你有见过糖尿病引起的坏疽吗？那是长期血糖偏高的结果，损伤了糖尿病患者的血管和神经，导致脚部血液循环不畅。哪怕只是一个小小的伤口，也会因难以愈合而变成溃疡，逐渐恶化，甚至需要截肢以保命。而在马来西亚，糖尿病患病人数告居东南亚之首，这样的例子并不罕见。

年仅40岁的阿强（化名），在短短两年内经历了四次截肢手术。从脚趾到脚掌，再到小腿，直至不久前膝盖以上的截肢，他一次次失去自己的身体，也失去了工作。每天乘坐电召车去政府诊所清洗伤口，费用如大山般压在他身上，亲朋好友的有限援助更是杯水车薪。

基督教芙蓉长老会7979全人关怀站的志工了解到阿强的境况后，前往家访并为他申请了4期RM300的急难救助金，以缓解他的生活压力。同时，携带用于访视的《福气临门》系列小册子，慰藉了他的心灵。

从阿强申请政府补贴，到办理残疾人卡，林亚弟传道、林良芳和张美云姐妹一直陪在他身旁。几个月间，志工多次陪他往返医院、福利部、社险机构和国家储蓄银行，且扮演司机、表格填写人、翻译员和支持者的角色。终于，阿强顺利获得了马来西亚社会福利部的残疾人士卡和每月的生活津贴，社险机构还提供了医疗器材援助，让他能在马六甲的康复中心参加重返职场计划（RTW）。

在康复中心，阿强认识了许多像他一样因故致残的病友，他们彼此鼓励、扶持。他获得了新的义肢，开始接受训练，怀着为自己和家人而努力的心志，全力准备重返职场。
​
如今，阿强带着新的义肢，奔波在芙蓉、波德申和芦骨的小食中心，卖着炸虾饼。他的自强不息感动了许多顾客，纷纷以高价购买他的虾饼。阿强深深感激基督教芙蓉长老会7979全人关怀站志工们的帮助和陪伴。他说，认识关怀站，就像看到了人生的新路。

​From Amputation to Business Venture, They are Always by His Side    
​A Story of Crisis Intervention · Written by Tang 

Have you ever seen gangrene caused by Diabetes? It is the result of long-term high blood sugar, which has damaged the patient’s blood vessels and nerves, thus causing poor blood circulation in the foot. A small wound can develop into a festering sore due to poor regenerating ability, until amputation has to be performed to save life. Malaysia takes the top place in South East Asia for having the most diabetes patients, hence, the said example was not uncommon. 

Ah Keong (pseudonym), who is 40 years old, went through 4 amputations in two years. From toes to foot sole, then to his calf, and lastly, his leg from the knee and above. While he was losing part of his body bit by bit, he was also losing his job. He had to use e-hailing services to get to the government clinic for cleaning of his wound, and the expenses were piling up quickly like a mountain crushing him, even though his friends did help him, but it was like a drop in the ocean.      

When the volunteer at the 7979 Holistic Care Station of Gereja Presbyterian Seremban heard of his predicament, they quickly paid a visit to him and later decided to help him by applying to the 7979 Crisis Intervention Fund for 4 deliveries of RM300 of financial aid. Simultaneously, they shared with him the small handbook, “Blessing at the Door Steps”, to console his hurting soul. 

From the moment that Ah Keong started to apply for the government subsidy to the OKU card, Pr. Lim Ah Tee, Bro. Ling Liong Hong and Sis. Tiong Hong Mee were always by his side. Throughout those few months, the volunteers accompanied him to the hospital, the welfare ministry, SOCSO organisations and Bank Simpanan Nasional. They were the drivers, the persons who filled up the forms, the interpreters and the supporters. Finally, Ah Keong got his OKU card and monthly allowance issued to him by the Malaysian Social Welfare Department. On the other hand, Ah Keong also received aid from SOCSO in the form of medical devices and he was entitled to participate in the Return to Work (RTW) plan at the Malacca Rehab Centre. 

At the Rehab Centre, Ah Keong began to know more people with similar conditions, and they encouraged and supported each other. He started training after he received a prosthesis. He was determined to strive forward for his family and himself by returning to the marketplace. 

Today, Ah Keong is travelling up and down to hawker centres at Seremban, Port Dickson and Lukut selling Fried Prawn Cracker. His persistent and hard work touched the hearts of many customers, and in return, many would pay more than the actual price for his prawn crackers. Ah Keong is very grateful to the volunteers of the 7979 Holistic Care Station of Gereja Presbyterian Seremban for their assistance and company. He said getting to know the 7979 Care Station is like seeing a new life path.  

​

👨‍🍳阿勇（化名），是私立中学的厨师教练，喜欢下厨，更喜欢品尝美食。因为没有忌口，他罹患糖尿病。

😥糖尿病导致阿勇的伤口溃烂，为了保命，他不得不截肢；由于血糖过高，阿勇的肾脏无法正常运作，他需要每星期洗肾三次，以达到净化血液，将血压控制在正常范围内。由于每个星期需要洗肾，他无法照常工作，因而失去工作。然而，昂贵的洗肾费用和一年四次的常规验血费，耗尽他家庭的积蓄。当志工问及两个成年孩子的情况时，阿勇不愿多说，只是摇头罢手，说孩子叛逆。

 🫶某天， 美里福音堂7979全人关怀站（以下称“关怀站”）的志工杨惠华有机会认识阿勇。他了解阿勇的遭遇后，想要对阿勇伸出援手。有别于大多数的急难家庭，一身傲骨的阿勇考虑一番后，才答应关怀站为他申请 RM 1200的 7979急难救助金。此外，志工也为阿勇申请关怀站的食物包，帮助夫妇俩降低伙食花费，以免出现粮食不足的情况。

👂为了更有效地帮助阿勇，志工鼓励阿勇调整日常作息、控制饮食来生活。但是，脾气倔强的阿勇，太坚持己见，都不愿意做出任何调整和改变。这样的救助关系让志工很难进一步的关心阿勇，直到杨惠华建议阿勇可以用他的专长——厨艺，东山再起，重新赚取生活费。这时，阿勇才把志工的话听进心里......

