Facing the Reporters

I've faced my fair share of reporters over the last 20 years in my role as Executive Director of CA, and I've found that their approach, questions, and conduct are businesslike and similar. Perhaps because of this similarity, I was unprepared for the group of budding reporters who recently faced me in China!

It happened when I attended the recent annual meetings of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Qinghai. That's when I was told that I would be interviewed (in English!) by some of China's most up and coming reporters. I certainly felt the pressure. When I met them, I discovered that the reporters were primary school students! China's future reporters!

The government periodically arranges for students to take part in important events such as sporting games and conferences because it's a big learning opportunity. They need to increase their exposure to the world around them and early succession planning, hence the interview with me.

I told the students how we need to be socially conscious, love orphans and care for those less fortunate than ourselves. I was able to share news with them about the work we do through Christian Action in Hong Kong and Qinghai, and my journey serving the underprivileged. I was so impressed by their professionalism and language skills. Many of the students even expressed their desire to study or do an exchange in Hong Kong!

Those bright little reporters knew how to work a source! I was humbled to be interviewed by such a dynamic group, and I have no doubt I'll be seeing their headlines across the worldwide press in the future!