Pray for Good Outcomes

Every year for the last twelve years I have travelled to Qinghai Province to participate in the meetings of a significant leadership group called the CPPCC – Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPPCC consists of representatives of the CPC, eight democratic parties, democrats with no party affiliations, various people's organizations, every ethnic group and all walks of life, compatriots from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, and returned overseas Chinese, as well as specially invited individuals, reflecting the interests of various social strata.

In 2010, I was appointed as the Convener of CPPCC members of Hong Kong and Macao (a total of 14 representatives) and in 2011 I was also appointed as the Deputy Officer of Committee for Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese and Foreign Affairs (a total of 30 persons)

As I attended these meetings in January, I was once again surprised that I have been given the honour of having a voice in the affairs of the government. So what has been achieved by spending time at these meetings?

I've submitted 15 proposals over the years and at least two of these proposals have been accepted and implemented.

My proposal this year was again aimed at improving the standard of welfare services in China. This is in line with the suggestion in 2006 by Mr Hu Jintao, the General Secretary, that welfare facilities should be improved so that orphaned and disabled children can grow happy and healthy under the same blue sky as other kids. A 'Blue Sky' Campaign was launched after his statement.

I have proposed that the management team of all social welfare organizations who serve those who have no ability to work, no income and no legal dependents ( the “Triple Emptiness”) should operate with subsidies from the government, and thus solve the headache of the pay and benefits of all management staff.  Since these welfare organisations normally have very limited income, these subsidies will ensure that the standard of service by the organization will be steadily enhanced.

During the week of meetings in Xining I worked 12-15 hours a day.   In between CPPCC meetings, I met with adoptive parents, China staff, the Social Worker’s Association, Yushu disaster relief partner agencies and so on.  I also had a meeting at our Xining Children’s Home with the media.

Please pray for a good outcome for the children and the poor of Qinghai as a result of these strategic meetings.

Thank you and God bless you