A New Chapter of Hope: Highlights from China and Hong Kong

From June 20th to 30th, I had the privilege of travelling to China and Hong Kong to participate in the International China Concern (ICC) annual conference, visit their projects in Hunan Province, and explore new partnership opportunities. This trip was both a strategic and deeply inspiring experience.‍

Strengthening Our Ties with ICC‍

Links has a rich history with ICC, an organisation dedicated to empowering children and young people with disabilities in Hunan Province. I currently serve on their International Board, and this year’s conference marked the launch of ICC’s new five-year strategic plan under the theme “A New Chapter of Hope.”‍

I led the spiritual input for the conference, focusing on Sabbath, rest, and creation. We also benefited from leadership sessions by Andrew Stone of Stone Creative Group, offering valuable insights into cross-cultural communication.

Visiting ICC’s projects in person was a powerful reminder of the impact of their work. The Little Ark mobile coffee vans, operated by young people with disabilities, and Bach’s Bakery, run by hearing-impaired staff, are standout examples of social enterprise with purpose. These initiatives not only provide employment but also challenge stigma and promote inclusion.

We also toured ICC’s vocational training centre and learned about their expanding rural outreach through multidisciplinary teams. There is clear potential for Links to support these efforts through business and healthcare training.

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Next Steps

‍We’re excited to look to how we might:

• Support ICC’s vocational and social enterprise projects
• Explore training opportunities with rural outreach teams
• Develop partnerships with churches in Hong Kong and Australia

Thank you for your continued support as we seek to serve and empower communities across the globe.
Joe Gisbey

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