The Joy of Giving

Compiled by Shawn Chang (張牧軒)
Chang Yu Ming (張佑民)

The Joy of Giving

Compiled by Shawn Chang (張牧軒)
Chang Yu Ming (張佑民)

Taken during one of the volunteer training camps in Taiwan, Johny now spends his time serving the community instead of gambling. (Photo by Li Shi-zhong)

Johny first learned gambling when he was in elementary school. He continued indulging in this hobby after reaching adulthood, not quitting even after marrying his wife Nilawati in 1999. Having attempted all forms of gambling, Johny even traveled overseas just to gamble. Eventually, he ended up squandering his family's fortune away. He once reached a point where he only had 200,000 Rupiah (approximately 14 US dollars) left in his bank account. Johny also became estranged from his family as he would often vent his temper on them.

Budianto was reluctant to go for treatments at first, but the constant visits from Johny and the other Tzu Chi volunteers opened up his heart. (Photo by Apriyanto)

In 2008, Johny came across a drama series on DAAI TV Indonesia which changed his life. The drama series featured a female protagonist, A-lan (阿蘭), who enjoyed an affluent life thanks to her husband. However, with nothing to do, she became addicted to gambling. Once, when her neighbor informed her that her house was on fire while she was playing Mahjong, she even insisted on finishing the game before returning home. It was only after she got in touch with Tzu Chi and began to serve the poor that she finally learned to count her blessings and decided to quit gambling.

Johny was deeply moved by the story of A-lan. He began to reflect on his wayward past and decided to turn his life around. In May 2008, he became a Tzu Chi volunteer and started going on house visits to care for the poor. What he saw became a turning point in his life.

Change a man, change a whole family. Johny (far left) and his family is now closer than ever. (Photo provided by Johny)

Johny was shocked when he first met Budianto, a 67-year-old man with a wound on his face that was rotting. The disfigurement made Budianto shut himself at home and the wound only got worse and worse over time. Johny and the other Tzu Chi volunteers did not shun away from the rotting smell and brought him to several hospitals for examinations and treatments. Through witnessing others' misfortunes, Johny learned to be thankful for his good health and vowed to make good use of his life. He also felt that it was more joyful to help others than to win money at gambling.

Gradually, Johny's transformation also influenced his family. He mended his relationship with his father, who used to be a gambler as well. "Thanks to the teachings from Tzu Chi and our master, I've learned to be filial," said Johny.

Taken during one of the volunteer training camps in Taiwan, Johny now spends his time serving the community instead of gambling. (Photo by Li Shi-zhong)

Johny first learned gambling when he was in elementary school. He continued indulging in this hobby after reaching adulthood, not quitting even after marrying his wife Nilawati in 1999. Having attempted all forms of gambling, Johny even traveled overseas just to gamble. Eventually, he ended up squandering his family's fortune away. He once reached a point where he only had 200,000 Rupiah (approximately 14 US dollars) left in his bank account. Johny also became estranged from his family as he would often vent his temper on them.

In 2008, Johny came across a drama series on DAAI TV Indonesia which changed his life. The drama series featured a female protagonist, A-lan (阿蘭), who enjoyed an affluent life thanks to her husband. However, with nothing to do, she became addicted to gambling. Once, when her neighbor informed her that her house was on fire while she was playing Mahjong, she even insisted on finishing the game before returning home. It was only after she got in touch with Tzu Chi and began to serve the poor that she finally learned to count her blessings and decided to quit gambling.

Budianto was reluctant to go for treatments at first, but the constant visits from Johny and the other Tzu Chi volunteers opened up his heart. (Photo by Apriyanto)

Johny was deeply moved by the story of A-lan. He began to reflect on his wayward past and decided to turn his life around. In May 2008, he became a Tzu Chi volunteer and started going on house visits to care for the poor. What he saw became a turning point in his life.

Johny was shocked when he first met Budianto, a 67-year-old man with a wound on his face that was rotting. The disfigurement made Budianto shut himself at home and the wound only got worse and worse over time. Johny and the other Tzu Chi volunteers did not shun away from the rotting smell and brought him to several hospitals for examinations and treatments. Through witnessing others' misfortunes, Johny learned to be thankful for his good health and vowed to make good use of his life. He also felt that it was more joyful to help others than to win money at gambling.

Change a man, change a whole family. Johny (far left) and his family is now closer than ever. (Photo provided by Johny)

Gradually, Johny's transformation also influenced his family. He mended his relationship with his father, who used to be a gambler as well. "Thanks to the teachings from Tzu Chi and our master, I've learned to be filial," said Johny.