An Unexpected Reward

Siva, a former refugee in Hong Kong who was cared for by Christian Action's Centre For Refugees (CFR) was resettled in 2014. In May 2016, our CFR staff member Jeffrey Andrews met up with Siva in the U.S. I want to share his visit in Jeffrey's own words.

I went to the States for my sister's wedding, and thought I'd try and meet up with as many former CFR service users as possible. I messaged about thirty and told them that I'd be in Michigan and Chicago. Some have been resettled for years. I got a response from every one of them! They were so pleased to hear from me. I thought I could squeeze them all into my tight schedule, but many lived over 15 hours away!

Siva with his photo exhibits
in Hong Kong

Towards the end of my trip, I got a surprise call from Siva - one of the very first clients assigned to me when I started my career in CFR in 2009. I had seen that young boy through his many ups and downs in Hong Kong and then finally leave for the States. As with most of my clients who have resettled, I have kept in touch with Siva. He called to say he'd be driving from South Carolina to surprise me! It was not a short drive so that was humbling. This was a young boy who Christian Action helped grow into manhood and I was blessed to be a major part of his journey.

When he finally arrived I was impressed! He picked me up in his brand new sports car! He took me on a long drive, and over lunch he told me he is working for Microsoft, is making plans to do something independently with a fellow refugee, and is planning to buy a house, get engaged… and is in short he is living a full life!

It felt like a dream. He was no longer a refugee; no longer dependent on my help as a case worker and no longer receiving government support. He is now a young man with dignity and his own plans for the future. Thanks to organizations like Christian Action, he and other refugees found a home away from home, someone to believe in them and provide them with opportunities that offered hope.

Every one of the former refugees I contacted has fond memories of Christian Action and the help we offered when it was desperately needed. I look forward to meeting with them in the future and hearing more inspirational stories. I am grateful that this job has given me a purpose and satisfaction that most jobs would not give. I'm grateful to be a part of someone's journey and have the opportunity to make a positive impact. I trust God to instill in me the patience, determination and compassion only found through His Word.

P.S. Siva recently got married!!