The Ultimate Sacrifice

With the two orphans from Yushu orphans school, Kekyi Wangmo and Jangba Tsering.

I'm sure every parent reading this wouldn't hesitate about laying down your life to save the life of one of your children.  Whether any of us would risk our lives for someone else's child is a question we may never have to face.  One humble truck driver from Hong Kong made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life saving orphaned children in Yushu.

Mr Wong Fuk-wing, aged 46, had actually escaped from the 7.1 magnitude earthquake on April 14, but returned to the collapsed orphanage and rescued four people, including three orphans, before he was crushed and killed by falling debris. Mr Wong had been working as a volunteer in the orphanage for several months before the earthquake so he undoubtedly knew and loved the orphans there.

I was so glad that the Hong Kong government has recommended him for the Medal for Bravery.  The Medal is awarded for acts of gallantry of the greatest possible heroism or for the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.

Alina Wang, one of our social workers, accompanied four orphans on the flight to Hong Kong for Mr Wong's funeral.  As the Hong Kong/Macau convener and representative of the Qinghai CPPCC, I had the privilege of welcoming Qinghai's Vice Governor, Mr Wang Ling Jun, on his arrival to Hong Kong.  Stanley Tam, the Senior Manager of our China Affairs Program was also with me.

Speeches at the three-hour funeral which was attended by thousands highlighted the courage and self-sacrifice of a man whose clear focus in life was on serving others.  It was so good to hear that this has encouraged many others to follow his example and help those who are in need of a helping hand.

On the next day, I attended a function in Shenzhen called 'Rebuild Yushu'.  As you know, Christian Action will be co-managing one of the orphanages in Yushu, so please continue to pray for wisdom for us so that we will exercise good stewardship of the resources available to us, and do all we can to help these suffering children and the people of Yushu.

Thank you for your prayers and generous support.