37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
I have reproduced (Veronica and) Randolph’s sharing during the vigil service of Sister Lee Yin Chork. I thank the Lord for many of you who cared for and loved our sister.
Kai ma (干妈) was a kind and simple lady that genuinely cared for all her loved ones. She spent her life working and looking after late Ah Po (外婆) until she returned to heaven. She, too, looked after Kai Ye (干爹) until she became weak from cancer. Every Chinese New Year eve, she prepared simple yet delicious food for us. The coffee table in the living room will be laid with the kids’ favourite food. But sadly, last year was our last reunion dinner with her.
When she found out she had a [cancer] relapse, she did a round of radiotherapy, hoping to be well enough to celebrate this year Chinese New Year. She didn’t manage to, however. She was filled with so much pain and suffering that time and time again she told us she wanted to go home to the Lord. She will ask, “When will God bring me home?” She knew she would be freed from pain and sufferings once she was in the arms of Jesus. That gave her great hope. As we reminded our children, who were sad of her passing on, “she’s now in heaven with Jesus and we will see her again, together with their late Tai Po (太婆) and Tai Gong (太公),” we will be reunited.
We would like to thank Tree of Life Christian Church for being a spiritual family to her. This was an extended family she didn’t have. Your kind and gracious acts sincerely touched her. Whenever we visited her, she would name us the brothers and sisters who visited her. They brought her favourite food, soup and gave her words of encouragement. They blessed her with health supplements, love gifts, tonics and even drove her out specially for her to do Chinese New Year (年货) shopping. Some sisters-in-Christ even took leave to accompany her for her medical appointments and went over to change her stoma bag when she called for help. Many made an effort just to keep her company, some even on their off days. The Evergreen Cell Group also divided themselves into two groups, one at Kai Ye’s nursing home and the other at Kai Ma’s hospice so that husband and wife could make a video call and see each other online. They were indeed thankful and touched. We were too. Indeed, they have seen God’s love through all of you. God remembers your love and kindness for her. On behalf of Kai Ma and Kai Ye, thank you everyone for all of your love.
Postscript: Dear Christians, the Bible reminds us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn” (Rom 12:15). Thank you for your presence during this time of sorrow. Loving people takes effort and sacrifices. I am encouraged by many from both the Chinese and English congregations who have visited and encouraged Sister Yin Chork. You had loved not only our sister. Jesus says that you have done so to our Lord Jesus himself. Keep it up.