Service Awards from HK Government!

Day after day we serve those who desperately need help. Our reward comes when we see them gain hope and then move forward to begin fulfilling the potential to live fruitful lives that God has placed within us. Most of us don’t expect a pat on the back from anyone – we just get on and do the work of serving others!  So it comes as a surprise when you find that your service has not only been noticed, but has been awarded by the Government!

I'm delighted to tell you that in the 2010 Honours List Mrs Carrie Yau has been awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Government and the Hong Kong community. According to her citation, she has made exemplary contribution in the areas of public health, social welfare, food safety as well as home affairs. Mrs Yau retired as the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs after serving 33 years with the Government.

I’m also delighted to tell you that I have been appointed as Justice of Peace (JP) with effect from 1 July 2010. For the information of international readers of this post, the role of a JP in Hong Kong is unlike similar-sounding positions in, for example, the USA, UK and Australia.  A magistrates' court in England is composed of a bench of (usually three) JPs or magistrates, who dispense summary justice. In Australia, application may be made to become a JP and the function of such a position is similar to that of a notary public in the USA.  The Justice of the Peace in the USA typically presides over a court that hears minor cases, such as traffic violations.

Unlike those countries, the appointment of a JP is part of the recognition system of the HK Government and is an honour bestowed by the Government for services to the community. The main function of JPs in HK is to visit prisons, detention centres and other institutions to ensure their effective management and that no individual is unfairly treated or deprived of his or her rights. JPs may also be required by the Chief Executive to perform other duties.

It was a great surprise to me to receive this honour because my work, from my earliest involvement with Christian Action, has been done to improve the situation of the poorest, most vulnerable people in the community and give them hope for the future.  Since Christian Action is now a large organisation serving many vulnerable sectors of the community, both in Hong Kong and in Qinghai Province, I see this recognition as one that has been given to all our staff and Executive Committe, not only to me personally. I could not possibly achieve all that CA has achieved in improving the lives of literally thousands of people without hope.  So this is also a Thank You from me to all who serve through Christian Action.

Please pray for wisdom for me as I undertake these new duties.

Thank you for your part in praying for and supporting this work!

Siew Mei