Alman Chan (’85) is making a real difference in the lives of troubled youth in his native Hong Kong. The founder of Christian Zheng Sheng College (CZSC), a ministry for young adults with addictions or gang affiliations, Chan has spent almost 20 years working alongside youth on whom many had given up. “The young people in our program were once drug addicts and inmates,” said Chan. “Today they are students with choices and a future.”
After graduating from TWU, Chan, a former chemistry major, worked as a teacher and a basketball coach in Hong Kong until he joined the Christian Zheng Sheng Association in a step of faith. “At the beginning, I didn’t want to do drug rehab,” he said. “But God called me there.”
A globally unique program, CZSC started as a small school for 17 students—and has grown into a well-respected institution emphasizing education, workplace skills, and Christ’s redeeming love.
The college is based on aspects of TWU’s whole person student development—and Chan has seen successful life changes in his students. “When I see the young people turn around, their whole values change, that is the happiest thing,” he said.
Today, Chan is the college principal and overseer of the $2 million budget, as well as the founder of seven associated businesses, which serve as work experiences for his students. His dream for the future? “I want my school to close down because no more students need the ministry,” he said. “That would be good news.”
For his faithful courage and demonstrated vision, Chan received the 2014 Calvin & Muriel Hanson Raw Edge of Faith Award. Hanson’s motto, “Don’t doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light,” continues to inspire the TWU community today.
For more information about Chan’s work, see the video below, and visit www.drugrehab.com.hk.