home, Yvonne was a garment merchandiser. After she changed and picked up the job as a buyer for Evangel Children’s Home, she has been the “GMAA” (General Manager of All Affairs) for 24 years.  All the way she is filled with grace and love for our Evangel Children’s Home (ECH).

The Big Family’s “Everyone’s Mom”

Besides from her own family and church, this big family is her third home, which is the one she spent the most of her time in “managing”. Yvonne described herself as a “Mom”, apart from purchasing daily necessities for all our children and need to take care of a huge household, for example, she needed to take children to buy clothes, brought them to see doctors, picked them up from school, mended their school uniforms, coordinated miscellaneous tasks, etc.

Below were some daily ‘calls for help’ which she often heard. “Yvonne! We’re out of rice!” “The air conditioner is down! The light isn’t working!” “Oh no, a child is sick at school and we need to pick her up now!… We need to prepare congee for him… We need to arrange a doctor’s appointment!” “The school uniform pants are too short now, can you do a bit needlework and make it longer? ” “The child misses to get on the school bus and needs to do alternative arrangements.” In her daily work, Yvonne and her team are just like a mobile unit – they have to handle the children’s daily routines and deal with emergencies at the same time.

The house parents may only know the children in their own hostel.  However, Yvonne recognized all the children living in ECH and had the opportunity to build good relationships with them. “Sometimes I act as a buffer, helping to mediate conflicts between children and parents / social workers.  I can explain and counsel the children in another way.” Yvonne had fond memories like the happy moments of “singing hymns and marching” when she picked up children from school. Beside of handling different affairs, she also worked on building relationships.

Yvonne had received some heartfelt gifts from children, like lovely cards on Mother’s Day, or some hand-knitted scarves. One day, a little boy promised, “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor and take care of you, my Yvonne, when you’re old!” All these little things warm her heart. Although she is single and has no child, God has made her a “mother” to many and she can accompany many children as they grow up.

“Weaving Up This Home”

Looking back on the days of growing together, Yvonne witnessed the expansion and changes in services, the increasing number of children with special education needs, she also experienced various challenges. No matter it’s in good times or bad times, supplies for children has never met a shortage, like festive food, fruits, snacks, daily necessities, and even COVID-19 test kits, masks, and beds for isolation. During the pandemic of COVID-19, apart from the silent donations in necessities like masks and test kits, Yvonne experienced the difficult time when there’s outbreak in the home, she worked with colleagues together selflessly to fight the pandemic. She believes when you walk with God, “nothing is impossible”.

Unforgettable Happy Moments Yvonne recalled the joy of seeing children “grow taller and gain weight” and left ECH happily. She remembered a child who loved staying at Evangel Children’s Home just because “there was food.” The child, who was skinny once, became a “big eater” later and grew stronger gradually. On the other hand, some of her unforgettable sad moments also revolved the children’s traumas and their misfortunes. She felt their pain and misery. One of the children lost his mother, and his father left too. The kid kept his father’s belongings in his pocket and he hoped to meet him on the street. This longing caused her great sorrow. Some of the children who had lived in ECH, passed away in their twenties or thirties, due to illness.  She was very saddened to hear of these news.

Naughty and Frustrating Moments There were also moments of naughtiness and frustration. A child broke and spilled concentrated detergent on the playground.  When cleaning, that created a sea of white bubbles, which made everyone “angry yet amused.” Once there was a newly join child, he liked to create troubles.  When Yvonne brought him to see the doctor, he closed the clinic door and pretended to be a thief, scaring the patients waiting there. Fortunately, people there were understanding and did not blame him.  Yvonne learned to keep patient and was grateful the children changed gradually.

Yvonne lost her father when she was six, and her mother worked hard to support the family. She understands the importance of “a home” for children. “Home” is like the root of a tree; if it doesn’t grow well, the child’s growth will be affected. She hopes that children from broken families can get warmth in this “home” and have a better future. A tree with healthy roots can grow strong.

“Threads is weaved in with Mother’s Love…” Yvonne stitched the child’s clothes with warmth and affection, hoping to mend the ‘wounds’ in children’s heart with love. She hopes that the children will be healed, and they will have their own lives and families, and reunite happily with their children in the future.

願我「家」更好Wishing My “Home” Better

Yvonne often encourages her colleagues with her favorite verse from 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  Our colleagues work at Evangel Children’s Home with love, and they sometimes face challenges and pressures which outsiders may not understand. She encourages them to accept and tolerate each other, and to receive God’s grace with a grateful heart.

Along these 24 years, Yvonne has been witnessing that the grace of Evangel Children’s Home is sufficient! She blesses her “Home” here will be even better!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.