With Head and Tail

In Chinese, there is a saying: “有头有尾”, literally “with head and tail,” symbolizing completeness and wholeness. At Luke Alliance, we embrace this philosophy in caring for persecuted Chinese Christians holistically—addressing not just immediate needs, but the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

This Christmas, we brought this approach to life in a meaningful way: through a special meal. In Chinese culture, a chicken is traditionally served whole, with its head and feet intact—a symbol of wholeness and respect. In the United States, it is rare to find a chicken prepared this way, unless someone intentionally goes out of their way to purchase one from a specialty market.

Traditional Chinese chicken preparation

For many in the Chinese immigrant community that Luke Alliance is caring for, this holiday season marked a first: their first Christmas in a free country and their first  traditional American Christmas dinner, complete with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato casserole. Alongside these classic dishes, Luke Alliance’s U.S. Care Team served a steamed whole chicken — 有头有尾 (“with head and tail”)—offering a taste of home and comfort.

 Holidays can be a lonely time for immigrants. Homesickness is not always about hunger—it is about missing familiar traditions and a sense of community. When the whole chicken was placed  on the table, quiet smiles spread across the room. In that moment, this familiar symbol of wholeness brought reassurance, warmth, and a reminder that they are seen.

Through this simple, intentional act, Luke Alliance demonstrated that caring for the persecuted is not only about meeting immediate needs, but about nurturing hearts, honoring culture, and creating a sense of belonging. With head and tail— with wholeness— we walk alongside those who need us most.

Christmas dinner