👥于是，志工协助开办“厨艺班”，从物色场地、宣传和教学工作等如期展开。但不久后，学员纷纷完成一个阶段的课程学习后就不愿意再续约。这不可观的收入，让阿勇再次无法应付每日开销。所幸，这次的创业并没有打击阿勇的自信，他很快构思另一盘的创业计划：在网上售卖真空包装的食品。杨惠华相信，凭阿勇精湛的厨艺，不难收获一众买家。

😍正所谓滴水穿石，在日积月累的相处中，杨惠华的言行潜移默化地影响了阿勇。阿勇与家人、邻居关系好转，并学会从正面看问题、更积极看待事物。这是大家有目共睹的。邻居看到阿勇有很大的转变后，想知道改变他生命的原因——耶稣。阿勇便介绍他们到靠近住家的教堂聚会。

接受帮助后，阿勇不只生命得改变和改善了生活。如今，他也是成为关怀站代言人，介绍关怀站给更多人，让志工有机会帮助他们。

​

👨‍🍳Ah Yong (Pseudonym) is a chef instructor at a private secondary school. He likes to cook and eat delicious food regardless of health, and as a consequence, he has now been diagnosed with diabetes.

😥Diabetes caused Ah Yong's wounds to fester, and he had to have his legs amputated to save his life. Due to high blood sugar, Ah Yong's kidneys cannot function normally. He needs kidney dialysis three times a week to purify the blood and control blood pressure within the normal range. Since he needed kidney dialysis every week, he was unable to work as usual and thus lost his job. However, the expensive cost of dialysis and four times a year routine blood tests had depleted his family's savings. When the volunteers asked about the situation of their two adult children, Ah Yong did not want to say more. He just shook his head and said that the children were rebellious.
 
🫶One day, Michael Jong, a volunteer at Miri Gospel Chapel 7979 Holistic Care Station (hereinafter referred to as the "Care Station") had the opportunity to meet Ah Yong. After he learned about Ah Yong's situation, he wanted to lend a helping hand to Ah Yong. Unlike most families in need, Ah Yong, who is quite arrogant, agreed to the Care Station to apply for the 7979 Emergency Relief fund of RM 1,200 for him only after much consideration. In addition, Michael also applied for food bags from the Care Station for Ah Yong, helping the couple reduce their food expenses and avoid food shortages.

👂In order to help Ah Yong more effectively, Michael encouraged Ah Yong to adjust his daily routine and control his diet. However, Ah Yong, who was very stubborn, was too insistent on his own opinions and was unwilling to make any adjustments or changes. This made it difficult for their helper and client relationship to improve. Up until Michael suggested that Ah Yong could use his expertise, i.e. cooking skills to be back on track and earn some living again. Only then did Ah Yong take Michael’s words into his heart...
 
👥 Subsequently, the Michael assisted Ah Yong to start a "cooking class"​, and venue searching, publicity and teaching work started as scheduled. But soon after, students were unwilling to renew their contracts after completing one stage of the course. This meagre income was once again unable to meet Ah Yong’s daily expenses. Fortunately, this entrepreneurial venture did not dampen Ah Yong's self-confidence, and he quickly conceived another business plan: selling vacuum-packed food online. Michael believes that with Ah Yong’s exquisite cooking skills, it will not be difficult to attract a lot of buyers.

 😍As the saying goes, all the hard work paid off in the end. Over time, Michael's words and deeds had a subtle influence on Ah Yong. Ah Yong's relationship with his family and neighbours has improved, and he has learned to look at problems from a positive perspective and view things more positively. This is obvious to all. After seeing Ah Yong's great transformation, the neighbours wanted to know the cause of his transformation, i.e. Jesus. Ah Yong introduced them to a church near their home.
 
After receiving help, Ah Yong not only changed and improved his life. Now, he has also become the representative of the Care Station, introducing the Care Station to more people and opening more opportunities for volunteers to help them.

​

阿凯回想住在车里的那段日子，他感恩现在所拥有的安稳日子......

