Thirty Glorious Years!

For almost 15 years I've been invited by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to give an annual radio broadcast on "Thought for the Week". Last Sunday, I told listeners about Christian Action reaching its 30th glorious year of service. You can listen to it on the link here or read a little of my message below.

My first full-time (volunteer) job the year after I finished college involved helping Vietnamese refugees to settle in England. It set the scene for the rest of my life. After I came to Hong Kong as a newly-wed and keen to change the world in the name of Jesus, I managed programmes in Hong Kong’s Vietnamese refugee camps. In my early 30’s I became the Executive Director of Christian Action. Under God’s guidance, our work expanded and brought hope, dignity and self-reliance to thousands of the poor and marginalized in Hong Kong.

In 1993, I had a vivid dream about saving orphans in China. Today Christian Action works in five orphanages across Qinghai Province, north-western China. We pioneered programs centered on poverty alleviation, medical treatment and child welfare. There’s also the social welfare institute adult care facility in Xining City, with the provision of education grants and support to thousands of rural poor Tibetan families all over Qinghai. We have been able to save hundreds of orphans and serve the nations under the banner of Christian Action, all from a dream that God gave me.

My greatest hope is that Christian Action will one day no longer be needed. If everybody is able to enjoy a quality life, then my job will be done.

As I look back at the last 30 years, I marvel at the obstacles we faced, and the miraculous ways in which they were overcome. Many of you may hear God’s call to do something which seems impossible by human standards. From my own experience, when God calls, He will make a way. Witnessing the miracles that God works is an exciting adventure. Be courageous, take heart and follow God’s leading.

Deuteronomy 31:8 contains the promise: 'The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.'

God bless you!