恩惠之家创办人 Founder of Rumah Charis:

Reverend Teo How Ken

 

 

以基督的爱，修复破碎的生命

张胡坤牧师：用爱陪伴老人和孩子走过人生的困境

 

毕业于台南神学院的张胡坤牧师，于1988年创办恩惠老人之家，为无依无靠的年长者提供住宿与照顾。1994年，他进一步创办恩惠儿童之家，收容来自单亲、破碎家庭，以及父母涉及毒品问题的孩子，也关怀自闭症及有身体障碍的儿童。

 

张牧师相信，这是上帝赐给他的异象——照顾社会上无家可归、流离失所的老人和孩子，让他们在困境中仍然能够感受到爱与关怀。

 

37年来，持续关怀有需要的人

 

过去37年来，张胡坤牧师在吉隆坡、槟城、马六甲丁赖及霹雳州务边等地，先后建立了六间恩惠老人之家和儿童之家。他也积极联系社会慈善团体及商业机构，动员社会各界出钱出力，共同支持这项重要的社会关怀工作。

 

由于长期投入社会服务，张牧师于1992年获得马来西亚十大杰出青年奖项的肯定。

 

从关怀老人到照顾破碎家庭的孩子

 

谈到创办儿童之家的缘由，张牧师分享，他于2007年在台南神学院取得宗教社会工作硕士学位，并接受专业社会工作训练，专长是老人照护。因此，从1988年开始，他便一直致力于帮助无依无靠的年长者。

 

后来，一位同工对孤儿及有需要的孩子怀有强烈的负担，促使他们开始筹备儿童之家，并于1994年9月15日正式成立。

 

恩惠儿童之家的孩子，大多来自破碎家庭，其中不少家庭因毒品滥用问题而受到严重影响，甚至失去原有的家庭支持。目前，恩惠儿童之家共有46名孩子，分别居住在吉隆坡亚尔花园及雪兰莪州蒲种的院舍，男孩与女孩分开居住。

 

从1994年至今，张牧师帮助了无数孩子成长。许多孩子长大后已经结婚，有些完成大学教育，也开始投入社会工作。虽然部分孩子至今仍面对人生的挑战，但许多人已经逐渐走出过去的创伤，重新建立生活的方向。

 

用上帝的爱，改变孩子的生命

 

张牧师分享，许多来自破碎家庭的孩子，内心都带着不同程度的伤害。当他们刚来到恩惠之家时，有些孩子比较调皮，沉迷网络，也可能出现懒散、偷窃或其他不良行为。

 

面对这些问题，张牧师认为，单靠责备并不足以改变孩子。更重要的是让他们感受到上帝的爱，并透过圣经的教导，帮助他们从内心开始改变，逐渐建立良好的生活习惯和品格。

 

除了日常照顾，张牧师也运用一套称为 ABCDE 的方法来教导孩子，帮助他们建立正确的人生态度。

 

A — Attitude（态度）

 

教导孩子学习以正确、积极的态度待人处事。

 

B — Behaviour（行为）

 

帮助孩子建立良好的行为习惯，学习为自己的行为负责。

 

C — Character（品格）

 

培养诚实、正直、有责任感的品格，学习做一个有良好品德的人。

 

D — Devotion, Determination, Discipline, Diligence（敬虔、坚持、纪律、勤奋）

 

教导孩子敬爱上帝，把上帝的话语牢记在心里，不轻易偏离正道。同时，也要培养坚持到底的精神，做事不半途而废，遵守纪律，并且勤奋努力。

 

E — Education（教育）

 

鼓励每个孩子认真学习，努力完成学业，并学习一技之长，为将来的生活做好准备。

 

张牧师不只关心孩子的饮食起居，更重视他们在态度、行为和品格上的成长。他希望这些缺乏父母陪伴的孩子，能够在爱与教导中建立正确的价值观，成为对社会有贡献的人。

 

“如果他们的态度、行为和品格都不好，将来要怎样做人呢？我们也要教导他们爱主，把主的话语藏在心里，成为他们脚前的灯、路上的光。没有上帝的话语，真的很难改变他们。”张牧师语重心长地说。

 

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严格中带着爱，让孩子快乐成长

 

在生活管理方面，张牧师对孩子有一定的要求。当孩子出现不当行为时，他会进行适当的管教，希望他们明白纪律和责任的重要性。

 

不过，张牧师本身也有幽默的一面。他经常和孩子们开玩笑，希望他们能够在轻松、快乐的气氛中学习和成长。因此，孩子们与张牧师之间也建立了亲近的关系。

 

张牧师明白，来自离异或受创家庭的孩子，往往会受到成长背景的影响，在人际关系、行为表现及情绪管理方面面对不同的挑战。他们过去所接触的家庭环境，可能影响他们看待自己和他人的方式。

 