阿凯，年纪轻轻就离开父母，离开家乡柔佛新山，寻找生计。在这里，他遇见了心爱的外籍姑娘，婚后两人育有两个孩子，组织起幸福的小家庭。勤劳的阿凯，原本在新山做货车送货员。为了争取更好的收入，给家人更好的生活品质，阿凯毅然决然辞职，举家到吉隆坡寻求新的工作机会。

疫情让安稳的生活陷入急难

但，就在阿凯离开工作岗位没几天，新冠病毒大规模蔓延，一夕之间全国封城。阿凯和家人进退两难，只好暂时落脚在生活水平较为缓慢的乡镇马六甲野新。但是过去的储蓄随着第三个孩子的出世也随之耗尽，阿凯和家人只好带上重要物品，坐上老旧的车子前往吉隆坡寻找工作机会，即使他们只能以车子为“家”。

求职篇
​
阿凯不敢怠慢，积极应征，甚至愿意立刻上班。他向潜在雇主提出条件，提供可以容纳一家5口的员工宿舍，让他预支部分薪金。毫不意外，这条件吓退了好一些原本愿意聘请他的雇主，唯独引起了一位人资经理的注意，得知阿凯入职条件背后的故事。虽然公司无意聘请阿凯，但是，她可以让自己教会介入这个家庭。

于是，博特拉基督教会7979全人关怀站在人资经理-李如秀的转介下开始介入阿凯和家人的急难，尤其是住宿和现金流的需要。教会为阿凯申请7979急难救助金，RM 1200分两期作为现金流。不出两日，教会志管人孙才雄联系了非营利机构 Faithworks 的负责人邱思恩（David Khoo），在他安排下阿凯和家人抵达甲洞，入住捐款人闲置的物业。

7979救助网络接力把爱传下去

这时，闲置的物业空空如也，甲洞颂恩堂神召会7979全人关怀站的志工接棒救助行动，急忙采购寝具、打扫工具和食物，特别是送儿童奶粉阿凯。进行采购中，志工得知他们没有烹饪工具，于是赶紧赠送电饭煲和煤气炉给阿凯。

获得各单位的救助，让阿凯和妻子不敢置信，连忙确认这些花费不会事后追讨。孩子们在空房子蹦蹦跳跳，他们一家五口不用再屈身在车子内留宿，不需要担心车子抛锚、故障、没汽油，不需要天气闷热的时候站在树荫，而且随时有卫浴间可用。

尔后，甲洞颂恩堂神召会7979全人关怀站志工多次到访，持续关心他们的需要。阿凯透露，一家人在哪里，家就在那里。解决了最棘手的住宿问题，他有信心和毅力很快可以自力更生。

后记：

阿凯如今成为电子召车服务平台的司机，平台帮助他更换了一辆新车。勤快的他已经脱离急难的困境。他谢谢各路单位曾经给予的帮助。阿凯回想住在车里的那段日子，他感恩现在所拥有的安稳。

​

The pandemic puts peaceful life in jeopardy

 However, just a few days after Ah Kai left his job, the coronavirus spread on a large scale and the whole country was forced to lock down. Ah Kai and his family were caught in a dilemma, they had to settle down temporarily in Jasin, a small town in Malacca where living standards were relatively low. However, their savings were depleted with the birth of their third child. Ah Kai and his family had no choice but to pack their important belongings and get in an old car to look for job opportunities in Kuala Lumpur. They had to move on even though they ended up with a car as their "home".
​
Job Searching Episode

Ah Kai dared not slow down, he quickly went on for job searching and hoped to start working immediately. He requested all those potential employers to provide him with accommodation for 5 and allowed him to advance part of his salary. Unsurprisingly, the request scared off all those potential employers. However, it caught the attention of a human resources manager who learnt the story behind Ah Kai's request. Although her company had no intention of hiring Ah Kai, she could still let her church intervene in the family.

As a result, the 7979 Holistic Care Station of Putra Christian Church began to intervene in the urgent needs of Ah Kai and his family, especially the needs of accommodation and cash flow, following the referral of the human resource manager Eunice Lee. The church applied for 7979 Crisis Intervention Fund for Ah Kai, and RM 1200 was issued to him which was divided into two installments as cash flow. Within two days, the church’s volunteer manager Bro Jeffy Sooncontacted David Khoo, the director of the non-profit organization Faithworks, and he made arrangements for Ah Kai and his family to move to Kepong to stay in a donor’s unused property.

7979 Holistic Care Stations Relayed the Love of Christ

At this point, the unused property was empty. Volunteers from the 7979 Holistic Care Station of Abundant Grace Assembly of God, Kepong took over the rescue operation and rushed to purchase bedding, cleaning tools and food, especially to deliver the children's milk powder to Ah Kai. During the procurement process, the volunteers learnt they did not have any cooking tools, so they rushed to get Ah Kai a rice cooker and a gas stove. 

Ah Kai and his wife were shocked and couldn’t believe when people from different organisations offered assistance and helped them, they quickly ascertained and got confirmation that all services and goods were free of charge. The children jumped joyously around the empty house. The family of five no longer had to spend their days in the car. There is no need to worry about the car breaking down, or running out of fuel. There is no need to stand under the shade of a tree when the weather is too hot, and there is a bathroom available at any time.

Since then, volunteers from the 7979 Holistic Care Station of Abundant Grace Assembly of God, Kepong continued to pay visits and care for their needs. Ah Kai expressed that home is where the family is. Having solved the most difficult accommodation problem, he has the confidence and perseverance to be self-reliant soon.

Epilogue: 

Ah Kai is now a driver on an e-hailing service platform, and the platform helped him to buy a new car. Due to his diligence, he has managed to come out of crisis. He thanked various units for their help. Ah Kai recalled the days when he lived in his car, and he was grateful for the stability he now had.

