We are thankful to see the increasing number of individuals and families coming to Living Grace. Through our ministries, many lives have been touched and transformed. In 2009, we anticipate to serve 380 individuals and families, through 1,500 sessions of free consultation and low-cost face to face counseling help. Compared with 2008, there will be a 20% increase in both the number of cases, as well as the number of meeting sessions.
In order to continue ministering to the many people who are in need, we do rely on the provision of our Lord through the generous donation support from caring believers like you. Although we do not know enough about the future, we do know enough about the Lord that loves us. As we are looking forward to another year, our hearts are filled with the full assurance of hope!
Sam Ng, LCSW, Ministry Director
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors
God was good. With the enthusiasm of several of the founding board members and the dedication of Sam, who was willing to volunteer and to give up his full time job to work part time, Living Grace was born. In the beginning, we didn’t have funding to hire any paid staff, we just had volunteers. A brother was moved in his heart to give us $10,000 as seed money to begin the process. From writing the by-laws, applying for the non-profit organization status, looking for the first office to the first newsletter, our God had been guiding us every step of the way. Someone probably noticed when they read our newsletters from the first several issues; our board was made up of several young adults, which were very unusual for board members in any other organizations. As time went by, many of our founding board members experienced changes in their life stages from being single to married and to being young parents, and our board continues to grow to maturity. Time flies as good times roll. I have witnessed how God blessed many people through Living Grace in the past years and I am so fortunate to be a part of it.
Secretary of the Broad
Then it came time for me to leave my counseling agency at the end of June 2009. While still pondering my options, I chance met Sam Ng at a meeting in May. I explored with him the possibility of working at Living Grace. Being a Christian, the idea of doing counseling in a Christian setting sounds very appealing and logical. I didn’t get an answer from Sam right away, but the invitation eventually came.
I’ve been with Living Grace for about 2 months. Most of my clients happened to be Christians. The one that touched me the most was a young mother who wanted God’s love so much as a child, only to feel betrayed by her Sunday School teacher. She walked away from the faith. I was able to bring God back into the counseling session, and I want so much for her to finally experience that Love which had eluded her all these years. Yes, HOPE is what we are all about.
LMFT, Clinical Supervisor
Licensed Therapist
I have learned from my clients their desires to get help in the midst of their life wrenching experiences. Some of them are Christians who range from angry with God to feeling guilty to ask for help.
I have learned of God’s grace in continuously providing me the wisdom and knowledge to help my clients. I remember this couple who came for marital and Family counseling. They are very successful in their separate careers and are trying hard to maintain a healthy home life. Due to their busy schedules, they could never have a meal together as a family. The following Sunday, I heard an enlightening sermon regarding the last supper. The pastor expanded the teaching to the importance of families having dinner together. I was able to share with the couple this message and encouraged them to try to eat together at least once a week. There are many other stories like that and I thank God for His guidance.
Finally, I have learned of the strong supports I’m receiving not only from my husband, who willingly takes over some of my domestic chores, but also the continuous support from the staffs at Living Grace. First and foremost, there are Suky and Winnie, who tirelessly make appointments for me, confirm with the clients on Fridays, and telephone me afterwards of the line ups. They are also very considerate of my long drive and try hard to move the appointments closed together, aiming for an optimum starting hours. I always feel God’s love and support in their services just like Paul had stated in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for those who love him…”
I’m thankful for my wonderful learning.
LMFT, Licensed Therapist
How refreshing it was more than five years ago, when I transitioned from a background of secular-based counseling agencies to a place where prayer flowed freely and Christ was openly shared. I had seen God bring growth in past sessions through prayers privately offered for my clients, but there were profound differences between these agencies and Living Grace. Firstly, the fact that sessions are largely funded by heartfelt donations from the body of Christ communicates that ministry and mission are more important than profit and financial gain. Also, it is clear that the goal of Living Grace is not limited to offering therapy for various issues of life. Beyond the surface, we strive to provide a way, an opportunity for those seeking help to find healing, hope, and wholeness mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually.
I have seen God transform those who are hopeless and in despair into people with purpose, a calling, and a hope that no dire circumstance or issue can overcome. Through prayer, biblical promises, and spiritual understanding, it becomes more than a counseling session, but a way through which one experiences the touch of Christ.
LMFT, Licensed Therapist
A few years ago, my daughter entered grade school, and I started to pray for a part-time counseling position. I was told that Living Grace was looking for a branch office in Diamond Bar area. Immediately I recognized God answered my prayers and opened the door for me to serve at the LG counseling ministry!
One time, I felt so overwhelmed with people’s problems. I wanted to change my job. But the Lord reminded me through Isaiah 53:3 that He is “…a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering…” and “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” Isaiah 61:1.
My prayer is that through counseling, clients will come to know the love of their Redeemer God. For this God is “The God of hope” in their dark hours! Romans 15:13.
LMFT, Licensed Therapist
I am very happy for the opportunity to serve as a counselor at Living Grace. Many people assume the job of a counselor is to provide answers to the clients. However, I consider my role is to grow alongside with my clients. We all face ups and downs in life. There are times when we are weak and feeble, as Isaiah says. As I work with my clients to explore ways to overcome life's obstacles and move forward in their lives, I am also learning from them how I can better face the challenges in my own life. I often stand in awe of the power and love of our God when I witness weak hands strengthened and the feeble knees made firm. These experiences in my practice show me that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, there is always hope.
MFTI, Registered Counselor
I consider myself lucky. God has taken away much from my life but He has opened this door, Living Grace, for me. This has been the turning point in my life. My work is my passion. Praying all the hurts stop from me and all the healings start in me. Healed people heal people, through the power of Jesus.
With my little faith in Christ our Lord, embracing the great Love from Him, we never give up on Hope. If I could make a difference in people’s hearts and bring hope into their lives, then I would feel that my job on earth is accomplished.
[And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love] (I Cor. 13:13)
MCS, Prevention and Education Specialist
During the last eight years, I’ve seen Sam work whole heartedly for this organization. He even sacrificed his high paying job so that he can work for longer hours at Living Grace in order to help more people. His humility and dedication, and the sacrificial love and support from his family, have taught me how to be God’s humble servant.
All the counselors at Living Grace have a great heart to help those in despair and who feel hopeless about their situations. They do not mind the minimal compensation that Living Grace offers them. Some of them even send in donations to support this ministry. One time, one of the volunteer counselors drove for nearly an hour, just to come to see one client during the weekend.
Our staffs have worked diligently each day to help the coordination and administration. With the leadership and supervision by our wonderful Board, I believe that God will continue to provide hope to many individuals and families who are in different painful and despairing situations.
Office Manager