What do you think?
Rate this book
Left Behind But Not Forgotten
The Left Behind Children are a generation growing up in China, whose parents have gone to work in distant factories and cities. Typically caring for their elderly caregivers, living in rural poverty, and often going years without seeing their parents, they are underserved by their government and charitable organizations. This is the story of one man who identified with their struggle and was compelled by his faith to lift up and advocate for these precious children. These piercing recollections, touched by trauma and love, are a reminder that every life carries the weight of infinite value.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2021
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Lim Kok Wah
1 book7 followersThough I was born in Malaysia, I was adopted by my uncle in Singapore and lived in Singapore since I was about 3 yrs old. I am a Singaporean by registration.
I have become a Christian when I was about 16 yrs old. I went to the Philippines in mid-87 as a missionary and stayed there till the end of 89. After I came back to Singapore, I re-joined the military service from early 90 till July 97 and resigned from the service. I was holding the rank of CPT when I left the military service.
I have become a Christian when I was about 16 yrs old. I went to the Philippines in mid-87 as a missionary and stayed there till the end of 89. After I came back to Singapore, I re-joined the military service from early 90 till July 97 and resigned from the service. I was holding the rank of CPT when I left the military service.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Want to read
November 9, 2021A heart tugging read on the recollections by the Left Behind Children on their struggles during their formative years. Mainly cared by their aged and frail grandparents, the children were often neglected and lacked the parental love and guidance as their parents who worked in the cities could only visit them once a year or even longer. Joseph Lim through his sponsorship programme filled the parental vacuum in providing the love, emotional and even monetary support. Empowered by his Christian faith, Joseph Lim, despite the challenges and occasional disappointments never gave up on the children to help them fulfil their dreams despite the odds. A must read to open your eyes on how hope and love can overcome the hurts in this world.
Read
November 1, 2021An emotionally touching story of a mans journey into China to support chinas left behind children. A compelling tale of how one man help others because of ones faith.
October 28, 2021
Amazing to read the author's reflections and life stories of children in rural China. Joseph Lim tells his experiences of running a child sponsorship program for fourteen years, only to have it be abruptly shut down by the authorities. Each mini biography will pull on your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended.
August 14, 2022
Hi Kuya Joseph,
My apology for giving late feed backs and reviews to your book "Left behind but not forgotten".
I don't remember how many times I paused reading your books because I needed to process it. I can relate with the stories of the children, maybe you don't know that I'm part also of Student Sponsorship Ministry of YWAM Aparri, Philippines for two years during my college and I am so thankful with those people who have help me in my studies. Even just for 2years it gives open doors of hope to continue most specially this was my first and second year in college where I don't know where to get money to finance my college. And when the time they said that I'm not part anymore with the sponsorship during my third year because I'm a working student and have a job to support my studies, I was hurt that time because I don't know what I did wrong but it gives me more hope to pursue and continue my dreams until I finished my college, the journey was not easy, very painful and traumatic for me but it's worth all the sacrifices and I saw God moving on how He provide by sending people who can help me in my studies that time. Why I share this things to you because as I said every stories of the children in your book, even their letters everytime I read it I see hope and gratefulness and very genuine letters of thankfulness. Now that I am a fulltime missionary and involve in kids and youth bible study, your book give me more Passion and inspire me not to give up and continue to fight with this children because they are worth fighting for, their dreams and passion in life and most specially leading them knowing God. I am now helping the Student Sponsorship Ministry here in YWAM Baguio as an Admin and see a lot of potentials with these childrens that are part of the SSM. I am grateful reading your book because it will always remind me the heart of God to these children and that no children will be left behind. I will continue to pray for you Kuya Joseph or uncle Joseph to many children and may God continue to bless you and protect you. Thank you so much!❤️🙏
My apology for giving late feed backs and reviews to your book "Left behind but not forgotten".