伟杰的双脚浮肿了好一阵，他的身子容易疲惫。本以为休息一会儿就没事，也不曾想过就医。但妻子始终放不下心，坚持要伟杰看医生。经过一番劝说，伟杰终于肯拿假，到医院去做检查。

完成多项身体检验后，医生诊断伟杰的肾脏和心脏均出现问题，唯有透过手术，才能挽救他的性命。当伟杰知道自己健康的问题，加上需要缴付庞大的手术费用后，他感到忧愁和焦虑。伟杰只是一名在工厂打工的蓝领工人。除了医疗费用，他还需要承担全家人的生活开销。

由于手术前，必须进行密集复诊和治疗，伟杰收到工厂劝告主动离职。这晴天霹雳的消息，使伟杰一家六口的生活雪上加霜。平安浸信会社区中心7979全人关怀站的王爱善弟兄，也是伟杰的朋友，便将伟杰的需要告诉教会。

经过家访，教会鉴定了伟杰一家的需要，决定为伟杰申请四期的7979急难救助金为日常生活津贴。教会弟兄姐妹时常以行动关怀和陪伴伟杰一家渡过这时期，例如透过电话联系、登门拜访，以及自费赠送烘焙健康的谷粮面包或干粮给他们全家。

纵然，健康出状况和失业，是伟杰无法改变的事实；但，他们在困境中找到新的出路。妻子在面档做兼职，家中年纪较长的两名女儿负责照顾弟弟妹妹。这次的家庭危机使夫妻、亲子和手足关系变得比以前更紧密。

手术后，伟杰的身体慢慢康复，能正常生活。为了找到新工作，积极向上的他，学习冲泡咖啡的新技能。每天早餐，他在咖啡店负责为顾客泡一杯杯的咖啡。由于他的收入大不如前，家中有点中度缺粮的迹象。教会知道他们全家面对的问题，决定继续介入，并帮他们申请7979吗哪食物包。

在困境中，伟杰与家人展现坚韧的品格。他们感恩，有平安浸信会社区中心向他们伸出援手，伴他们渡过最困难的时期。他感谢教会各肢体的探访、帮忙和祷告，使全家人备受关心、爱待和接纳。

“这场病，让没有血缘关系的我们能认识彼此。谢谢你们。”伟杰感谢前来探访的志工。志工探访他们时，使用《福气临门：新态度》小册子，与伟杰一家分享如何以正确的心态，面对艰难生活。志工透过小册子教导他们：对于无法改变的事情，要平静的接受；对于一些可以改变的事情，要勇敢的改变。

只要懂得更新态度，即使风浪再大，福气也会临到你。

​

Wei Kiat’s feet had been swollen for quite a while, and he felt tired easily. He thought he would be well after resting and did not think of seeing a doctor. But his wife was worried and insisted him to see a doctor. Only after much persuasion, he'd finally willing to take a day off and went to the hospital for a check-up. 
​
After running a series of tests, the doctor’s diagnosis was Wei Kiat had kidney and heart problems and only surgery can save his life. When he learnt about his health condition and the huge operation cost, he felt worried and anxious. He was just a blue-collar worker working in a factory. Furthermore, he was the only breadwinner of the family.

Due to frequent follow-ups and pre-surgery treatments, Wei Kiat was summoned by the factory’s management to resign voluntarily. The news was a bolt from the blue, adding to the hardship of the family of six. Bro. Heng Ai Siang from Pusat Baptis Shalom 7979 Holistic Care Station, a friend of Wei Kiat, told the church about Wei Kiat’s need.

After the first house visitation, the church confirmed it was a genuine case, and decided to apply for 4 issuances of 7979 Crisis Intervention Fund’s aid on behalf of Wei Kiat as living allowance. During this period of difficult times, the church’s brothers and sisters accompanied them and showed their concern by their action. They called and visited them frequently. Some even baked healthy grain bread or bought non-perishable food for them at their own expense.

Even though Wei Kiat’s health was deteriorating and in an unemployed state were undeniable facts, yet they found a new way out. His wife worked part-time at a noodle stall and his two elder daughters take care of their younger siblings. The family crisis has brought their relationship closer, be it husband and wife relationship, parent-children relationship or siblings relationship.

After the operation, he slowly recovered and was able to live a normal life. In order to get a new job, Wei Kiat, who was a keen learner, took up the challenge and learned to brew coffee. Now every morning, he is in charge of brewing coffee for customers at the coffee shop. As his income has dropped considerably, the family is showing signs of a moderate food shortage. Knowing the problems of this family, the church decided to continue to help this family by applying the 7979 Manna Food Bank’s aid. 

In the midst of hardship, Wei Kiat and his family showed resilience. They are thankful that this church, Pusat Baptis Shalom, had reached out to them and helped them through the most difficult time. He thanked them for their prayers, assistance and visitations, which had made them feel being cared for, loved and accepted.

“This illness has led us, who are not related by blood, to come to know each other. Thank you.” He thanked all the volunteers who came to visit him. During one of those visits, they shared with him and his family the booklet “Blessing at Your Door Steps: A New Attitude”, on how to face difficulties with the right mindset. Through the booklet, the volunteers taught them to calmly accept things that cannot be changed, and boldly change things that can be changed.

As long as you know how to renew your mind, blessings will come to you even if the storm is strong.

