A group of financially disadvantaged children gathered at the Companionship Class in Petra Baptist Church. This is not only a place that provides homework guidance, but it is also a place full of love. 

A boy named Xiao Kai (pseudonym) has the most drastic change. Xiao Kai is in standard 4 and is from a fishing village. Initially, when he joined the Companionship Class, he was a pale-looking, taciturn and introverted boy, who was also very picky with his food. In learning and interactions with other children, he would always choose to be withdrawn and lack confidence; he preferred to maintain a distance from others. The teachers were very puzzled by his withdrawn behaviour, so they decided to pay a visit to his home. It was during the visitation that the teachers found out why he was so quiet. It was because he had a deaf father, who became deaf due to illness in his younger days. Xiao Kai used sign language to communicate with his father. In addition to this, he and his older brother have a wide age gap; hence, they hardly communicate. Growing up in this kind of environment, it was not surprising that Xiao Kai became insecure and reserved.     

After joining the Companionship Class, Xiao Kai changed gradually. Teachers’ attentiveness made him feel “accepted” and “understood”, he slowly put down his guard and self-denial. The tangible love is not loud reprimand but quiet company. 

Xiao Kai’s physical appearance gradually changed too; he looks more refreshed and spirited with his rosy cheeks. He began to smile more often, became bolder in expressing himself, and was more willing to participate in group activities. The most joyful and comforting thing was that he no longer possessed a negative attitude towards learning. As he slowly gained his confidence, he became the best attendance student.  

In Xiao Kai’s life, we could witness visibly how love is in action. When love appears, it not only warms the lonely heart, but it can also transform a child’s life. Hopefully, the Companionship Class teachers will continue to be the vessels that exhibit love, so that more children can feel accepted and transformed as they grow in an environment full of loving companions. True transformations do not depend on our capabilities, but on unceasing caring and love.