My Name is Overcomer!

Mark at the Social Welfare Institute

Many a childhood nickname is embarrassing to adults. Yuan Jun, or Xiao Jin Niu (which means Golden Calf) as he was fondly known during his childhood was determined not to add yet another handicap to his life, so he chose an English name that fits this young man perfectly!

Yuan Jun chose to call himself Mark, after the apostle Mark in the bible. The Chinese phonetic translation is 'Ma Ke' which means 'overcomer'!

Mark is a highly intelligent, very sensitive and articulate young man who has fairly severe cerebral palsy. Muscular control is difficult, but many years ago, after one of his teachers saw Mark playing with a cellphone using his toes, she realized that it may be possible for him to write. So began a journey of empowerment!

Mark now competently uses a cellphone and computer with his feet. He loves reading, and turns the pages with his toes. One of his greatest challenges is that he cannot read for long because his books are placed on the floor, resulting in eye-strain.  He loves psychology, and is currently reading a collection of letters written by John D. Rockefeller Sr. to his son John D. Rockefeller Jr.   He records his dreams and thoughts in a daily journal.

In 2014 Mark moved from Xining Children’s Home to the Social Welfare Adult Care facility. Adjusting to this new life was challenging, so one of the Christian Action staff read aloud to the group from a book by Nick Vujicic, who is now world famous as a motivational speaker and author, because of the ways he has overcome his severe physical limitations. Mark and all the listeners were deeply inspired by Nick.

Mark has written a letter of thanks to his caregivers at Xining Children’s Home, expressing his gratefulness for their care over the years, and also expressing his deep love for them. The Director of the children’s home, Wang Li, was deeply moved, and posted the letter in the reception area of the home.

The apostle Mark wrote about a poor widow who put all she had to live on in the offertory box in the Temple.  Our Mark has the same generosity of spirit – he gave all his Chinese New Year red packet money (Lai See) to Christian Action to help families in need.

Please help Christian Action continue to support Mark and his friends through the Bridging Programme which helps equip these young adults with vocational skills. It also keeps us connected with the children we have loved and raised from the cradle.