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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 2015-07-15, Page 22 Lucknow Sentinel • Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Trinity United Church meets the woman they sponsored in Hong Kong "Child" thanks her sponsors personally Valerie Gillies Lucknow Sentinel A special service was held at Trinity United Church on Sunday, June 12 as a recep- tion to finally meet Irene So. The Sunday School class at Trinity had sponsored So as a child in the 1980s to help fund her education. So married and became Irene Leung, She brought her family with her when she made the special trip to per- sonally say thank you to the congregation who had made such an impact on her life. During the service, Leung described her search to find her sponsors. She started her search about a year ago after speaking to a minister in Hong Kong who asked her to tell him of two things that had great impact on her life. The sponsorship as a child immediately came to mind. She began with a Google search, but had no luck. In February, a preacher from the United States was in Hong Kong and Leung was host of the reception for him. They spoke of Leung's original dead end with her search as she felt that some- one from North America may have a better idea of how to find a North Ameri- can church. Leung revealed to the congregation that she could find "no email contact for Trinity United Church, which brought laugher from the congregation. Eventually Leung found a United Church in Lucknow and made e-mail contact. For about a month after that first email, Leung heard nothing and was giving up. The day after she made this decision, she received the response from Ruth Alton. Leung described it as a very moving moment. She reveals 41 Cheryl John Sales Representat! Call or Text: 519 -441 - Bus: 519-395-3959 www,lakerangereal Cheryl.Johnston@holm Just reduced by $5000! This 3 bedroom home has been updated from top to bottom. Large master bedroom and main floor laundry, bathrooms on both levels. 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She was born to a poor family, which at that time in Hong Kong meant that she would not likely get much support for her future. It was traditional to give the most support and encour- agement to male children as girls were expected to marry and no longer be a part of the family of origin, as they would belong to their new family. Leung was encour- aged by her mother to quit school and go to work, as investing in her education would be a waste of money. When Trinity United Church agreed to sponsor Leung's education, her mother finally agreed to allow Leung to attend school, since it was no longer taking money from the family resources. She received letters from Trin- ity once every two months, according to the rules of FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE "HOME" Friday, July 17 starts at dusk Festivities start at 8 pm with 104.9 The Beach Valerie Gillies/Lucknow Sentinel Irene (So) Leung presented Trinity United Church with a framed traditional Hong Kong paper cutting surrounded by her own hand lettering of the 23rd Psalm. After receiving gifts from the church, she wanted to give them something from her to say thank you for all of their care and support. She explained that the cutting features the Hong Kong symbol for "Blessing", which is how she feels about Trinity United Church. the program. She explained that the birthday and Christmas cards and gifts were the first that were ever given to her, which made them valuable treasures to the young girl. What made the biggest impact on Leung as a child was the small words of The Leung family provided special music during the special service held at Trinity United Church on July 12, 2015. From left: Caleb Leung played piano as Wilson, Irene and Esther Leung sang. The Trinity United Church choir sings the anthem, accompanied by Ruth Alton, during the special service held July 12, 2015. Front from left: Hannie Scott, Gerry McCann, Colleen Zinn, Nancy Cameron. Back from left: Jack Cameron, Suzanne Andrew, Sharon Nivins. encouragement as well as acknowledging and recon- firming her talents. This was 1 r r r raj r I DEALS INSIDE and O.UT IDES SHOPS 4EATLERIE_S Thursday Outdoor Concert - Mary Smith -1 pm Farmers' Market Sat. 8 am -1 pm Then and Now Car Show Sat.11 am - 3 pm www.goderichbia.ca follow us on Facebook @ Goderich BIA LET'S ALL DO OUR PART! PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER 1 1 1 I BOTTLES CANS something she did not receive from her family. As an adult, Leung strives to give back to people by giv- ing those words of encour- agement and help to those who need it. She explains that Hong Kong has many wealthy families, but money is easy to give and can be done with selfish motives, volunteering and encour- agement are scarce. The Leung family are enjoying their trip to Can- ada. They all claim that it is a wonderful place. Irene's hus- band, Wilson Leung exclaimed, "It is unbelieva- ble that it is so pleasant." He went on to say the farms with the cattle and barns are so impressive. Wilson was particularly impressed with one farm they visited which had the house built out of wood by the owner and the interior and furnishings had all been designed by the owner. That is something that is not often done in Hong Kong. Irene Leung was excited to have her, "first training as a farmer. We were able to touch and drive a tractor." The most exciting thing the Leung children experi- enced was driving ATVs at the Farrish farm. However, both Caleb and Esther com- mented about still feeling tired from the time in Can- ada being 12 hours later than Hong Kong.