The Power of Giving

It's such a wonderful feeling to spend time with our families during Chinese New Year, sharing in traditions and good fortune with those we love. Those little red packets - or lai see as we like to call them - always give us happy memories. It is normal for us to use our lai see money for ourselves, as it is a gift to us personally. But I wonder what would happen if we started thinking in a different way? What about using that money to help people who are truly in need?

Our newest fundraising campaign, Red Packet for Every Home, aims to do just that. We are inviting everyone, especially children, to donate some of their lai see packet money to help vulnerable children in Hong Kong and Qinghai. The impact of a gift of money is often life changing. To encourage you to think differently, I'd like to share the story of Pan De.

Pan De was admitted to Huangnan Children's Home when she was only a few months old. We learned that she was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a rare condition that prevents her legs from bending. To address that awful condition, we arranged for her to undergo leg correction surgery in Tianjin and Hong Kong.

Pan De was unable to receive treatment in 2013 but she had two successful surgeries on her left knee joint in 2016 and 2017. Her recovery was so significant that she danced her heart out during the opening ceremony of our summer camp! It was such a blessing to witness her joy!

Last month, she fearlessly faced another operation to improve her upper leg and hip and is now recovering under the loving care of her foster family. Even though she is presently unable to stand and walk, her bubbly personality shines through. I look forward to seeing her continue to take charge of her life, and reach for all of the wonderful opportunities ahead of her.

I hope that Pan De's story inspires you and helps you see the power of giving. I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting Red Packet for Every Home, joining hands with us to change more young lives.