有些孩子刚来到恩惠之家时，情况并不理想；经过一段时间的陪伴和教导，他们的生活逐渐有了改变。然而，外在行为的改善，并不一定代表内心已经真正改变。

 

因此，张牧师特别重视孩子与上帝之间的关系。他希望孩子不只是表面上表现良好，更能够从内心认识上帝、渴慕上帝，并愿意学习聆听和遵行上帝的话语。

 

“我们常常唱一首诗歌：‘自从我认识耶稣，我的生命有新的改变。’我相信，耶稣能够改变他们的生命。感谢上帝，祂爱罪人。正如圣经所说，有病的人才需要医生。这些孩子最终都信了主，也知道上帝是爱他们的。”张牧师笑着分享。

 

减少手机依赖，丰富孩子的生活

 

在照顾孩子的过程中，手机和电脑的使用也是一项挑战。为了避免孩子过度沉迷电子产品，张牧师会为他们设定适当的使用规范，并鼓励他们培养其他有益身心的兴趣。

 

例如，院方鼓励孩子多阅读、参加教会活动、唱诗歌及学习乐器。有些孩子学习小提琴和乌克丽丽，在音乐活动中获得学习的乐趣，也有机会表达自己的情感。

 

此外，运动也是孩子日常生活的重要部分。张牧师会带孩子到附近的运动场所跑步及运动，而张师母则安排绘画、游泳、打羽毛球等活动，让孩子有更多机会发展兴趣、锻炼身体，并建立健康的生活习惯。

 

透过这些活动，孩子不但能够减少使用电子产品的时间，也能在参与、学习和互动的过程中，逐渐建立自信和积极的生活态度。

 

引进专业辅导，帮助孩子走出创伤

 

张牧师也坦言，过去恩惠之家缺乏专业的心理辅导资源，主要依靠同工的爱心、耐心和努力，陪伴孩子面对家庭所带来的伤害。

 

如今，恩惠之家已经获得博爱机构的支持，由专业心理治疗师协助有需要的孩子，尤其是那些需要第三方专业人士介入和辅导的个案。

 

张牧师解释，由于自己与孩子相处多年，彼此太过熟悉，有时孩子反而不容易敞开心扉。透过专业辅导人员的介入，孩子可以在更合适的环境中表达自己的感受，并逐步面对和处理成长过程中所经历的伤害。

 

这项专业支援，也让恩惠之家能够在原有的生活照顾与信仰教导之外，为孩子提供更全面的关怀。

 

让每个孩子重新感受到家的温暖

 

虽然这些孩子曾经缺乏父母的照顾与关爱，但在恩惠之家，张胡坤牧师与张师母就像他们的爸爸妈妈，长期陪伴他们成长。

 

他们效法耶稣基督舍己的爱，愿意付出自己的时间、心力与关怀，陪伴这些曾经孤单、受伤的孩子走过人生的困难。

 

对张牧师和张师母而言，照顾孩子不只是提供一个住处，更重要的是让他们重新感受到爱，学习信任别人，建立良好的品格，并在信仰中寻找人生的盼望。

 

透过生活上的照顾、品格上的教导、教育上的支持，以及专业辅导的协助，恩惠之家盼望帮助孩子逐渐走出过去的阴影，重新建立自信，迎向更美好的未来。

 

因为每一个孩子都值得被爱，每一个生命也都有机会重新开始。

 

记者：邹佳玲　采访报道

 

 

 

Transforming Lives Through the Love of Christ

Reverend Teo How Ken: Bringing Love and Hope to the Elderly and Children in Need

 

Reverend Teo How Ken, a graduate of Tainan Theological College and Seminary, founded Rumah Charis Home for the Aged in 1988 to provide care and shelter for elderly people who had no one to depend on. In 1994, he established Rumah Charis Home for Children to care for children from single-parent and broken families, children whose parents struggled with drug addiction, as well as children with autism and disabilities.

 

Reverend Teo believes that this ministry is a vision given to him by God: to care for homeless and displaced elderly people and children in society, ensuring that they experience love, compassion, and care even in the midst of hardship.

 

37 Years of Serving People in Need

 

Over the past 37 years, Reverend Teo has established six Rumah Charis homes for the elderly and children in various locations, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Tengkera in Malacca, and Gopeng in Perak. He has also mobilized charitable organizations and business communities to contribute their resources, time, and effort to support this important social ministry.

 

In recognition of his contributions to society, Reverend Teo received the Malaysian Outstanding Young Person award in 1992.

 

From Caring for the Elderly to Supporting Children from Broken Families

 

When asked why he began caring for orphans and children from broken families, Reverend Teo explained that he had always been committed to helping elderly people who lacked family support. In 2007, he obtained a master's degree in religious social work from Tainan Theological College and Seminary. His area of specialization was elderly care.

