WHEN STRANGERS BECOME FAMILY
WHEN STRANGERS BECOME FAMILY
Marilyn Chua
Volunteer, Gebirah
Marilyn, a retired infant care worker, never imagined that her post-retirement years would be filled with mission trips, service, and profound spiritual growth. In just one year as a CHARIS volunteer, she has already participated in more than four mission trips, each leaving a lasting impact on both her and those she serves.
Her journey began after attending CHARIS’ 2023 Humanitarian Forum and Fair, as well as the Humanitarian Aid Disaster Relief course. Hearing stories of service and compassion stirred something deep within her—a call to be present and to serve those in need. In 2024, she officially became a CHARIS volunteer and joined her first mission trip to Kuala Lumpur with the Fishing Rod Society. Today, she continues her work with Gebirah, bringing hope to marginalised communities.
Through her volunteer work, Marilyn has learned that mission is not about doing grand deeds—it’s about being present. It’s about seeing Christ in the forgotten, extending a hand, sharing a hug, and reminding someone that they are not alone. Her visits to the Vi Hoang Hospice in January 2025 left a particularly deep impression. Each smile from the residents became, in her words,
“a silent gospel of hope.”
By October 2025, returning for another mission felt like coming home—to a family she had grown to love. There were moments of doubt along the way; Marilyn sometimes questioned whether her presence truly made a difference. Yet every encounter, every shared laugh, and every prayer reminded her that love itself is enough. The strangers she once served had become loved ones she longed to see again.
Marilyn’s story is a testament to the power of presence, humility, and faith. It reminds us that mission is not measured by grand gestures, but by the love, care, and attention we give to those who need it most.