​

对许多弱势家庭而言，2021年是苦不堪言的一年，疫情导致经济严重衰退。7979全人关怀救助网络便借着急难救助金陪伴社区中的弱势家庭渡过这段艰难期，祥哥是受惠者之一。
 
早前，祥哥因为中风造成行动不便，无法胜任工作而失去经济来源。自此，老俩口每个月仅靠女儿寄回来的RM 600 偿还屋租和水电费。女儿单靠马来西亚教育文凭的学历在吉隆坡工作，也过艰辛的生活。
 
当祥哥听说能向7979全人关怀站（基督徒赞美教会）申请急难救助金的管道时，立即采取行动。他先到教会，并找人告知他的苦情，希望教会给予帮助。原本走进教会只为了要获得援助金的祥哥，在聚会中更认识基督教信仰。当天，教会了解祥哥的情况后，决定为他申请急难救助金，让祥哥女儿可以缓解承受着巨大的经济负担。 
 
教会不只动用教会关怀基金，每个月津贴RM 100以支付祥哥家的水电费；蔡美莉长老也联系扶轮社，介入祥哥，解决粮食短缺问题：每个月可获得RM 300的食品采购津贴。第一次采购食品那天，他开开心心前往饮料架，把大马国民饮料——美禄放入购物篮内。祥哥藏不住的笑容，深深牵动志工的心。
 
曾经一次，当蔡美莉长老和志工到祥哥家拜访他。祥哥说，他曾经很伤心，因为中风他失去了很多，一度感觉失去人生方向，想自杀了结生命。幸而，他在艰难期，来到教会。祥哥原本脾气暴躁，每天跟妻子吵，夫妻俩吵了30年；现在，祥哥建立阅读圣经习惯，提升管理脾气的能力，夫妻俩的关系得到很大的改善。 
 
 
几个月后，祥哥得知有位朋友因为年老，无依无靠，只依靠政府福利部每月提供的津贴来生活，甚至拖欠医院的医药费。祥哥也介绍朋友透过教会求助申请7979急难救助金，让这笔资金陪朋友渡过难关。祥哥的朋友也因信仰，抚慰了心灵。 
 
爱，可以传递。正如祥哥把爱传给他的朋友。 
 

For many under privilege families, 2021 has been an unbearable year, and the pandemic had led us to experience a serious economic downturn. Through Crisis Intervention Fund, 7979 Holistic Care Relief Network had accompanied many under privilege families in the community during this difficult period. Brother Xiang is one of the aid recipients.

Earlier on, Brother Xiang lost his income source due to a stroke that resulted in mobility impairment and thus no longer fit for work. Since then, the old couple could only rely on the RM600 sent to them by their daughter to pay their monthly house rental and utility bills. Actually, their daughter who works in Kuala Lumpur with only SPM qualification was also living a difficult life.
 
When Brother Xiang heard that he could apply for aid from Crisis Intervention Fund at the 7979 Holistic Care Station (Christian Praise Church), he immediately took action. He went to the church and told someone of his predicament, hoping that the church would help. Initially, Brother Xiang went to the church with pure intention of just seeking for financial aid, yet he was intrigued to learned more about Christian’s faith during the service. On the same day, after the church learned about Brother Xiang's situation, they decided to apply for Crisis Intervention aid fund for him, so to lessen Brother Xiang's daughter huge financial burden.
 
The church not only allotted RM100 every month from their Caring Fund to help Brother Xiang to cover his utilities bills. Elder Mary Chua also referred him to Rotary Club to settle their food supplies issue by applying for the RM300 monthly food voucher benefit. On the first day of sundry marketing, he went to the beverage rack happily and placed Milo, the popular Malaysian drink into his shopping cart. The smile appeared on Bro. Xiang’s face which he could not withhold had touched the hearts of the volunteers.
 
On one occasion, when Elder Chua and volunteers visited Brother Xiang at his home. Brother Xiang shared that there was a time he was so down because he had lost a lot due to the stroke. At one point he even felt that he had lost his direction in life and wanted to end his life by committing suicide. Fortunately, he came to the church during those difficult time. Brother Xiang used to be very grumpy, almost every day he and his wife would get into arguments, and the couple had been quarreling for 30 years. Now, Brother Xiang has established the habit of reading the Bible daily and it has improved his anger management, as a result the couple's relationship has greatly improved.
 
A few months later, Brother Xiang came to know an aging friend of his, had no one to turn to, was living on a monthly allowance from government welfare department only and he had even defaulted on his hospital bills. He introduced his friend to the church and applied for the 7979 Crisis Intervention Aid Fund to enable him to walk through these difficult time. Brother Xiang's friend was also being comforted in spirit by accepting this newly found faith.
 
Love can be passed on, just like brother Xiang who passed on the love to his friend.

行管令之前，他西装笔挺，在吉隆坡黄金地带经营餐饮业；

行管令之前，他被身边朋友围绕，因为他对朋友有求必应，他坚信朋友也一样对他肝胆相照。阿伦认为，他亲手建立的事业，耐得住考验。只是，他不曾经想过，他会败给肉眼不可见的新冠病毒。

纵然用尽之前挣到的钱，挨过疫情最严重的时候。当行管令结束许久，餐厅仍未见起色。他用尽一切办法想要挽回，还是以失败收场。餐厅结业时，他痛得撕心裂肺，这些年的心血完全毁于一旦。

他身心疲惫，带着仅存的六百令吉从吉隆坡回到从小长大的槟城大山脚。即使他很快振作，不但多方求职，也一再降低求职条件，无奈一无所获。很快地，他陷入前所未有的困境。他饥饿得连住隔壁的客工都于心不忍，送他一碟米粉和快熟面果腹。

