By Hsiu-Lien Chu, Ching-Hung Yeh
Venezuela, a country rich in oil reserves in northern South America, became home to a significant Chinese diaspora in the 18th and mid-19th centuries, primarily from Guangdong province. It was here that the lives of Mary Ng (吳冉雲) and Man Lin Yuen (劉炎暖), immigrants from China, took an unexpected turn that would eventually ripple across borders.
Having immigrated to Venezuela at the age of eight in 1978, Mary, alongside her husband Man Lin Yuen, enjoyed a comfortable life managing a supermarket. However, in 2014, a visit to Houston, Texas, to see her ailing sister set in motion a journey of compassion. During that visit, Tzu Chi volunteers reached out to Mary and her sister, planting a seed that would soon blossom into a life of service.
From a Simple Bamboo Bank to a Transformative Mission
Inspired by the Tzu Chi volunteers she met in Texas, Mary learned about the "Bamboo Bank Era" and began collecting small donations. The following year, she joined a Tzu Chi food distribution, sparking a profound desire to bring Tzu Chi's mission to Venezuela. After returning to Venezuela, Mary began actively promoting recycling and organizing free medical clinics. By 2017, she was officially certified as a Tzu Chi volunteer, with her husband following suit in 2018. Inspired by their parents, their three children also joined the Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (Tzu Ching), making it a family affair.
Their dedication was tested by Venezuela's unstable economy, soaring inflation, and the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, where the average GDP per capita was less than $2,000. Mary and Man Lin Yuen persevered, distributing vital supplies to impoverished communities. Even a stroke that Yuen-Man suffered did not deter them from their mission of spreading love. As Master Cheng Yen has said, “Wherever Tzu Chi volunteers are, there are Bodhisattvas, and people in need are blessed.”
Learning and Growing Across Borders
In November 2024, Mary and Man Lin Yuen returned to Texas, seeking to not only visit family but to also reunite with their Tzu Chi family in Houston. They shared their experiences from Venezuela and connected remotely with local volunteers to plan future events, determined to keep the spirit of Tzu Chi alive in their homeland.
Mary deeply values these visits, stating, “Every visit teaches me something new. Each volunteer has unique strengths, and I strive to emulate them." Volunteer Jennifer An, who hails from Vietnam, played a key role in assisting Mary's efforts both in Texas and Venezuela, offering support and guidance along the way.
The couple immersed themselves in Tzu Chi activities, from street fundraising to volunteering at food banks. Because of her fluency in Spanish, Mary was able to assist Latino families, embodying Tzu Chi’s spirit of inclusivity.
A Profound Transformation
Man Lin Yuen’s health challenges shifted his focus from business to selfless service. "Now, all he cares about is Tzu Chi," Mary said. "He starts and ends his days with gratitude to Master Cheng Yen. He’s a changed man, and I admire his dedication." Man Lin Yuen himself echoed this sentiment: "Tzu Chi is my home. It's where I feel a deep connection and find immense happiness. I am healthier and more fulfilled than ever."
Despite being the most experienced Tzu Chi members in Venezuela, they were inspired by the dedication of the Tzu Chi volunteers in Houston. “There are so many people here, and everyone is so willing to help!” Man exclaimed, clearly delighted to be among like-minded volunteers.
The couple participated in the “Jing Si Aphorism Street” outreach, offering scrolls containing Master Cheng Yen's wisdom. They were particularly fond of the aphorisms “We only have the right to use, not to own,” and “Beauty lies in fostering kindness and bringing joy to others.”
A Legacy of Love
As Mary and Man Lin Yuen prepare to return to Venezuela, they carry with them invaluable experiences and a renewed sense of purpose. Their journey demonstrates that compassion transcends geographical boundaries, and that a single spark of kindness can ignite a flame of hope in communities across the world. Back in Venezuela, they hope to expand Tzu Chi’s presence, inspiring others to join their mission of service.
