TAIPEI –26 March 2013 –(ASIA TODAY)- At a ceremony held this afternoon at Grace Baptist Church, World Vision Taiwan inaugurated Benjamin Nan as the development agency’s new Executive Director. Mr. Nan took over for Hank Du, who has been Executive Director for nearly ten years. Mr. Nan said during his inauguration speech “My Vision – not dream – is for every person in Taiwan who is interested in helping the poor to think of World Vision Taiwan first and foremost. “
Victor Kung, World Vision Taiwan’s Board Chairperson recommended Mr. Nan said: “For the past 20 years, Ben has gained rich management experiences leading domestic and international corporations. He has gradually familiarized himself with the management and operation of World Vision Taiwan. I wish every one of you can support and pray for Ben, pray for God to lead us and use His chosen people to help children around the world,”
Mr. Kung was grateful for Mr. Du’s dedication to World Vision Taiwan over the past 10 years.
“Over the past decade, the world experienced rapid change. Again and again, we have faced natural disasters and financial tsunamis. It would be impossible for me to list all of Hank’s achievements. On behalf of World Vision Taiwan’s board of directions, I thank Hank so much,” said Mr. Kung.
After his opening remarks, Mr. Kung gave Mr. Du a warm hug.
Kevin Jenkins, World Vision International President also expressed his gratitude for Mr. Du and his exhortation for Mr. Nan, Moreover, Mr. Jenkins thanked Taiwanese people for their generosity and compassion for children and their family in need all over the world.
“World Vision Taiwan is one of the largest and most influential fundraising offices in our international partnership. The staff and supporters here are making a global impact. We look forward to exciting developments in Taiwan under Ben’s leadership,” said Mr. Jenkins.
Mr. Nan shared how he changed his career and joined World Vision.
“One day I suddenly discovered my heart and body were both exhausted from working 14-16 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. I was working so hard, but without purpose, except to earn more money. All this effort was only for myself,” Mr. Nan recalled reflections on his past working situation.
“I realized I had an opportunity to do more than just earn money, but to do things that carried greater significance. Could I use what I had to influence or transform the lives of others as well?” Mr. Nan continued.
Mr. Nan decided to change his career and studied in seminary which was totally beyond any of his previous plans. “When I was preparing to graduate, World Vision Taiwan found me and invited me to become the next Executive Director of World Vision Taiwan,“ said Mr. Nan.
After joining World Vision Taiwan, Mr. Nan was inspired by World Vision Taiwan’s past efforts.
“Taiwan, as one of the 20 support offices in World Vision, serves community overseas and right here domestically. Taiwanese compassion is unique as it reaches locally and globally. When you sponsor a child, World Vision is an effective organizations for achieving greater,“ said Mr. Nan. .
After inauguration speech, Mr. Nan was interviewed by World Vision’s sponsored children from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam through videos. Their questions varied, including personal and job expectation.
When asked by Snguon Sreymao, 10, from Cambodia whether he liked children, Mr. Nan answered, ”Of course I like children because I have three children. Actually I wish I would have more children. I know Jesus liked children, so I hope I can learn from Him. Children is the hope of everything, family, community and nation.”
He continued, “ My most joy in my life is that my children were taken care well and had received good education. I know they will have bright future. Now I have an opportunity to let more children gain assistance and care. More children also have better future. That is key motivation base on my love for children.”
During his farewell speech, Mr. Du thanked all the staff and supporters of World Vision Taiwan.
“Over the past decade, without your support and encouragement, World Vision Taiwan could not have overcome many challenges we have faced, nor grow as fast as we have, “ said Mr. Du.
“I am grateful for the love and friendship I have received over the past decade. And I am grateful that through this work, I can come to a better understanding of true meaning of love,” he concluded.
Over 300 guests, from WVT’s partners, including corporations, churches, NGOs and government attended the inauguration ceremony.
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