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Introduction
Gambling
severely damages people's life.
Those who indulge in gambling
can be male or female, young or
old. Many not only gamble away
their hard-earned money, but
also their precious time and
their precious life. Not a few
lose all they ever possessed. We
have seen many who run up heavy
debts, causing constant rows at
home. Some break up with their
families, their innocent
children suffer as a result. The
consequences are even worst if
they have borrowed money from
loan sharks. The constant
threats and warnings from
'recovery agents' cause fear not
only in themselves, but also in
their families.
Many have
indulged in gambling seriously
and found no effective way to release
from addiction. In their
helplessness, they are not able to judge
what is right and what is wrong. As a result, some
commit crime and some even commit
suicide.
About 10 years
ago, a few Christians, who were
formerly gambling addicts but
have found new life by
the grace of God, burdened with
helping others who addicted to
gambling. They introduce them the power
of the Gospel, which God can save them
and free them from problem gambling habits.
Glories to
God! A few Christians together with
some Chinese Christian leaders,
with the help of the Bishop Ho
Ming Wah Chinese Association,
started the Christian Centre for
Gambling Rehabilitation in 1996,
which moved to its present
address in April 1999. Since
then, the number of people
seeking help from the Centre
is increasing. Many
have come from far away,
knocking at our door in the
midnights. Where urgency
demands it, we go out and call
on them too. On 27 November
2000, the Centre was registered
as an independent charity.
All services provided by the
Centre are free of charge. Our funds are
financed by voluntary gifts and
offerings, and services supported by
voluntary workers. We hope God
will continue to bless our ministry,
so we can continue to reach those
who not know God yet.
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