Sometimes they just need someone to listen

Taking 120 COVID relief packages to different parts of the city.

Loving Hong Kong during the 2-month semi-lockdown.

We were all starting to work from home and praying about how we could reach out to people during the fifth wave of COVID. Social restrictions were strict and it was worrying to see thousands of omicron cases every day. Our missions community at YWAM Harbour City started to receive a word from God to go without fear and to be prepared with open hands.

My amazing Honduran YWAM missionary and I prepared with all of our gear! It was hot and sweaty, but worth it!

We began to receive a lot of donations through different partnerships and there were many opportunities to serve those in need. In the midst of panic buying, most grocery stores were left with empty shelves. God made a way to reach out to those who face more challenges in the daily living of such a busy city.

Our friends in Yuen Long! They are hard-working people!

Blessing the trash collection point in Yuen Long.

We had been building relationships with a local trash collection point, where there are more than 60 employees. At first, it was difficult to reach out to them, since they didn’t know us and we didn’t come from a specific church. The more we visited, the more comfortable they were with us! Their hearts began to soften when one of our teams received a word to buy lunch for all the employees. Soon afterwards, we visited them during Christmas time of 2021 and joyfully sang some songs to them. During the past months of the fifth wave, we were able to deliver more than 160 packages to the employees. It was so encouraging to see their smiles and laughter when they are working so hard under the hot sun.

Listening is also a way of loving others.

We started to deliver these COVID relief packages to the elderly in the streets of Yuen Long. We passed by one uncle and felt strongly to give him package and spent some time with him. After a few minutes of conversation, I got to know how smart he was! He shared about China’s history, wars, politics, and a lot of information. I listened to his insight. It was hard for me to say something meaningful to contribute to his topics of conversation, but at the end, I could see his smile and appreciation to have someone he could talk to. Sometimes, all it takes is just being able to listen. The elderly in Hong Kong are often feeling lonely and call themselves “useless”. We want to encourage them and spend time with them! God values them.

Meeting a really happy uncle in the minibus.

At a different time on a Sunday afternoon, I met another very joyful uncle in the minibus while going out to eat dessert with my friends. He invited himself to join our hang out and after some conversations with him in the minibus, the uncle seemed like a nice person and I said “okay”! I was nervous as I had no idea what could happen. We ended up buying dessert for him and he shared about his ups and downs in life. He shared about his lowest point when he felt hopeless and desperate. He had suffered with depression. He said that all he could do was “eat, sleep, and work”. After several years of depression, something happened and he told us he had changed completely. He was happier, more full of life, and now in his retiring years, he enjoys dancing, talking, and meeting people. We were able to share a verse about God giving him peace and drew him a portrait.

A life with Jesus involves being interrupted.

Sometimes it’s more comfortable to serve and share the gospel when it’s a scheduled time of ministry. I grew up in church and for me, serving was only on Sundays. Now that I serve in full time missions, it’s easy for me to just stick to ministry times when we go on local outreaches. In my day to day, I would rather be comfortable and be on my way, without interruptions. Meeting the uncle in the minibus during the weekend reminded me that God can bring people in my life at any point. I remember different pastors and speakers would share that they would pray for opportunities to share the gospel every day! Can I also bring myself to ask God for opportunities to share about Jesus, even when I’m running errands, paying my bills, or grocery shopping? I do desire to be more interrupted and not conform to a comfortable day just thinking of myself. It’s a challenge to walk in the great commission, but it’s not impossible as we have the Holy Spirit to guide us! It also involves making our own decision to be available to love others through Jesus.