“PHM nourished me and helped me grow. It’s not only about what I give back; it’s about honoring the love and support I received.”
Reverend Dr. Cindy Au’s journey to chaplaincy reflects a profound calling, shaped through years of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and a commitment to serve others. Guided by moments of deep introspection, Cindy’s path unfolded gradually, transforming into a fulfilling career that has allowed her to embrace a life dedicated to compassion and purpose.
Originally from Hong Kong, Cindy graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She had a good life—financial stability, friends, and the freedom to travel—yet she felt something was missing. “I had everything, but I wasn’t happy. I was searching for something deeper, a sense of purpose.” Driven by this yearning, God responded and sent her to the United States through the Green Card Lottery– an email she initially thought was spam. “I rather win the money lottery!” she joked. At the time, she had no idea why God had brought her to the U.S. two decades ago. Now, through her experiences in the psychiatric unit and witnessing the recent political oppression in Hong Kong, God’s plan has become clear.
A meeting with a friend from Hong Kong, who was attending a Pacific Health Ministry (PHM) conference, introduced Cindy to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). This program resonated deeply, as it mirrored her years of volunteer work in Hong Kong, where she supported the sick and those with mental health needs. Before moving to the U.S., Cindy had spent over a decade volunteering, offering comfort and care to elderly individuals, hospital patients, and children facing mental health challenges.
Reading about CPE on the PHM website was eye-opening. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is exactly what I’m looking for!’” she recalls. “I was a full-time volunteer in Hong Kong, helping the community in pastoral care, and I wanted to learn more about it such as counseling skills and emotional boundaries. God equipped and prepared me long before I knew anything about chaplaincy.”
The mentorship Cindy received in the CPE program was instrumental in her growth, especially from Rev. Dr. John Moody. She describes him as a kind, gentle, and patient mentor with great wisdom and knowledge. “He was the person I went to when my mind was stuck, having the ability to summarize my paragraphs of confusing words into one sentence. At CPE, people respect him, listen to him, and he treats us like a friend. I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to be his student before his retirement and proud as an alumni of PHM.”
Her CPE training was across various hospitals and retirement homes in Hawai‘i including the Queen’s Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and Pōhai Nani Good Samaritan Retirement Community. These trainings allowed Cindy to gain a wealth of experience. “I completed five CPE units in total,” she shares. “At each facility, mentors like Al Miles, Anke, and JP offered wisdom and patience that helped me grow.”
Following CPE, Cindy was ordained by the O‘ahu Association at Central Union Church. After relocating to California, she furthered her studies at the San Francisco Theological Seminary, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry with a focus on Pastoral Care and Counseling. She now serves in various ministries, delivering compassionate spiritual care to the sick, the unhoused, and diaspora Hong Kongers, while also providing mental and spiritual health training for hospitals and non-profits.
Today, Cindy also serves as a Psychiatric Chaplain, a role that is both challenging and deeply fulfilling. Through CPE, she learned the importance of simply “sitting with people” during moments of pain and vulnerability. “When I listen to patients who have experienced trauma, I’ve realized it’s not about offering advice—it’s about being present. Healing begins when someone truly listens.”
Cindy has also found solace in nature as part of her self-care routine. She refers to her daily walks as “spiritual walks” and finds joy in admiring the flowers she passes along the way. “Maybe you’ll think I’m a little crazy, but I say hi to the flowers, I take pictures, and I thank them,” she laughed. “Nature is my self-care. How could you not be rejuvenated by the smell of the forest and the sound of the stream? How could one not be grateful to the Creator while enjoying the creation?”
Reflecting on PHM’s impact, Cindy concludes, “PHM nourished me and helped me grow. It’s not only about what I give back; it’s about honoring the love and support I received.” For Cindy, her chaplaincy journey isn’t just a career; it’s her answer to the question, “How do I want to live?” And she knows, without a doubt, that this is her true path.