I don't remember how many times I paused reading your books because I needed to process it. I can relate with the stories of the children, maybe you don't know that I'm part also of Student Sponsorship Ministry of YWAM Aparri, Philippines for two years during my college and I am so thankful with those people who have help me in my studies. Even just for 2years it gives open doors of hope to continue most specially this was my first and second year in college where I don't know where to get money to finance my college. And when the time they said that I'm not part anymore with the sponsorship during my third year because I'm a working student and have a job to support my studies, I was hurt that time because I don't know what I did wrong but it gives me more hope to pursue and continue my dreams until I finished my college, the journey was not easy, very painful and traumatic for me but it's worth all the sacrifices and I saw God moving on how He provide by sending people who can help me in my studies that time. Why I share this things to you because as I said every stories of the children in your book, even their letters everytime I read it I see hope and gratefulness and very genuine letters of thankfulness. Now that I am a fulltime missionary and involve in kids and youth bible study, your book give me more Passion and inspire me not to give up and continue to fight with this children because they are worth fighting for, their dreams and passion in life and most specially leading them knowing God. I am now helping the Student Sponsorship Ministry here in YWAM Baguio as an Admin and see a lot of potentials with these childrens that are part of the SSM. I am grateful reading your book because it will always remind me the heart of God to these children and that no children will be left behind. I will continue to pray for you Kuya Joseph or uncle Joseph to many children and may God continue to bless you and protect you. Thank you so much!❤️🙏
February 24, 2022
This is a fascinating behind the scenes account of the Left Behind Children in China. I read this book from cover to cover in one night, hooked by the struggles of Joseph as he tries to pour out the love of God for the abandoned village kids, while overcoming obstacles from every direction.
From the greedy village heads and school teachers, to suspicious villagers, to head spinning logistics...this book brings you to the scene, to a remote part of China seldom seen by foreigners, where God works to tell His children that He cares for them.
I found myself deeply engrossed by the details of his work. Sometimes when we imagine ourselves doing missions work in these remote areas, we forget to consider things like the pride of the people there, the mountainous climbs that require immense fitness, the lack of roads and toilets, and the years it might take for the children to warm up to us. Happily, Joseph shares his 14 years of highs and lows, laying it all out for us in a moving, emotional read.
Highly recommended.
From the greedy village heads and school teachers, to suspicious villagers, to head spinning logistics...this book brings you to the scene, to a remote part of China seldom seen by foreigners, where God works to tell His children that He cares for them.
I found myself deeply engrossed by the details of his work. Sometimes when we imagine ourselves doing missions work in these remote areas, we forget to consider things like the pride of the people there, the mountainous climbs that require immense fitness, the lack of roads and toilets, and the years it might take for the children to warm up to us. Happily, Joseph shares his 14 years of highs and lows, laying it all out for us in a moving, emotional read.
Highly recommended.
December 4, 2021
The author wrote this book based on his own experience as a missionary in China. There are a lot of stories in this book to show you the real life of a left behind child. You will see God's unfailing love in this barren land, and his unconditional love for these left behind children and the author himself: I will never ever forget you.
I would highly recommend this book to you if you wanna experience God's love.
I would highly recommend this book to you if you wanna experience God's love.
February 26, 2022
I am serving in a ministry reaching out to the girls working in Singapore red-light district. Majority of the young China ladies there were from Left-Behind children background. I deeply thank God for Joseph Lim's ministry to make a difference in the lives of the LBC hence cut down the no of the LBC to go astray after they grow up.
May God continue working and multiplying from what the ministry has done!
May God continue working and multiplying from what the ministry has done!
November 27, 2021
Left behind but not forgotten!
The stories of these children have touched me deeply. I didn’t realise how much suffering so many children in rural China have to endure - children who are growing up in their families. I have worked in a Chinese orphanage. I have experienced the hardship and suffering of those children. I have often thought: “If they only could have stayed with their families…” would they really have had a better life???
