
One of the most moving moments came in 2003, after the outbreak of SARS shook the world. On March 23 that year, he had bought a new video recorder. He was assigned to film a hospital, He Ping, that had been chosen to treat SARS patients; it had been locked down. As he went there with other volunteers, people told them not to go, saying: "You are going to your own death!" The volunteers replied: "we are not going to our death, we are going to rescue other people!" This answer calmed the nerves in Shuan-ren's stomach; he was filled with a sense of duty and a desire to help. “We are not there to be sacrificed but for a rescue mission,” he said.

Shuan-ren is a member of Tzu Chi's documentation team from Tailin, New Taipei. In 1991, he married Miss Liew Wen; they have a son and a daughter. He works in a customs brokerage at Taoyuan Airport, which is operated by his parents. Since he was young, he has had a strong interest in photography and often recorded weddings of his friends on a V8 video camera. He joined Tzu Chi in October 2002; the Da Ai television station was recruiting students for free photography volunteer training; he joined the classes immediately.

Later, he traveled from Linkou to Tzu Chi Chongshan liaison office in Taipei right after work to learn from senior volunteers about film editing. After he learnt how to edit, he could do everything by himself – he could witness and record Tzu Chi’s “beauty and goodness”. He could record the history of his time.
Films, articles, production and recording are all closely linked. Through many experiences, his work has attained a higher level of professionalism, in telling stories of truth, kindness and beauty.
He did one personal interview of heroine Wu Shi, who was paralyzed from a fall. When she went on stage to share her story of recovering from sorrow, finding strength and being thankful, he was crying in empathy as he recorded downstage. Such extraordinary strength and human perseverance could only be truly experienced after joining Tzu Chi.
Shuan-ren can still remember clearly how strongly his wife objected to his joining Tzu Chi at the beginning; she feared that he would neglect his family. Shuan-ren made a secret vow: "If my wife allows me to volunteer with Tzu Chi, I will fight to do all the house chores" He changed himself, making his wife's feelings as his first priority. Even just a half-day outing was deeply moving for his wife. He also often called her parents to talk to them; the family was always filled with joy and love.
Shuan-ren's mother is an enthusiastic recycling volunteer, despite being over 70 years old. After he finishes work, he rushes to arrange recycling bins and plastic storage bags. "I don't know how much longer I can do recycling with my mother. As long as it's what she loves to do, I will be happy to do it with her." Shuan-ren is an understanding and supportive son. He learnt the enduring strength of patience in Tzu Chi and has since used it to love his parents.
Article: Xu Jing-Yi
Translated by Chin Hui-Ying
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