Nicole Wong
Why Me?
Embarking on the creation of Across U-hub was a challenging and unexpected journey. With a professional background in photography, visual design, and stage production, I found myself in Toronto, encountering many young Chinese Canadians who, despite their material resources and opportunities, were deeply unhappy. Their struggles deeply moved me, sparking a question that would guide my path: how could I help them?
At the outset, I had no experience or knowledge of youth ministry, and I was at a loss for where to begin. All I could do was turn to prayer. Miraculously, my prayers were answered. A community of church brothers and sisters whom I had never met joined me on this journey. Little did I know we would work together for the next thirty years, guided by our shared faith.
In 1997, I organized a musical production that brought together over a hundred young people to create music, scripts, and short films about their struggles. The young people found solace in this medium, and the performance, which attracted over a thousand audience members, was a resounding success. It was a powerful testament to the role of creative expression in addressing the struggles of young Chinese Canadians.
However, just three days after the show, I left. I flew back to Hong Kong because I felt a divine calling but couldn’t handle the weight of such a big mission in Canada. I had a job I loved in Hong Kong. For the next seven years, I travelled back and forth between Canada and Hong Kong. Each time I returned to Toronto, I could volunteer and start different activities—camps, workshops, radio programs, and concerts—giving youth a space to share their stories.
After years of prayer and reflection, I realized that God had been guiding me all along. My studies in the arts connected young Chinese Canadians from different backgrounds. Through creative expression, I could help them release their struggles, find healing, and discover the gifts God had given them.
The Deep, Unspoken Struggles
As immigrant families in Canada, we have uprooted ourselves from our homeland and replanted in a foreign land. Every household faces the challenge of adapting to new economic, cultural, educational, and social environments. Our motivation to overcome these difficulties stems from the desire to provide the next generation with a stable and prosperous future. However, many of us experience feelings of loneliness, struggle with self-image, suffer from insomnia, and confront an uncertain future. These struggles are often influenced by traditional Chinese cultural values. We uphold qualities such as discipline, obedience, and academic excellence. Yet, beneath the surface, we battle loneliness and self-doubt. We carry the weight of being a minority while also contending with family expectations and societal labels.
Although many young Chinese Canadians achieve professional success, their voices and contributions often go unrecognized in the workplace, and their social circles tend to be limited. Additionally, their parents may not fully understand these challenges; they usually find it difficult to offer support even if they do. These challenges are not just personal but also emotional struggles. How can we find a way out? Must we navigate these challenges alone? Some may dismiss these struggles as insignificant, leaving young people even more helpless.
The Birth of the Across U-hub
To my surprise, many of my local friends resonated with the struggles faced by young Chinese Canadians. The need for support was urgent and undeniable, yet no one knew how to help. As the calls for aims grew louder, God quietly gathered those who recognized this need. We courageously took the first step with faith and founded the Across U-hub.
Anchored in a simple yet humble belief, we listened attentively and observed. Through respect and genuine conversations, we entered their world and cultivated relationships. In doing so, we uncovered voices that had been ignored, rejected, or suppressed. Caught between Western values and their ethnic identity, many young people found themselves stagnant or felt compelled to adopt, only to retreat into their comfort zones when the burden became too heavy.
At this crossroads, we needed clarity to help them identify their blind spots, embrace their identity, and understand that being Canadian is a choice while being Chinese is inherent. Ultimately, we believe that the proper path for these young people lies in becoming Chinese-Canadian believers after God’s heart, which means embracing their cultural heritage while also living according to the principles of the Christian faith.
Our strategic path was scarce, lacking resources, finances, and a vast plan. We could only humbly obey God’s guidance and take each step forward in faith. Year after year, we have witnessed God’s provision and guidance in extraordinary ways. He has brought like-minded mentors and volunteers alongside us, provided timely financial support, and, most remarkably, whenever we were concerned about reaching young people, He always made way for them to come to us, seeking trust and acceptance, thus building lifelong friendships.
