When I met Mr. Yang two years ago, I was told he had schizophrenia. His sister brought him to our Centre from another town. When I first saw him, he was delirious. He sat on a chair, leaning against a middle-aged male Centre worker, coughing and in a troubled state. The worker was very attentive and wiped him clean so that Mr. Yang felt more comfortable. I was with another volunteer, and we were both so scared, we did not dare approach him. I was greatly touched by the love that the male worker showed. I asked myself, “What is love? What is service?”

Mr. Yang continued visiting the Centre to participate in our activities. Initially, his condition did not seem to improve much. The Centre staff took him to the hospital, where they tried different medications. Gradually, he showed improvement. After about a year, he is now able to stand by himself without help from others, and participates cheerfully in the Centre’s activities. He loves to sing praise songs and does it very well.

Whenever we meet, he looks like he wants to say hello but hesitates. Perhaps he does not remember our names and is afraid that we will laugh if he says our names wrongly. Recently when we saw him, he wore a big smile but still hesitated to greet us. So I suggested, “Mr. Yang, how about singing a song for me?” Happily, he sang:

Rejoice and sing to the Lord always

No matter the situation.

Whether the mountain is high or the valley deep

The Lord watches over us.

Believe and be blessed.

He completed the whole song!

Will he ever fully recover? I don’t think that is possible. However, he has a second home in the Centre, which our Heavenly Father has prepared for him, a place where he can live with joy and dignity. Give thanks for God’s provision