A Smile Speaks

Ethnic Minorities build bridges on an outing in Hong Kong

As you know I was appointed as a Justice of the Peace by the Hong Kong government in 2010, so I thought you'd like to hear about one aspect of this role. I recently visited young male offenders at Sha Tsui Correctional Institute. Among them was a teenager who was clearly not Chinese. Knowing the difficulties ethnic minorities have integrating with the Hong Kong community, I wanted to know how he was fitting in with the Chinese inmates.

I was actually on a tour of the detention centre kitchen, and had just tasted the breakfast when I noticed the young man in the laundry. I asked to meet him, and he assured me that he was fine and eating well. I specifically asked, “Do you have any problems as a foreigner?”  I was relieved when he replied that he didn’t have a problem.  It was obvious to me that he was pleased someone was interested in him. I actually saw him smile!

The reason I take an interest in people like this is because God calls us to love even the strangers in the land. (Deuteronomy 10:19)  Some ethnic minorities come to Hong Kong temporarily, seeking asylum from wars or persecution. Others, like migrant domestic workers, come for employment to support their families at home. Most Mainland Chinese and other south Asians immigrate to Hong Kong seeking a brighter future.  

It is our responsibility to help provide a safe sanctuary where they can get counseling, shelter, or simply a meal and a chat with friendly faces. 

In 2010, on my first prison visit to LoWu Correctional Institution, I asked a group of Muslim Indonesian ladies whether their food was halal. They too rewarded me with smiles. The JP accompanying me said it was the first time he had ever seen a prisoner smile at an official visitor. 

The government recently started supporting our programmes for ethnic minorities, but I pray they will also do more for the others we serve. When you support our programmes, you help us put smiles on many people’s faces. Thank you!  

"I was in prison and you visited me..." (Matthew 25:36)