“Seeds of Faith: A Journey from Sing Yin to Service” – David Chu

Five decades ago, an Irish SVD priest embarked on a remarkable journey to Hong Kong, laying the foundation for what would become Sing Yin Secondary School—an institution dedicated to shaping the lives of young boys in its impoverished neighborhood. Little did anyone know that this humble school would flourish into one of the region’s finest educational institutions, and it would touch the heart of one of its own students, igniting a lifelong journey of faith and service.

David Chu’s Story: As a young student, I had the privilege of spending my formative years at Sing Yin. It was here that the seeds of faith were sown in my heart, nurtured by the guidance of the devoted priests who walked alongside me. It was during my time at Sing Yin, in the midst of youthful curiosity, that I was baptized in the faith—a pivotal moment that would shape the trajectory of my life.

Twenty years after I had left Sing Yin, life came full circle when I was offered the opportunity to return, this time as an educator. I found myself standing in the very classrooms where I had once sat as a student, teaching Religious Studies and Social Sciences. The school that had been my sanctuary now became the canvas upon which I painted my own journey of faith and service.

Legacy of St. Arnold Janssen: It is with profound gratitude that I reflect upon the legacy of St. Arnold Janssen, whose unwavering determination to spread the Word to the Far East paved the way for the SVD’s presence in Hong Kong. Without his vision and the dedication of priests like St. Joseph Freinademetz, Sing Yin School might never have existed, and I might never have received the education and spiritual foundation that have shaped my life’s purpose.

Today, as a Catechist and a father of two, I have moved to the UK, where I continue my journey as a Religious Studies teacher, helping new arrivals from Hong Kong settle into their new lives. I am a living testament to the transformative power of faith and education, and I owe it all to the seeds sown by the SVD congregation. What was once a simple school in Hong Kong has become a refuge for those seeking God—a testament to the enduring impact of faith, education, and service.

In the tapestry of life, my journey from Sing Yin to service is a testament to the ripple effect of faith and education, echoing the words of St. Arnold Janssen: “To make the Lord Jesus known and loved by all.”