My wife Meijean and I were aware of RM for years because we attended many of the post service trip briefings at our church.  We were impressed how much love and hope a small team would bring to visually impaired children in China.  During one briefing we decided to inquire about having our family support a summer service trip -- Summer 2010.  We were accepted and the adventure began.  The service trip made a lasting impression on our entire family.  We visited an orphanage just outside the city of Chongqing.  The children’s ward housed young babies up to teenagers.  Most of the children had some kind of challenge that caused their parents to abandon them.  We loved working with the children, showing them God’s love.  We taught them Bible stories using either simple Mandarin or using our interpreter.  We met many wonderful children and enjoyed working with them.  Peter, Bosco and Gloria were excellent leaders.  They took care of all of our needs and showed us how we were encountering God each day as we serve Him working with the orphans.    
 
That service trip made a lasting impact on my family, which I have shared many times.  I became more appreciative for the freedom we have to worship God and learn more about His gift of salvation through the cross.  Peter and Bosco asked me to share about our family’s experience during that year’s fundraising dinner.  As I talked, I realized I was developing a passion to work with the disabled children in China.  I volunteered to help with fundraising events, and in 2013 Peter approached me about joining the Board of Directors. The adventure continued when I started working closely with Roland Wong, Yammie Ho, and Fiona Tsui.  Each member has a deep love for God and the ministry in China.  Most of them had made several service trips and personally knew the disabled children we supported.  We were excited to see God moving through the Blind School and we started financially supporting blind college students with their education.  Peter would meet with me personally some weekends to discuss strategies for future ministries in China.  I did not know these meetings would prepare me for future service opportunities with RM.  The Board realized we needed someone to help manage ministries in China.  In October 2014, we hired Rain Chan to be our Director of Operations.  She was our most significant hire for the organization.  Rain brought vision and organizational skills to the team and helped us simplify our mission for RM --- support disabled children and their families in China.   
 
Spring 2016 was another turning point for RM and the Board of Directors.  Peter announced he was moving back to Hong Kong and resigned from the Board.  The Board members prayed earnestly for God’s direction. That summer the Board asked me to become the Chairman to help lead RM forward because we were convinced God had plans for this organization.  I accepted the position and am thankful for the opportunity to serve under God’s leadership.  
 
Over the years, RM has branched out in serving the disabled.  We have an autism center in Changchun, the same city where we support blind college students.  We also developed a relationship with an orphanage near Nanning to serve children stricken with cerebral palsy.  We called our ministry A,B,C, a simple way to share how God is leading us in China.  One thing I have learned about China -- never get comfortable with what you are doing.  A ministry can disappear almost overnight.  Early this year we were informed we will no longer have access to the orphanage when the school year ends this summer.  This was a huge blow to us; we developed relationships with many families and they appreciated the physical and occupational therapy provided by our service teams led by Tina Eng.  We are encouraged; as God closes one opportunity, He opens another.  Our autism center is growing and we see an opportunity to expand operations in Changchun.  We pray God will continue to give us wisdom as we work to expand operations.  As time moves forward, change is inevitable.  We recently said goodbye to Roland and Yammie as Board members.  Their passion and love for the children and ministry will always be cherished.  I am pleased to say Wendy Qi and Lissa Law recently joined the Board.  They bring energy and their unique perspectives on how to serve the less fortunate.  I am thankful for the opportunity to serve with them.   
 
RM needs to grow by developing Christ-centered leaders in China.  It is too difficult to lead an organization thousands of miles away.  The Chinese government is making it increasingly difficult for RM to reach into the country.  I pray God will bring us leaders who we can support to further develop these ministries and that God will expand our reach and influence in China.   
 

Craig