"Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor" - Zechariah 7:9-10

Did you know that there are currently over 11,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in Hong Kong? These are girls, boys, women, and men who were forced from their home countries due to religious persecution, extreme poverty, and armed conflict. As they await their fate in Hong Kong and without the ability to work legally, they have to rely on government assistance, non-profit services and the generosity of people like you and me to make ends meet. 

Over the past year, I've gotten to personally know several refugee families and I have found their heart-wrenching stories to be filled with so much love, courage, and determination as they work to rebuild their lives in a foreign land. They have had to make unimaginably difficult choices that no one should ever have to face. And yet, despite the worst of circumstances, they still muster the strength to hold onto hope, stay positive, and be contributing members within their communities. It's truly inspiring! 

So, for the second consecutive year, I'll be cycling around the beautiful island of Taiwan to raise funds for Vine Community Services, Ltd. (VCSL). Today, VCSL serves over 450 refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong - mainly from Africa and Southeast Asia - and works to provide essential care and resources so they can thrive with dignity and create a brighter future for their families. To learn more, check out their website: www.vcsl.org.