In my family, my parents are Christian, my brother is a Buddhist, my wife does not believe in any religion while I believe in everything and I have Catholic friends as well as Muslim Friends. My brother is a Republican. My sister-in-law is a Democratic and I am independent. My brother-in-law is a vegetarian and I eat everything. My wife favors Republic of China. My sister-in-law favor Taiwan Independence and my mother-in-law favor People’s Republic of China. While we are different in religion, politics, diets, etc, we are all in one family – a big happy family.

We take care of the young and the old, go to work every morning, earn our paycheck, put the food on the table, do the house chores, and pay our mortgage, utilities. Every now and then, we invite our friends over and have some fun. Each of us contribute what we can and take what we need. Those who contribute more do not have a bigger share of the family and those who are not able to contribute do not get left behind.

We cheer together when good things happen and we weep together when sad thing develop and we hug together when we need strength from each other. And this is what I have in mind when I started the New Jersey Chinese Community Center.

You can believe in any religion that you like, affiliate with any political party that you prefer, support any Chinese regimes of your choice. As long as you accept this concept - that you are a member of this big family – the Chinese Community Center, this is your home.

You will find love and care here. You will find companion and support here and you will find the strength that you need to venture into the world of unknown because we are all beside you.

If you believe in what I believe in, you will contribute what you can and take what you need. You will love each member of this family and you will do whatever you can to help this family.

It is only when we bundle together will we be able to find the strength that we need to stand tall in this world and it is only when you believe in this concept will this family be able to survive and grow stronger.

So, my friends, while asking what your community center can do for you, would you please also ask what you can do for your community center?

Thanks.

Jimmy Hwang
October 10, 2004