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April 23, 2025 – The Sacred Trust: Serving as a Listening Presence in Richmond
As a priest serving our community here in Richmond, I am often granted the profound privilege of bearing witness to the raw and vulnerable stories of individuals and families. Today’s encounter at the Chinese cafe, sharing fragrant oolong tea while listening to a mother’s heart alongside another Christian, was yet another reminder of this sacred… Continue reading
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April 22, 2025 – I Am Not an Expert—I’m a Pastor and a Companion: Why I Carry a Naloxone Kit
My name is Yu-Ching Mo (my Chinese name in Mandarin), and I am a pastor who cares deeply about the community and offers spiritual/pastoral counseling to those in need. I was recently interviewed by Sing Tao Daily about why I always carry a naloxone (Narcan) kit with me. To me, this small kit is more… Continue reading
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April 13, 2025 – The Unexpected Gift of Being an Open Book: Reflections from the Human Library in Richmond
Today, in Richmond, British Columbia, I had the profound privilege of being a “book” in the Human Library. For three hours, eight individuals chose to “borrow” me for twenty-minute conversations, my title: “Wounded Healer: Helping Overcome Personal Suffering by Helping Others.” As I sit here reflecting on the afternoon, I’m struck by the unexpected gifts… Continue reading
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April 12, 2025 – Journeying Together: A Reflection on Sharing, Emotion, and Healing from an Online Workshop with the Chinese Support Group at Pathways Clubhouse
Today, I had the privilege of serving as a guest speaker for the Chinese Support Group at Pathways Clubhouse in an online workshop. The group brings together individuals living with mental and emotional health challenges, along with their committed and compassionate family members. The theme of my presentation was “Coping with Negative Emotions and Thoughts.”… Continue reading
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April 10, 2025 – Glimmers of Hope in the Heart of Richmond: Reflecting on a Powerful Gathering
Last night, something truly special unfolded within the 360 Community. Our gathering, themed “Rebuilding from the Streets: Dustin Pirillo’s Journey of Hope,” wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of personal stories, and the deep yearning for connection and hope within our community.… Continue reading
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April 6, 2025 – More Than Just Sandwiches: A Day of Witnessing and Sharing (Lessons for All Communities)
Today was a day that left a deep imprint on my heart. I had the privilege of joining an effort to distribute food to the people living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), and the experience was both humbling and eye-opening. While my direct experience was in this specific neighbourhood, the lessons learned and the realities… Continue reading
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March 24, 2025 – Building Bridges for Prevention and Community Support: Reflections on the RDLA Exhibition
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the Responsible Drug Learning Association (RDLA) exhibition at the Abenteen Center in Richmond. The event was dedicated to prevention and awareness, bringing together a diverse group of individuals committed to addressing the complexities of drug use and its impact on our communities. Walking through the exhibition,… Continue reading
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March 21, 2025 – Empowered to Save a Life: My Naloxone 101 Training Experience
Today, I took a significant step by completing Opioid Poisoning Recognition and Response training, a Naloxone 101 course. It was a sobering but incredibly important experience. Learning about the signs of opioid poisoning and how to administer naloxone has equipped me with potentially life-saving knowledge. The statistics are alarming, and the reality of the opioid… Continue reading
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March 13, 2025, – Beyond Housing: Leadership, Elections, and Richmond’s Uncertain Future
Last month, I wrote a letter to the Richmond News questioning whether the cancellation of the supportive housing project at Cambie and Sexsmith was truly a “victory for public opinion.” The letter sparked conversations among community members, and now, I feel compelled to offer a deeper reflection on what this decision means for our city… Continue reading
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March 9, 2025 – A Heartfelt Friday at St. Alban’s Lunch Program
The Friday lunch program at St. Alban’s is a place where simple acts of kindness and faith can make a profound difference. This past Friday, I experienced that firsthand. I noticed a person, whom I’ll call L, looking a bit troubled. L approached me hesitantly and asked if I would be willing to pray with… Continue reading