Give with a Thankful Heart
Benjamin Chan
May 19, 2008
"We love China. Please help our fellow people." Chinese-American Christians spoke a loud voice in the Philadelphia Chinatown last Saturday and Sunday.
The Elim Fellowship of the Chinese Christian Church and Center in Philadelphia conducted a two-days fund-raising campaign in Philadelphia Chinatown for the earthquake relief in China. They raised more than US$12,000. The money will be sent to the Amity Foundation via American Baptist International Ministries/ World Relief Office to support the relief effort.
Dr. Eugene Young, Chair of the Elim Fellowship who initiated the campaign, praised Elim members of how they mobilized their families and friends in the fund-raising, "You are a role model for your children." Daisy Wong, an Elim member, reflected on the experience, "My whole family is involved. There is nothing more meaningful than serving God and helping the people who are in such a desperate situation."
Alice Hau, another key supporter in the campaign was touched by the overwhelming support of the donors of different ethnic backgrounds, and said, "We are thankful that God uses us. The love in the donor's heart shines across to the other side of the planet." Another two members of the church Kent Phan and Peggy Lu who sent the first check shared their thought, "Sometimes we take everything for granted, especially our good health and all the blessing in our life. But still we complain most of the time. Pray that we all treasure what we are provided and give to help the needy with a thankful heart."
Dr. Michelle Sun, another Elim member, shares a poem "Sky Howls" to tell the terrible situation of the earthquake affected areas, and yet shows the light when we extend help and love to the victims. (See the English and Chinese versions of the poem in the appendix.)
Rev. Leslie Leung, pastor of the Cantonese speaking congregation of the church supports the campaign, and encourages the church members to continue the effort. "The need is great, and we welcome every dollar to bring hope to the earthquake victims."
Sky howls from the quake
Sichuan bleeds still
Scenic Sichuan bleeds still
Sichuan at shock bleeds still
Cuehe* has its waterway barred
Wenchuan* faces all collapsed homes
A town mourns with no next generation
School children with red scarves buried alive
Schools, villages, cities
All buried, fallen, sieged and dead
No more hate and strife
Look, dear ones breathed their last, still holding hands
Fingers interlocking tight at the loss of hope
Gripping tight, didn't let go
Clutching tight, didn't let go
Grayish black, ice-cold palms
Wouldn't let go
Rubble mountain-high, in valleys and up the peaks
Yet a twilight of life's there
Lost children in lonely tents wait for Mom and Dad
Amidst the chills the sun comes and cares
Devouring earth sends kindred love
Arms of strangers show up from afar, from all paths
Descend from the sky, come with winds, dart over
God of providence grabs you tight
From the arms of Death
Pulls you to Him