 

His ministry began with the elderly in 1988. Later, one of his fellow ministry workers developed a strong burden for orphans and vulnerable children. Together, they began preparing to establish a children's home, which officially opened on 15 September 1994.

 

Many of the children under the care of Rumah Charis come from broken families, with some families severely affected by drug abuse. In many cases, parental drug addiction has disrupted family life and left children without adequate care and support.

 

Currently, Rumah Charis Home for Children cares for 46 children who live in two homes, one in Taman Yarl, Kuala Lumpur, and the other in Puchong, Selangor. Boys and girls are accommodated separately.

 

Since 1994, Reverend Teo has helped countless children grow and move forward in life. Many have grown up, married, graduated from university, and started working. Although some continue to face challenges, many have gradually overcome their past difficulties and found a more positive direction in life.

 

Transforming Children's Lives Through God's Love

 

Reverend Teo shared that many children from broken families carry deep emotional wounds. When they first arrive at Rumah Charis, some may display behavioral difficulties, excessive Internet use, laziness, stealing, or other undesirable habits.

 

He believes that scolding alone is not enough to bring lasting change. More importantly, children need to experience God's love and learn from His Word. Through patient guidance, encouragement, and biblical teaching, they can begin to heal emotionally, develop healthy habits, and build good character.

 

In addition to meeting their daily needs, Reverend Teo uses an approach known as ABCDE to teach children important values and life skills.

 

A — Attitude

 

Children are taught to develop a positive attitude and to treat others with respect in their daily lives.

 

B — Behavior

 

They are encouraged to develop good behavior, practice self-control, and take responsibility for their actions.

 

C — Character

 

They are guided to develop good character, including honesty, integrity, and a sense of responsibility.

 

D — Devotion, Determination, Discipline, and Diligence

 

Children are taught to love God and keep His Word in their hearts. They are also encouraged to persevere, complete what they have started, practice discipline, and work diligently.

 

E — Education

 

Reverend Teo encourages every child to take education seriously, work hard in school, and acquire useful skills or professional training to prepare for the future.

 

For Reverend Teo, caring for children goes beyond providing food, shelter, and daily necessities. He places great importance on helping them develop the right attitudes, behaviour, and character, especially because many have grown up without consistent parental care and guidance.

 

“If their attitudes, behaviour, and character are not right, how will they learn to live well? We must also teach them to love the Lord and keep His Word in their hearts, so that it becomes a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. Without God's Word, it is truly difficult to bring about change,” Reverend Teo explained earnestly.

 

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Firm Guidance with Love and Understanding

 

Reverend Teo believes that children need clear boundaries and proper discipline. When they behave inappropriately, he corrects them and, where necessary, applies appropriate consequences to help them understand the importance of discipline and responsibility.

 

At the same time, he has a good sense of humor and often jokes with the children. He wants them to learn and grow in a joyful and encouraging environment. This combination of firm guidance and warmth has helped him build close relationships with the children.

 

Reverend Teo understands that children from divorced or traumatic family backgrounds may face difficulties in their relationships with others. Their early family experiences can influence their behaviour, emotional responses, and understanding of relationships.

 

Some children may initially struggle to adjust when they arrive at Rumah Charis. Over time, however, their lives can change significantly through consistent care, guidance, and support.

 

Reverend Teo also recognises that outwardly good behaviour does not necessarily mean that a child's heart has changed. He therefore hopes that the children will develop a genuine desire to know God, follow Him, and obey His Word.

 

“We often sing a song that says, ‘Since I met Jesus, my life has been changed.’ I believe that Jesus can transform their lives. Thank God that He loves sinners. As the Bible teaches us, it is the sick who need a doctor. These children have come to believe in the Lord and understand that God loves them,” Reverend Teo shared with a smile.

 

Reducing Screen Time and Enriching Children's Lives

 

One of the greatest challenges in caring for the children is managing their use of mobile phones and computers. To prevent excessive screen time, Reverend Teo sets appropriate limits and encourages the children to develop healthier interests and habits.

 

The children are encouraged to read books, participate in church activities, sing, and learn musical instruments. Some learn to play the violin and ukulele. These music activities provide opportunities for self-expression, enjoyment, and personal development.

 

Physical exercise is also an important part of their daily lives. Reverend Teo takes the children to nearby sports facilities for running and exercise, while his wife, Mrs Teo, organises activities such as drawing, swimming, and badminton to enrich their lives.

 

Through these activities, the children can spend less time on electronic devices while developing their interests, improving their physical health, building friendships, and gaining confidence.

 

Professional Counseling to Help Children Heal

 

Reverend Teo acknowledged that Rumah Charis previously had limited access to professional psychological counseling. The team relied mainly on love, patience, and persistent effort to help children cope with the difficulties caused by their family circumstances.

 

Today, Rumah Charis receives support from professional therapists through a charitable organisation