Summer's Reminder

Summer and I caught up with each other in Hong Kong in January 2014

As we go through life, we may never know how a small act of kindness can have a big impact on the life of someone else.

I recently discovered how one small thing I did two decades ago has positively impacted another life, and that discovery has encouraged me to continue doing those small acts of kindness, even when the busy-ness of life seems to demand priority.

At the time of the humanitarian crisis in Vietnam when thousands of refugees flooded into Hong Kong, the world was more understanding and accepting of refugees, so those who had sought refuge here were quickly processed and sent off to their new countries.

I was working for Hong Kong Christian Aid to Refugees, and one of my jobs was to conduct resettlement briefings.   I had recently returned from England, so my experience helped prepare Vietnamese refugees for life in England.  The refugee children were usually shy, and having already escaped in fear, they were never quite certain whether they were on a wild adventure, or the most terrifying journey of their lives, en route to the other side of the world.

One of those children, Summer, completed high school in the UK, and then went on to manage a successful property business.  She and her friends weren’t able to attend our Vietnamese Refugee Reunion Dinner in December 2013, so in January 2014 they organized to reunite in Hong Kong. It was a very special moment when Summer recognized me, twenty years after we shared a bowl of noodles in a refugee camp in Hong Kong.

I was amazed when she said, "In my twelve-year-old eyes, Siew Mei was a heroine. She had lived in England, so she reassured us that it would be safe, and that we would finally be able to put our lives back together and make a future for ourselves. Afterwards she had lunch with us. I couldn’t believe that this sophisticated angel would actually eat in the refugee camp – with me!!  She made such an impression on me that day – she made me feel worthwhile. I felt valued."

I want every refugee to know that they are precious and valued in God’s eyes.  As His servant, I must show them His love in obedience to the Greatest Commandment: `You shall love the Lord your God, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  Jesus explained in the parable of the Good Samaritan that every victim of injustice is our neighbor.

Summer's words should also remind you that by supporting the work of Christian Action, you too are loving your neighbours with your act of kindness - thank you!