But in all the hardship I see so much hope in the life of the children described in the book. Through their ministry Joseph and his team brought hope and love and new opportunities to the left behind children. Thank you Joseph for your obedience - for giving your life to Jesus and to the left behind children! Thank you for sharing your heart and your suffering with us in the book! Thank you for making God’s love and concern real!!!
The stories of these children have touched me deeply. I didn’t realise how much suffering so many children in rural China have to endure - children who are growing up in their families. I have worked in a Chinese orphanage. I have experienced the hardship and suffering of those children. I have often thought: “If they only could have stayed with their families…” would they really have had a better life???
But in all the hardship I see so much hope in the life of the children described in the book. Through their ministry Joseph and his team brought hope and love and new opportunities to the left behind children. Thank you Joseph for your obedience - for giving your life to Jesus and to the left behind children! Thank you for sharing your heart and your suffering with us in the book! Thank you for making God’s love and concern real!!!
November 21, 2021
this book is about a journey of a person of God, who has given his all to help those in need. the book is real, and raw and the stories in this book will move you. Joseph Lim gives all he can, and this book shows how and why. Some stories are vivid, and sad but it shines a light on a very important problem that most are unaware of or just don't want to learn about because of how hard the problem is. after reading the book, I feel deeply for the work this author has accomplished and how the work he has done impacted the needed souls in deep china. Even though not every story had a happy ending, these kids learned that there are people that care, and care with an honest heart. I feel thankful to have been able to find this book and read it... I really recommend this book to everyone. it has opened my eyes and because of this book, I will do more to those in need... thank you Joseph Lim very much for your work.
November 27, 2021
Heart-breaking to read first hand account of what these precious LBC had to go through but heart-warming to read of the love and commitment by Joseph and his team to bring hope to these precious ones! A must read!
November 22, 2021
An honest and piercing real life account of serving the left behind children, a hidden yet vast community in many rural areas of China. Joseph retells his personal journey giving readers snippets of how a country's policies can propagate systemic poverty and inflict much psychological and emotional harm on an entire generation.
The book also contains personal letters from the students and volunteers which capture their raw emotions and uncensored thoughts, giving the reader a glimpse into reality where not many may be aware of.
The book also contains personal letters from the students and volunteers which capture their raw emotions and uncensored thoughts, giving the reader a glimpse into reality where not many may be aware of.
November 20, 2021
It is easy living in a modernised urban country to say we want to help the poor. But to go to them and experience their environment and hear from them first hand is a different story. Joseph did that and paved the way for others to join him in giving and reaching out to those children living in the remote areas. Their lives told in this book opened our hearts to remember to pray and uphold those near and far who are suffering in some ways, be it physical hardship, childhood traumas or strained family ties.
November 16, 2021
Joseph shares his heart and what he has learned about God’s heart in this inspiring book about China’s Left Behind Children. The stories of the children and those that worked with them challenged me to see others through God’s eyes and left a lasting impression. I was also reminded that God’s love is unconditional and reaches into even the farthest and darkest places of this world. Definitely a book that made an impact on me, and highly recommended!
January 27, 2022
Heartbreaking accounts of the pain of children tucked away in mountains. Joseph tells their stories with a compassion that can only have been given by God, whose heart breaks for these children. This book will open your eyes to the complexities of suffering, and the truth that God wants to us His broken people to bring healing to others.
October 29, 2021
This book shares the raw struggles of the Left Behind Children in China. Without the journey of one man for the past 14 years, many of their stories would be left untold. Through this book, our hearts are stirred to do something not only for those far away, but even for the neglected around us. Highly recommended to pick up this book as it will open your eyes to the many hurting in the world.
January 6, 2022
This author paints a true picture of what's really happening to this particular segment of society. They fell through the cracks and is still falling. The need to survive and pursuit of better living conditions become a vicious cycle and at great expense of the next generation! Thank you Joseph for lending your voice to this precious group of people. You have brought much comfort, love and hope to these children. Sad that you are not able to continue the work but trust and believe that just as God brought you from thousands of miles away to these children, He will again raise up others to continue to show care and love to these little ones that are definitely not forgotten in His sight.
