Grace Home (Ride For Grace).mpg

Ride for Grace

The word “Destitute” is often referred to as the lacking of food, clothing, shelter, education and employment. It does not discriminate against the gender.








Grace Home as it is today.




Since 1980, Grace Home has been providing men and women, young and old, the sick and healthy who are destitute, a place of refuge, safety and more importantly, a place where these men and women could call Home.
Now home to 30 female residents who only managed to have their own building in 2000, Grace Home feels that it is about time its men folk have their own too.


I have had the wonderful privilege of knowing some of the female residents at Grace Home. Some of these residents were abandoned by their children, their family; some were widowed without any family while others were abused by their loved ones in the most unimaginable manner.


On each of our visits, my family and I have always felt welcomed at their home. The residents have the warmest of hearts, their faces beaming with joy as they greet us. They would come up to us and hug us as though we are their family. We get hugs from some of the residents. It is so heart warming as we often thought of ourselves as outsiders to them and yet they have so graciously opened their heart, their home to us.


It became clear to me that our sympathy is the last thing they need. All they are asking is not to be cast aside, abandoned, ignored and forgotten.


You see, the residents of Grace Home are just like you and I. What they do need are friends, they need to know that they are still relevant and matter to society. They just want to live on like us. They are after all God’s children too.


I’d like to share some photos of the Grace Home residents. These snapshots depicting some of their daily activities and some special occasions: -





I: A family photo of the 30-odd residents, both young and the evergreen.

II: The ladies coming together as a family.











III: An outing is rare luxury for the residents.









IV: Simple joys are found in celebrating each other's birthday 


Birthday celebrations are a big thing at Grace Home. It is something that these ladies look forward to. Not so much the presents (if any) but just the sheer joy of cutting a birthday cake with their new found families is indeed an experience no amount of money could buy. Their fellow residents, home volunteers and care givers are now part of their family.


After 30 years in existence, they have provided shelter to over 500 female residents. Unfortunately, as much as they would like to, they have not been able to give the men folk a place to call their home. Much of their days are spent at Grace Center, a place to help rehabilitate the men, young and old from their social ills who upon graduation, have no place to go back to.







V: The men folk at Grace Center.









VI: A time for worship

VII: Home cooked food is always the best









VIII: and they grow their own produce.






Everyone should have a second chance at life, shouldn’t they? If God believes in them, who are we to deny them.


So when I received a flyer from Grace Home seeking donations for its fund raising dinner, I thought of making a donation but then how much could I help with my single offering? Then it came to me and I truly believe the Lord had his hand in this. The idea of cycling from Penang to Klang was as clear as daylight. Believe me when I say I have never ever done anything of this scale before and joining me on this mission are 5 other riders.


We all share the same mission. We wish to give these residents hope, hope of soon having their own place to call home.


It gives me great honour to briefly introduce my fellow riders and they are: -


Mohd Rodzi hails from Teluk Kumbar, Penang. An avid rider who pedals around the island on almost every free day that he has, Rodzi is attached to the state Education dept. His family is just as passionate about cycling as he is. Rodzi had earlier planned a similar leisure ride to KL but he decided to team up and share our mission.






Thomy Saw, a dear friend of mine. Also another avid mounty who will join in any ride whenever he could. He cycles up 84 (up Penang hill) quite easily. Thomy can cook up a storm (cos’ he is formerly a chef) but has since traded in his chef’s uniform for a career as a medical representative.




Winfred Ng, we all call him “Ah Pin”. I need not have to tell you that he is also “nuts” about cycling as he has 8 years’ experience under his belt. Also one who is at ease with nature, Winfred is a landscape artist.








Michael Yeoh, a Penangite true and true, has only taken up cycling 3 months ago but appears to be a natural on his bike and had easily cycled around our beautiful home state a couple of times since getting his bike. Michael just jumped at the idea when Thomy approached him.

Ahmad Faridun is the only rider from Kuala Kangsar. Fondly      known as Abang Farid, he was one of the first to sign up with Rodzi when the invite was posted on G-Club’s event page. Abang Farid will be joining us midway from his home in Kuala Kangsar.

Lastly I’m Steven Heong and Penang is and has been my home. I took up cycling at the urging of my buddy, Ang Mau Yee. Thanks Ang for not giving up;) We got ourselves mountain bikes but for this event, I had to change my tyres to those suitable for the road. 




Our ride will take us from Penang to Grace Home, Klang in 3 days covering over 400km. Since we will not be accompanied by outriders, we planned to ride along the coastal trunk roads as a safety precaution. We shall be leaving our island state in the wee hours of the 26th November, Friday and God willing, reach Klang in the morning of 28th November, Sunday. We shall be supported by 2 of our dearest friends, Ang Mau Yee & Kee New Ton in 2 vehicles. Much of the cost of our preparation will be borne by us but we are deeply grateful to many whom have come forward with their own time and resources to help us in our preparation. May God bless each one of them for their generous heart.


So, my dear friends, if you like what we are hoping to accomplish, please share our mission with your family and friends.


Please help us raise funds for the folks at Grace Home. Help us give them a home of their own. It does not matter how much you give as long as it comes from your heart. Every single ringgit given as your love offering will go directly to Grace Home.


So come this Nov 28th, when Grace Home celebrates its 30 years, let us help them celebrate with a newfound hope! If you are also an avid cyclist and have time to spare, we would love to have you join us anywhere along the journey. Do let us know ahead so that we would know to expect you.


If you like to learn more about Grace Home which is located at No.925, Jalan Sekinchan, Pandamaran, 42500 Port Klang, Selangor, You may contact Dr Henry K Pillai (Chairman) or Mr Roy Tan (Vice Chairman) at 03-3371 7378. Alternatively, you could visit them at www.gracecommunityservices.my


Lastly, on behalf of Grace Home, we would like to thank each and every one of you for your wondrous love and support. May God keep you close and bless you always.


Steven Heong
Ride for Grace