Faith and Miracles Go Hand in Hand
Over the 23 years since its founding, Across U-hub is not only a gathering place, but its ministry has been dedicated to caring for East Asian youth, focusing on their emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Looking back on these years, we collectively witness God’s transformation, both new lives and our mission. It is not by chance; it is the work of God’s power. We have experienced countless blessings. In this community, we witness numerous precious true-life changing stories, experience undeniable miracles, and see firsthand how God’s hand changes the lives of many young people. We cannot deny God’s love and provision.
Great Outcomes
A young woman participated in our musical program and continued to participate in other motivational activities afterward. She carefully observed and concluded that success resulted from collective effort, not divine intervention. Determined to prove her belief, she took on the role of camp director and wholeheartedly planned the next Youth Leadership Training Camp. She meticulously handled publicity, recruitment, and content planning and prepared for contingencies. The camp’s order unfolded smoothly as planned, but she hadn’t anticipated the life-changing experiences like many participants. One other camp attendant came with ill feelings because she was lectured to attend by her parents. After the event, she was in tears and was moved by the genuine love of mentors, volunteers, and fellow campers. Another camper, who was always silent and withdrawn, was encouraged by his peers to push beyond his limits and complete a climbing challenge, finally looking up and smiling. A local girl who had never opened up to new immigrants initiated a heartfelt embrace with a newcomer before the camp ended. The camp director personally witnessed the power of love and faith and could no longer deny that this was the work of God.
Over the years, we have witnessed young people struggling with societal expectations and self-doubt walk into Across U-hub. There, the teachings of the Gospel nourish their souls and help them discover their identities—not only as individuals but as individuals in Christ. No longer feeling alone, they find clarity and hope in God’s boundless love. Many have transitioned from merely knowing God to embracing His calling, becoming pastors, spiritual leaders, and community builders. Others, inspired by love and compassion, dedicate themselves to serving people experiencing poverty and those in need.
The Strength of Community and Faith
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Roman 12:3-5 NIV
Across U-hub is not just the ministry of one individual; it is a community brought together by God’s calling. We need a group of people united in faith, ready to lift their hands in prayer and roll up their sleeves to serve together. We have dedicated volunteers, mentors, and supporters who witness God’s mighty work transforming young lives.
As young people explore their identity as Chinese Canadians, they will find their place in God’s kingdom and understand that God’s love is the ultimate source of hope. No longer feeling lost in their identity struggles, they will discover their life’s direction through God’s boundless love.
Moving Forward with Hope
The past decade has been a testimony to faith, showcasing God’s faithfulness and provision. With unwavering trust, His rod and staff will continue to guide us, bringing healing and hope to wounded and lost youth. Countless young lives are still awaiting healing and searching for hope and purpose. They long for their struggles to be understood, their burdens to be acknowledged, and their voices to be heard. As before, we will continue to hold on to our faith, gathering mentors and peers into a community of love and acceptance to fulfill God’s plan.
Although we don’t know what tomorrow holds, our calling is clear. Our God will provide for every challenge and strengthen us for every doubt. God will write His love story through our ministry as we remain faithful in walking alongside young people.
As one of my mentors beautifully said, “Our ministry is truly blessed—we are seated at the center of a theatre, watching God’s work unfold.” May we never forget God’s grace and marvellous works. In His perfect timing, He will reveal His plans, renewing our hearts and minds.
Writer reference:
Nicole Wong is the founder and Executive Director of Across U-hub. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Manchester Metropolitan University in England. She has over 15 years of experience as a Hong Kong photographer, visual designer, and stage production professional. Ms. Wong is dedicated to supporting young immigrants in Toronto and decided to transition from her previous career to concentrate on youth empowerment initiatives.
Drawing upon more than 30 years of experience in multimedia teaching and production, Ms. Wong has successfully led numerous creative projects. These projects include interactive dramas, concerts, songwriting contests, short films, and arts and crafts exhibitions. Her endeavours reflect a strong commitment to facilitating artistic expression among young individuals. She advocates for the belief that engaging in the arts can enable youth to confront their challenges, embrace their identities, and achieve personal healing. Furthermore, Ms. Wong contends that through self-discovery, young people can become empowered to seek and cultivate a connection with God.