Description
We are living through an age where putting the care of other people ahead of our own priorities runs against a culture in which everybody is taught to look out for themselves. The idea of dedicating the whole of our lives in the service of others – particularly those outside of our immediate family – can seem idealistic, unrealistic or even outdated. Starting with a small project in Shanghai, Robert and his wife Elizabeth’s work – along with a series of providential moments – pioneered family based care for Chinese children in Chinese families, when the concept was previously unknown, with such success that it led to a complete transformation of the Chinese government’s policy on child welfare. Now, 85% of children previously living in institutions have been placed into families. Reflecting on their journey, and the change in the lives of children that the work has brought about, Robert and Elizabeth inspire us all to live our lives with greater compassion, generosity and courage, with a deep concern for others and, most importantly, an understanding of the value of family life in our world.