Monday, May 19
Give with a Thankful Heart
Benjamin Chan
“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 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 them.” Daisy Wong, an Elim member, reflected on the experience, “My whole family is involved, and there is no greater joy than serving God and helping the people who are in such a desperate situation.”
Alice Hau, another key player in the campaign was touched by the overwhelming support of the donors of different ethnical 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 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 while staying in our comfort zone but still complaining most of the time. Pray that we all treasure what we are given and give to help the needy with a heart of thanksgiving.”
Dr. Michelle Sun, another Elim member, shares a poem “Sky Howls” to tell the terrible situation of the earthquake affect 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 supported the campaign, and encouraged the church members to continue the effort. “The need is great, and we welcome every dollar to bring hope to the earthquake victims.”
To view the pictures of the fund-raising campaign, please go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/benslchan/sets/72157605148249126/.
Monday, May 19, 11:00 p.m.
Dear friends,
Up to 21:00 May 18, total death toll: 34,073, injured: 245,108.
China today began a three-day national mourning for the tens of thousands of
people killed in a powerful earthquake which struck the country's southwest on
May 12. At 14:28pm this afternoon, Amity staff, volunteers and donors drop in
stood in silence tribute in Amity's courtyard facing Wenchuan, Sichuan Province
to mourn the victim.
News from the Front Line
Amity staff on the ground have decided to focus the relief work in the rural
areas in Sichuan. From the assessment in the front line, emergency relief
supplies from all over the country have been mainly gathered in urban areas. It
is estimated that the supplies is about to meet the basic needs. However, on the
other hand, rural areas have not received much attention by getting enough
supplies. Amity plans establish self-help teams among the villagers to help. On
basis of getting good understanding of the basic information and need, more
systematic post-disaster relief work will be implemented.
Today, Mr. He Wen, Mr. Yue Yaomeng and Mr. Zheng Ye, together with Leo (mountain
dog) and Mr. Shu Heng came to Bolin township to distribute quilts, and held
meeting with more than 70 victims in the village. In the afternoon, Amity staff
went to Deyang Township of Deyang City to get more understanding of the
situation for the next stage post-disaster relief work.
Due to the severity of the earthquake, the searching and emergency rescue work
by military and rescuers is drawing toward an end.
News at the Headquarters
Ms. Liu Xiaofang, a volunteer of Amity is on her way to Chengdu by train as the
first volunteer for consoling. Ms. Liu Xiaofang lost her son from blood cancer
10 years ago when the child was only 5. She tells us that she and her family was
abundantly helped and blessed by warm hearted people and she has been looking
for an opportunity to pay it back. Now, finally comes the opportunity. Ms. Liu
says that she has already made all kinds of preparations including the
possibilities of not being able to return. Ms. Liu will arrive in Chengdu on the
morning of Wednesday and join in the staff and volunteers who are already there.
A second group of volunteers on consoling will be ready to set off within 3 days
led by Amity staff Ms. Tang Chuanfang and Mr. Xu Qingke. We'll keep you updated
of the preparation of the second consoling team.
Donation:
Up to 11:00pm, May 19, We have received
From mainland: RMB 733,636.36 Yuan
From HongKong: HK$ 4.88 million
From overseas: US$ 77,000
Euro 220,000
Canadian dollar: 5,000
Swedish Krone: 250,000
GBP: 10,000
Peace,
She Hongyu