Annual Ray of Hope Fundraising Banquet

Every year, Ray of Hope hosts a Taiwanese banquet and silent auction to celebrate and promote the work of the ministry as well as to raise funds for the work that we do. This was the first ROH banquet that I've had the privilege of attending and what an incredible evening it was! Not only was it a wonderful opportunity to hear testimonies from people that Ray of Hope has helped, but it was also so touching to see so many like-minded people uniting together for a great cause. This year we had about 700 people in attendance, we had fantastic entertainment, and the 10-course meal was abundant and delicious. But more than the numbers or the food, a few memorable moments made the event very special for me. 

Ray Of Hope's Director Juanita Hebard
with the Board of Directors and Staff 

First course of the 10-course meal 

Tips for eating at a Taiwanese banquet: Pace yourself!!!

During my first visit in Taiwan last year, I volunteered with Ray of Hope as a live-in 

counsellor for the pregnant moms. At the time, I felt a little overwhelmed because crisis pregnancy was a new area of ministry for me, not to mention the fact that I couldn't speak ANY Chinese! However, by God's grace I was able to love these women and help take care of them. Often in life we don't always know for certain whether the love and effort we pour out makes any difference at all, but by faith we can know that God is always working behind the scenes in such amazing ways. 

 The first memorable moment at the banquet was that I was able to see one of the moms that I helped care for last year. As soon as she saw me she ran up with a big smile on her face and gave me a big hug. She held on and squeezed me tight for what seemed like forever, without saying a word. In that moment I realized that I had a positive impact on her life.  That moment alone made all of the time and energy that I spent during those two months worth it. I was able to chat with her a little while and hear about her life now.  After she delivered, she decided to keep her baby boy and is now raising him with the help of her grandparents. She's also continuing her studies in university and was looking forward to a bright future. Although her life has not been easy, she was really thankful for Ray of Hope.

The second memorable moment at the banquet was that I was able to meet the adoptive parents who adopted the son of a young mom that I also helped to take care of last year. The adoptive parents are such a beautiful, loving Christian couple. They shared their story of being unable to have children after 6 years of trying. Just when their hope seemed to be dwindling and disappointment was mounting, they once again placed their faith in God and He provided them with a beautiful baby boy through our adoption center, the Home of God's Love.  I know it was incredibly difficult for the birth mom to give her baby up for adoption but I think it will give her a lot of peace knowing that her son is going to be very, very loved by this couple who will care for him as their own!  

Adoptive parents and 5-month old little Andrew 

Adoptive Mom and Lucas who is now 5 years old

He started singing Matt Redman's "Blessed Be Your Name" off by heart and it brought tears to my eyes 

Leah, a volunteer from Seattle,

Jessica, my Chinese Language Center classmate

and me 

It was lovely to be a part of such a beautiful event! If you're interested, here is a video that the ROH staff presented at the banquet to show how precious life is. It also has pictures of babies that have been saved by ROH and given a chance to live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeWN0wzZNns