他心里的苦闷，需要慰藉。这时，远在中国的女友提醒他可以搜寻附近的教会。就这样，他来到大山脚长老会圣安德烈堂。

由于阿伦是教会的生面孔，于是崇拜招待员为阿伦安排了一个年纪相仿的志工坐在他旁边，以便帮助阿伦熟悉教会的崇拜流程。会后，志工从阿伦得知他已经两周没有吃过米饭。对社会关怀饶有经验的志工从阿伦营养不良的外表看出，此言不假。于是赶紧取得教会牧师和志管人的同意，便启动教会的慈惠基金为阿伦购买新鲜食材和日常用品。

第二天，教会的彭国兴牧师也闻言了阿伦的困境，为他申请急难救助金。家访过程，彭国兴牧师更多发现阿伦的难处。原来阿伦的住所不但多处失修，就连冰箱这日常的家庭电器也没有，甚至因为车险过期，以及没有钱添油，他出入皆靠步行。所幸，教会的救助行动不仅快速，教会弟兄姐妹得知阿伦的需要后，主动积极为阿伦留意职位空缺，送上二手家具电。教会也为阿伦缴清车险路税。

目前阿伦已经有稳定工作，他感谢大山脚长老会圣安德烈堂雪中送炭，并且视为榜样。曾经挨饿的阿伦如今也常常援助他人。他很高兴地告诉彭国兴牧师和曾经帮助他的志工，
“我也有能力帮助他人了”。

Before MCO, he wore suit and had a F&B business in KL’s Prime Area;
Before MCO, he was surrounded with friends, as he always be there when they needed him, he firmly believed that his friends will also do the same. He believed that the business that he built would withstood the test of time. He never thought that all this would lost to invisible virus – coronavirus.

Although he used up all monies that he earned to struggle through the worst of the pandemic. Yet after the pandemic, the business still didn’t recover. He tried everything to save it, but it still ended in failure. When the restaurant closed, he was in so much pain as his years of hard work were completely ruined.

He was exhausted physically and mentally when he went back to Bukit Mertajam, Penang, where he grew up, from Kuala Lumpur with only RM600 remained. Even though he had quickly pull himself together, seriously looking for a job, and even lowered his job expectation, but it was still to no avail. Soon, he was in an unprecedented predicament. He was so hungry that even the foreign workers living next door couldn't bear it, and gave him a plate of rice noodles and instant noodles to satisfy his hunger.
 
His depressed heart needed comfort. At this time, his girlfriend who was far away in China reminded him that he could search nearby for a church. So, he went to Bukit Mertajam St Andrew Presbyterian Church.
 
Since Alan is still new in the church, the usher arranged for Alan a volunteer of similar age to sit next to him, so as to help Alan familiarize himself with the worship process of the church. After the meeting, the volunteer learned from Alan that he hadn't eaten rice for two weeks. As an experienced social care volunteer, he could see from Alan's malnourished appearance that his statement was true. Hence, he quickly obtained the consent of the pastor and the volunteer manager of the church, and used the charity fund of the church to buy fresh food and daily necessities for Alan.
 
The next day, Pastor Phang Kok Hing of the church got to know of Alan's difficulty and decided to apply emergency aid fund for him. During home visitation, he found out more about Alan's difficulties. It turned out that Alan's residence was not only in disrepair, but he didn't even have a refrigerator, a common household appliance. He even had to walk in and out because his car insurance had expired and he had no money to refuel. Thank God that the church's rescue action was not only fast, but the brothers and sisters in the church, after learning about Alan's needs, took the initiative to keep an eye on any job vacancies for Alan and send him second-hand furniture and electrical appliances. The church also paid the road tax and insurance for Aaron's car.
 
Now, Alan is working with a stable income. He thanks the church for helping him in time of need and regarded them as role models. Alan, who was constantly in hunger, now often helps others. He happily told pastor and those volunteers who helped him before,
"Now I am able to help others too".
 

那是阿琴（化名）生活崩塌的一天。枕边人卷款、欠债后逃之夭夭，失去踪影，留下烂摊子让阿琴和三个孩子来承担。 每一次电话响起，都给阿琴和三个孩子带来巨大的心理压力，恐怕又是讨债，讨交代的电话。无辜牵连的阿琴只能一声一声地流泪道歉。

但生活的波涛汹涌没有因为阿琴找到工作而止息。数月来欠下的屋租不再得到房东的怜悯，需要尽快搬离。这时，丈夫已经失联三周了。这是怡保以琳福音堂7979全人关怀站跟进中的案家之一。

教会志工陪伴并安抚阿琴惊魂未定的心，经过多方考量，阿琴带着孩子们搬到租金便宜许多的屋子。新住处空空如也，不过阿琴下定决心勤劳地接下更多打扫工作，虽然收入单薄，不过阿琴将努力平衡家庭收支，让孩子们的生活可以再次安稳并看见曙光。

教会志工从空旷的新住处看见服侍的契机，在教会内发动起筹募电器家具的需要，很快地，冰箱、沙发、床、枕头、风扇、桌子、椅子、厨具、柜子等等陆续送到。这段过渡期间，教会志工也为阿琴申请急难救助金，每个月RM300帮助阿琴解燃眉之急，一共四期。

