From Fear to Faith

CHONGQING, China – Mdm Chen Zhuying, 70 years old, reflects on her amazing journey with gratitude and unwavering faith. Thirteen years ago, in a remote mountain village, her decision to commit her life to Christ marked an amazing turning point that led to a transformation from mere survival to a higher purpose.

Early Struggles and Encounter with the Gospel

Chen’s early life was filled with hardship in the difficult mountainous terrain. Years of strenuous labour in the fields had taken a toll on her health, leading her to resort to burning incense, worshipping idols, and performing rituals in search of healing. Yet, these efforts proved futile. Like many in her community, she used to worship ancestors and idols, unaware of the peace that Jesus alone could offer.

It wasn't until Chen’s family moved to the valley below that they heard the Gospel. During this time, a believer shared the Good News with her, leaving a deep-rooted impression. Chen was timid and crippled by her fear of snakes, a common sight in the outdoors. However, the Christians around her assured her that these creatures held no power over her. Through their prayers, Chen’s fear gradually disappeared.

Embracing Faith and Overcoming Challenges

Before her encounter with Christ, Chen's health had deteriorated extensively. She felt her life was hanging by a thread, and it was her newfound faith that kindled hope within her. The biggest challenge during that period was discerning by faith who the true and living God was. Guided by a believer, she found her way to the Church, where she finally encountered God. Another significant test came in the form of caring for her ailing husband who, like her, also battled numerous health issues. With her growing faith, she relied on God’s strength and mercy to meet her husband's needs, finding peace and resilience through prayer and trust in divine providence.

As Chen began attending weekly church meetings with her newfound Christian community, she felt true love and support. During these gatherings, she encountered Jesus as the true and living God and embraced the Gospel wholeheartedly.

The rural community Chen lives in relies heavily on external support for sustenance. As her son and daughter-in-law work far from home, Chen was required to care for her grandchildren in their modest rural dwelling. Life was challenging, with a typical brick-and-tile house offering basic living conditions.

As Chen began attending weekly church meetings with her newfound Christian community, she felt true love and support. During these gatherings, she encountered Jesus as the true and living God and embraced the Gospel wholeheartedly. After accepting the Lord, Chen yearned for a Bible, the source of all the teachings she had come to cherish. However, their poverty and her limited education posed challenges to obtaining one. For Chen, the absence of a Bible symbolised a lack of guidance, a void that only deepened when outside the church walls.

A Gift of Faith and a Life Transformed

Then, one day, her life took an extraordinary turn. A pastor from a local church graciously presented her with a Bible - a moment that filled Chen with deep joy and gratitude. Reading the Bible for the first time by herself, she found it easier to understand with its larger font, making God's presence more tangible in her life. Through it, she gained a deeper understanding of God's Word, even leading to a transformation in her physical health through persistent prayer.

“The Bible taught me that through prayer and faith, anything was possible... In knowing God, I have found the greatest blessing of my life.”

Chen's once-timid heart gave way to newfound courage, inspired by God's Word. “The Bible taught me that through prayer and faith, anything was possible,” Chen said with renewed inspiration. Today, her humble home serves as a gathering place for fellow believers, a sanctuary for learning, Bible study, and fellowship. She prays for more young people to dedicate their lives to serving God. “In knowing God, I have found the greatest blessing of my life. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to encounter this life-changing God.”

Through her amazing journey, Chen’s life exemplifies the transformative power of unwavering faith and the support of a loving community. Join us in our mission to support churches in China as they provide Bibles to believers like Chen, empowering them to deepen their faith and share the life-changing message of Christ with others. Your contribution can help bring hope and spiritual growth to many more lives, just as it did for Chen.