Words from a Retiree | Rev. Lee Ching-chee

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ ‘SHARE’ May-Jun 2014 – Loving Care Passing On from One Generation to Another ] TAKING ACTION

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Author> Rev. Lee Ching-chee

‘The wonder of the setting sun, oh but dusk is nigh.’ This sad observation is also from many who had just stepped into retirement life! Although everyone knows that we all grow old, many people do not want to see it coming to their life and in fact are quite anxious over aging. Actually, if we do not cling onto yesterday’s achievements, or worry about tomorrow which is unknown, but cherish what we have today, then we can enjoy the wonderful sunset and live in joy and peace.

I have retired for sixteen years (according to our church’s system, pastors retire at 65) and entered into the age of 80’s last year. The past sixteen years brought me much enjoyment: felt like a caged bird set free, having the leisure to appreciate God’s creation and life’s delights. Never forcing myself to get busy but learning to live a carefree life after retirement.

Retirement is not only about having the freedom to not going to work, it is also the freedom to choose to do what you like or wish to commit to. After retirement I continue to preach with integrity and wholeheartedness, but without any official title. I no longer need to attend ceremonies and banquets, and enjoy the freedom of doing and not-doing. I can make better use of God’s blessings to bless more people.

Retirement does not mean we have to stay home, but being spared from unnecessary and unproductive meetings, so to have more space and time to get to know the people and things around us, and to see what our society is like. We may not be able to get involved in many social ministries, but we can participate in different ways to support and encourage those who care about the community’s welfare. We have stepped down from our jobs and positions, but we need not withdraw, quit or disengage!

Rev. Lee Ching-chee is the first officially ordained female pastor in the territory. She was the Associate General Secretary of the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China and Vice Principal of Ying Wa Girls’ School.

 

Pray for the Post-Conflicts Rehabilitation Work in Myanmar

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[ePrayer – Pray for the post-war development in Myanmar]

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The prolonged conflicts lasted for 60 years between Karen armed groups and the Myanmar Government finally came to an end and this indeed symbolizes hope and unity for the people and the country.  It is encouraging to see different groups of entities, including state officials, village leaders and church members putting effort together to rebuild their community.  What is more exciting is to see displaced orphans and youths returning to their hometowns.  Yet, the children will continue to experience the damaging effects brought by the conflicts. Due to limited skillsets, the children and their families feel unsecured and live a future with uncertainty.

CEDAR FUND supported our partner Full Moon in launching their reintegration programmed in the Mon State.  Apart from improving the infrastructure and facilities to deliver a better and safer environment in the compound, education and trainings are provided to the youth and women’s groups.  Full Moon wishes to see that the youths after acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills, particularly in agricultural and vocational aspects, are then empowered to make contributions to their home community.  Full Moon also witnesses the change in the women, that they become more confident after receiving trainings in farming, health and environment preservation.  Some of the youths are able to complete their tertiary education due to tuition fee sponsorship from Full Moon.  In 2013, Full Moon arranged two trips for their kids to return to their communities.  Many of them reunited with their families and their stories touch many people’s hearts.

Thanks Lord for His blessings on this project.  Full Moon’s achievements created a ripple effect; not only the children affected by the conflicts are benefited, the volunteers and workers are also blessed from their involvement and many joined the Christian fellowship and started to know God. The government officials also recognized the achievements and invited CEDAR FUND and Full Moon to continue the community work in Mon State.

“The children are excited about the school life but what is most precious is due to the community rebuilt programme, the kids now have dreams and visions for the future.” Lydia, the teacher in TWT village, told us

Pray for the post-war development in Myanmar:

  1. Pray for the work of partner Full Moon as they are now engaging their youth facilitators in 5 target villages in Mon State to bring about unity and meaningful development.  These are newly settled villagers in which many are returning from different areas including the jungles.
  2. Pray for the 10 college youths who are receiving trainings in the fields of education, community health and agriculture. May God grant them wisdom in their studies and sustainable positive experience in their exchange with the Community Based Organizations. May God also lead their spiritual development and give them determination to serve the needy.
  3. Pray for unity and harmony in Myanmar. Our partner is acting like a bridge between the different ex-armed groups, Government and villagers, and may the Lord give them wisdom to handle complex issues and negotiate with different parties.

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Other Methods of Payment

  1. Cheque payable to ‘CEDAR FUND’
  2. Deposit to HSBC A/C No. 600-385678-001, enclosing with the Pay-in slip
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  4. Visa/ Master Card

Download Donation Form

Please send a completed Donation Form, enclosing with cheque or pay-in slip, to CEDAR FUND, G.P.O. BOX 3212, HONG KONG.

Donation Form: WORD or PDF

[1] CEDAR is an approved charitable institutions and trusts of a public character under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. Please click Inland Revenue Department website to check for details.
[2] Donations over $100 are tax deductible in Hong Kong with our receipts.
[3] Please DO NOT fax any donation information.

Remember Health and Life of Labours

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[ePrayer – Pray for laboursaround the world]

Alunimum Pot Makers in Cite Soleil

As we took rest on 1 May Labour Day, are we reminded of the current situation that faced by workers globally?

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that 2.34 million people die each year for work-related accidents and diseases. From these fatalities, 2.02 million correspond to occupational and work-related diseases. Every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease. Every 15 seconds, 160 workers have a work-related accident.

28 April was celebrated as World Day for Safety and Health at Work. As chemical safety is key to a healthy and safe working condition, this year theme ‘Safety and Health in the Use of Chemicals at Work’ is meant to highlight the benefits achieved through the production and use of chemicals while minimizing workers’ exposure as well as the emission of chemicals into the environment through national and international action. However, there is still a long way to achieve the goal. There are occasionally serious chemical incidents which put people’s health and environment at risk. Those who are exposed to harmful chemicals have the right to work in a safe and healthy working condition, as well as knowing the risks and receiving the necessary training and protection.

The ILO encourages governments, employers and workers to work together to ensure and promote safety in using chemicals and to put in place legislation and policy related to occupational safety and health.  In addition, there should be a balance between the effectiveness of using chemicals and the implementation of preventive measures on impact of workers, environment and society.

According to the ILO Convention on safety in the use of chemicals at work in 1990, the term ‘chemical’ refers to chemical elements and compounds, and their mixtures, whether natural or synthetic, such as pesticide to improve food harvest quality and farming area, drugs of curing diseases and home cleaning products. [ILO, UN News(1), UN News(2)]

Meditation on Hymns:

‘If God Build not the House’

If God build not the house, and lay
the groundwork sure, whoever build,
It cannot stand one stormy day;
If God be not the city’s shield,
If He be not their bars and wall,
In vain the watch-tower, men and all.

Though then thou wak’st when others rest,
Though rising thou prevent’st the sun,
Though with lean care thou daily feast,
Thy labour’s lost and thou undone;
But God his child will feed and keep,
And draw the curtain to his sleep.

May this hymn be a comfort and blessings to all people at work.

Pray for laboursaround the world:

  • Pray for efforts from different parties to provide readily available information about chemical hazards and risk, and associated preventive and protective measures;
  • May the rights and health of labours be protected by occupational safety and health legislation and policy;
  • Pray that decent work for all can be achieved.