阿琴手握急难救助金向教会志工表达感激，也承诺会更勤劳工作。阿琴说，为了三个孩子她不会放弃，生活将继续往前。志工向阿琴和孩子们分享《福气临门》，他们也很乐意地在生活中做出改变和调整。其实，期间依然有大小风浪，如阿琴发现丈夫对婚姻不忠、孩子细菌感染常需要就医、甚至丈夫回来讨钱，搞得全家鸡犬不宁等等风波。教会志工不但陪伴和引导以神的话语鼓励他们，并和阿琴和孩子们一起祷告，也邀请他们参加教会的小组及不同的聚会。如今，他们开始愿意靠着神刚强面对生活的困境。阿琴接到的打扫邀约也越来越多并且固定。

为母则强。适当的辅助下，小女人也可以带着三个孩子乘风破浪，独立生活。

That was the day when Ah Oin’s (pseudonym) life collapsed. Her husband left her and their 3 children with unsettled debts while he fled with their money. Each time when the phone rang, it would trigger a huge psychological pressure to Ah Qin and her three children, fearing that it would be another call to collect debts and demand for an explanation. She could only apologise in tears again and again as she had no idea what had happen.

But the turbulent waves of life did not stop, even after Ah Qin found a job. Her landlord no longer had mercy for her, she owed too many months of rental. She was ordered to move out as soon as possible. That was three weeks after she lost contact with her husband. This is one of the families being followed up by Ipoh Elim Gospel Hall 7979 Holistic Care Station.
 
Church’s volunteers accompanied and calmed Ah Qin's frightened heart. After much thoughts, Ah Qin moved to another house with much cheaper rental. The new house is empty, but Ah Qin determined to work hard and hence she took up more cleaning jobs. Despite the low income, she tried her very best to cover their family’s expenses, so that her children’s lives will be stable once again, and come out of the pit of darkness.  

Looking at the empty house, the volunteers saw the opportunity to serve. They started a fundraising project in church to furnish the house with necessary electrical appliances and furniture. In very short time, fridge, sofa, beds, pillows, fans, tables, chairs, cooking utensils, cabinets were sent to the house one after another. At the meantime, the church’s volunteers also helped her to apply for Family Crisis Intervention Fund, an aid of RM300 per month over four months, to meet her urgent need.
 
Ah Qin was truly grateful to the church’s volunteers when she held the money in her hand, she promised to work harder. She said she would not give up for the sake of her three children and would continue to move on with her life. The volunteers shared with them the “Blessing at Your Doorstep”, they were very willing to make changes and adjustments in their lives. In fact, there are still ups and downs in their lives, such as Ah Qin later found her husband was being unfaithful to their marriage, her child was admitted to hospital due to virus infection, and when her husband came back to ask for money, which brought havocs to the family. The church’s volunteers not only stand by them and guided them through with God’s word, but also prayed together with them. They were being invited to cell group meeting and different activities too. Now, they are willing to face the difficulties of life with strength from God. Meanwhile, Ah Qin cleaning jobs was also increased in demand.

Motherhood makes her strong, with proper guidance, even this little woman is able to ride the wave of life, and live independently with her three children.

一份让人成长的爱
急难故事 · 文/蔡欣仪

“当赞美的旋律响起，我的心全然向祢……”
赞美诗歌旋律再次响起，环绕在伟叔（化名）家中。这是每个星期天，教会崇拜过后，志工们都会到伟叔家中进行的“例常”活动。大家一起唱诗歌、为着伟叔一家祷告，彼此关心联系。
 
伟叔是第二次申请急难救助金。第一次是在2年前，因为疫情导致收入骤减。这次，伟叔失业，主动找上门来求助关丹长老会荣恩堂7979全人关怀站，希望能再次申请急难救助金。
伙食费、妻子因常年洗肾的医药费，加上孩子的教育费，伟叔一日打两份工作还勉强能应付。现在失业，更加难以支撑。束手无策的伟叔再次找上7979全人关怀站。
志工不仅帮他申请急难救助金，也帮他找工作，好让伟叔一家能继续维持生活开销。不仅如此，志工还把伟叔的孩子接到陪读班来，省去补习费的同时，也让孩子能好好学习。志工在得知伟叔家的电费拖欠了将近3年，更是为此筹募，将一半的费用还清。
 
这是伟叔一家第二次接触教会，志工们的关心和帮助，让他们愿意相信耶稣的爱，决志信主。孩子会出席教会主日学，但因为伟叔需要工作，加上太太生病不方便外出，星期天他们总不能来到教会参加崇拜。志工们就每个星期天来到伟叔家，和他们一起唱诗歌、祷告和分享。
这样多走一里路地去关心有需要的人，让志工们更快地成长。学习到不仅只是把有需要的人带往教会，更多时候是需要志工们踏出门，到有需要的人当中去关心他们，不论是身外之物，又或是心灵上的需要。

“When the melody of praise rings, my heart is all for you ….”
The tune of praise and worship rose once again surrounding Uncle Wei’s house. This is a regular activity for all the volunteers on every Sunday after service, when they gather in Uncle Wei’s house. They sing praise song together and pray for Uncle Wei’s family while they connect and care for each other.
 
This is Uncle Wei’s second application for emergency aid fund. Their first application was 2 years ago when his income suddenly dropped due to pandemic. This time, he lost his job and he contacted 7979 Holistic Care Station at Gereja Presbyterian Glorious Grace for help, hoping to apply for aid again.
 
Although, Uncle Wei doing two jobs in a day, it is just barely sufficient to cover, food expenses, medical expenses for wife’s dialysis treatment and education fees for the children. Situation became worse after he lost his jobs. Feeling helpless, Uncle Wei sought 7979 Holistic Care Station for assistance again.
 
The volunteer assisted him to look for job in addition to the application for emergency fund.  This is to ensure they can continue to sustain their daily expenses. Also fetch his children to the companionship class to save on tuition fees a better learning environment too. When the volunteer came to know that Uncle Wei’s family has about 3 years’ outstanding electricity bill, they raised fund to settle half of the debts.
 
This is the second time this family come in touch with church. The care and help of volunteers make them believe the love of Jesus, and finally accepted Jesus as their savior. His children attend Sunday School, but because Uncle Wei needs to work and it is inconvenient for his wife to leave home, hence, they are not able to attend Sunday Service. So, every Sunday the volunteers will pay a visit to worship, pray and share with them the Words of God.
 
Going the extra mile to care for those in need in this way allows the volunteers to grow faster. They learn that it is not only to bring people in need to church, but more so for volunteers to step out to care for people in need, whether it is their possessions or spiritual needs.

虽然一样都是单亲妈妈，但由于张姐在夜场的工作，这些年来，受了不少街坊的指指点点。

正当疫情严峻之时，不但张姐的夜场，连儿子也面临留职停薪。这个家庭顿时失去所有收入。社区安全网原本就薄弱的张姐压力日渐增加，随时面临停水断电，银行寄来红色警告信是车贷的催款。张姐压力倍增，辗转难眠，却无人可申诉，直到有个基督徒邻舍的一句问候“张姐，你和儿子最近怎么样？”，张姐的愁烦有了倾诉的对象。
 
可张姐没料到，不久后的某个早上，张姐接到一通来自居銮恩福基督浸信会7979全人关怀站章厚诗牧师的慰问电话，表示教会希望可以陪伴她们母子这段低潮期，并以两期RM 600急难救助金让张姐应急。当通话结束，张姐不再强忍着泪水，因为在她走投无路的时候，教会伸出温暖和援手。

很快地，随着第一期急难救助金的发放，章牧师和志工也带上一些干粮给张姐。在疫情当下，章牧师、志工、张姐和儿子也各人手持一本《福气临门》系列单张，张姐再次感受教会服务方式与民间团体的不同；教会不但关心身体吃喝所需，也关注内心灵魂的需要。在教会的鼓励下，张姐决定离开夜场的工作，她要以行动为孩子做出改变。
 
但，技能不多的张姐能从事什么行业呢？不但是张姐本身，章牧师和志工也常常为张姐留意空缺。不过，神丰盛的恩典来得出乎预料，午餐间，章牧师如常问候常关顾的面档老板身体好不好，竟然钓出老板因年纪大了，有意隐退之意，正愁接棒人。这真是个好机会。在章牧师的穿针引线下，面档老板和张姐达成生意共识。张姐就这样开始经营起了饮食业，自己当起了老板。

目前，张姐面档的营业额稳定成长中，她正在盘算两件事，一，再开个档口让儿子经营。二，能力范围帮助有需要的人。张姐没有忘记，这一切都是神的恩典。

Sister Teo is a single mother, because she worked in a night club, over the years, she received a lot of harsh and negative comments from her neighbours.

The recent pandemic, not only affected her work, her son was also suspended from his job. So out of sudden, this family lost their income. She being someone who had very little social support, the pressure she was taking increased tremendously by days, when her house’s electricity and water supply would be cut off anytime and a consistent red reminder letters from bank for unpaid monthly car loan. The pressure became so burdensome until she suffered from insomnia, and she still had no one to talk to. Then, one day, a Christian neighbour greeted her with, “Sister, how are you and your son doing lately?” Finally, sister Teo found a pair of willing ears to share her problems with.

What she didn’t expected was not long after that, she received a phone call from Rev. Chang of Kluang Baptist Community Centre’s 7979 Holistic Care Station. He told her that their church was hoping that they can help her and accompany her during this difficult time, they will issue two times crisis intervention aid of RM600 each for her. When she hung off the phone, her can no longer hold her tears, at her most difficult time, the church had extended their helping hands.
 
Very soon, together with the first crisis intervention aid, Rev. Chang and a few volunteers made a house call and brought some non-perishable food for her. Due to pandemic, Rev. Chang together with the volunteers, sister Teo and her son each held a booklet of 《Blessing at your Doorsteps》in their hands. She could sense and felt the differences in the way the church served people compared to other religious groups, not only that the church care for their aid recipient’s physical needs, but also their emotional and spiritual needs. With encouragement from the church, sister Teo decided to leave her nightclub’s job, and by action make a change for her son.

But she doesn’t have much skills, what can she do? Not only she begun to look out for job, Rev. Chang and the volunteers also helped her to look out for job vacancies. God’s abundant grace comes beyond expectation when one day, while taking his lunch, Rev. Chang greeted the noodle store’s boss as usual showing concern by asking how was his health lately. He found out that the boss planned to retire and was looking for someone to take over his business. That was a great opportunity, so Rev. Chang introduced sister Teo to this boss, and they agreed that sister Teo would take over the business. So, sister Teo became the boss and started her own business.
 
Now, sister Teo’s business is growing steadily and she has another two plans in mind. Firstly, open up another branch for her son to run. Secondly, within her capability, helps others who are in need. She never forgets, that all these are possible because of God’s grace.