A case of how parent’s gambling addiction affects children’s future life
阿國 Kwok
A few weeks ago, I met Elder Ng at a Chinese church in Hounslow. He introduced the work of the Christian Centre for Gambling Rehabilitation (CCGR). After listening to his sharing, I decided to volunteer at CCGR to help families where parents are deeply addicted to gambling and their children suffer as a result.
My childhood was also affected by the harm caused by my parents’ gambling. My younger siblings and I were neglected, lacking security and love. I often cried out, hoping someone would help persuade my parents, because gambling destroyed our family. For many years, I struggled with depression, and it wasn’t until middle age that I realised my childhood experiences were part of the reason.
My relationship with my father was complicated. We were estranged for twelve years until we reconciled one month before he passed away. At that time, I was finally able to be proud of him, because he had become a devout Christian and a good man.
I write this short article to encourage everyone to think about your family before considering gambling. They suffer because of your choices. I urge you to pray sincerely when you feel weak, seek God’s guidance, and hold fast to your faith.
幾週前，我在倫敦豪士羅區的華人教會中認識了吳長老，他介紹了福音戒賭中心的工作。聽完分享後，我決定在哪裡當義工，幫助那些父母深陷賭癮、孩子受苦的家庭。
我的童年也曾經歷父母賭博帶來的傷害，弟弟妹妹和我被忽略，缺乏安全感和愛。我常呼喊，希望有人能勸戒父母，因為賭癮摧毀了我們的家庭。多年來，我長期受憂鬱症困擾，直到中年才明白童年經歷是原因之一。
我和父親的關係很複雜，曾斷絕聯繫十二年，直到他去世前一個月才和解。那時，我終於能以他為榮，因他成為一位虔誠的基督徒和好人。
我寫這篇短文是希望大家在考慮賭博前，想想你的家人。他們因你的選擇而受苦。我鼓勵你在軟弱時真誠禱告，尋求上帝指引，堅守信仰。
