The Way To Serve

In a society where people in need are all around us, it is my belief that our duty and responsibility is to help each other whenever we can, because we are all children of God. For some of us who want to do this, we might find ourselves not knowing where to start. There are actually a multitude of ways to get started!

A few weeks ago, I had a wonderful opportunity at the Society for Truth and Light's Centre for Life and Ethics Studies, to shed light on how Christians can serve refugees. The lecture is a part of a series that aims to engage its participants with different Christians, or groups of people, that have made an impact in different sectors.

My message focused on how Christians serve through empowerment. I explained to the participants the different realities refugees face globally and locally. Here in Hong Kong, life can be demotivating for them as their options are limited. CA responds to this by offering various programmes that help them learn more skills, and hone their talents to find a sense of purpose. I also shared the inspiring stories of Farah and Siva who have inspired us with their resilience and courage amidst their own difficulties.

The highlight of the lecture was the meaningful free-flowing discussions I had with the participants during the Q&A. We explored the situation facing refugees in Hong Kong. Some participants told us about their own experiences of meeting refugees. They said a hug or a smile made refugees feel welcomed and happy to be in the church. I could see how God was working in all of us. We were all so moved by their passion and interest. In fact, one of them was so challenged by our work that he approached me to give a donation to support our cause!

I pray that the participants would take all they learned to heart and be encouraged to help those in need. I look forward to seeing them inspiring other people to do the same.

Then the King will say to those on his right, …'I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you…?' The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:34-40 NIV)