December 24, 2021
This book is so relevant to today's society, not just in China but also in many countries around the world where the quest for money, happiness and fulfilment is made at the children's expense...
Isn't it also the case in our modern and developed societies to some degrees, in different ways? Reading this book is making me actually think of the ways we neglect kids in our societies, and what they go through. Thank you Joseph for being a father to the fatherless and a voice to the voiceless!
Isn't it also the case in our modern and developed societies to some degrees, in different ways? Reading this book is making me actually think of the ways we neglect kids in our societies, and what they go through. Thank you Joseph for being a father to the fatherless and a voice to the voiceless!
November 28, 2021
I appreciate Joseph’s heart and his commitment to the Lord even in the difficult times. Reading this brought back many vivid memories of my time spent in that area. The children are so precious and have endured so much hardship. Thanks Joseph for taking the time to write about your experiences. May God be glorified!
December 27, 2021
A book that tells you the reality of life. When you think you are in a bad situation in your life, there are worst out there.
A journey that is difficult but you have the mission to complete it with true love and strong minds.
Emotional and felt sad but at the same time you feel the warm heart of appreciate and happiness.
A journey that is difficult but you have the mission to complete it with true love and strong minds.
Emotional and felt sad but at the same time you feel the warm heart of appreciate and happiness.
January 3, 2022
Joseph does an amazing job revealing the difficulty these children and families face. My western culture can not even begin to imagine the struggle these children have. This eye opening book caused compassion and sympathy to rise up in my heart. And reading it showed me what it truly means to be Christlike towards a lost and hurting world.
January 28, 2022
Very powerful and inspiring on what Joseph has gone through and the heart that both him and Catherine have for the children and people. Encourage others to read to understand the journey n process that went through and that it can impact many of our lives too
May 28, 2023
Such a precious book. Reminding me that 1) people need way more than basic needs of money and housing, they need love and community, and 2) the change in people's lives is wholly due to God, and not due to staff's efforts or skillsets
December 21, 2021
A definite worthwhile read especially if you want to know of unknown tribes. No fake news here. The author managed to bring the children up-close and personal. This is not a book for the faint hearted or skeptics. But I highly recommend it for those thinking of starting longtime work in a foreign land.
An easy read but a book worth reading or gifting.
Merged review:
A definite worthwhile read especially if you want to know of unknown tribes. No fake news here. The author managed to bring the children up-close and personal. This is not a book for the faint hearted or skeptics. But I highly recommend it for those thinking of starting longtime work in a foreign land.
An easy read but a book worth reading or gifting.
An easy read but a book worth reading or gifting.
Merged review:
A definite worthwhile read especially if you want to know of unknown tribes. No fake news here. The author managed to bring the children up-close and personal. This is not a book for the faint hearted or skeptics. But I highly recommend it for those thinking of starting longtime work in a foreign land.
An easy read but a book worth reading or gifting.
February 19, 2022
Thank you to Pastor Joseph for sharing his personal experience in his journey with God through serving children in need.
It is a strong testimonial how the Lord used Joseph to inspire others and put a team of individuals to further His Kingdom. Joseph exemplifies serving with your heart is what matters, he did not let his own limitations prevent him in doing God’s work. He definitely went above and beyond.
From reading the book, Joseph showed great humility that he continued to serve these children regardless of the outcome. It is rarity to have individuals that are of Joseph’s calibre.
It is a strong testimonial how the Lord used Joseph to inspire others and put a team of individuals to further His Kingdom. Joseph exemplifies serving with your heart is what matters, he did not let his own limitations prevent him in doing God’s work. He definitely went above and beyond.
From reading the book, Joseph showed great humility that he continued to serve these children regardless of the outcome. It is rarity to have individuals that are of Joseph’s calibre.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews