CHONGQING, China - In the tranquil countryside of Dianjiang, Hu Chuanrong's life took an unexpected turn at 55, leading her from superstitions and witchcraft to a path of faith and salvation.
Growing up, Hu's parents were Christians, but their understanding of the gospel was limited. However, during her mother's funeral, when a pastor delivered a sermon, a spark ignited within Hu's heart. Some time later, as her father fell gravely ill, he urged his family to seek solace in the church. It was during his funeral service that the pastor's words resonated deeply with Hu, and she embraced the gospel with an open heart. Determined to deepen her faith, she began attending church diligently, hungering for knowledge and understanding.
In the winter of 2018, amidst the joyous festivities of Christmas, Hu's commitment to her faith was sealed. At the age of 55, she was baptized, marking a significant milestone in her spiritual journey. To commemorate this profound moment, her church, with the support of the United Bible Societies (UBS), presented her with a precious gift - a Bible. As she embraced the sacred pages in her hands, a wave of warmth enveloped her soul, and tears of gratitude streamed down her face. The stories of miracles in the Bible spoke directly to her heart, igniting a flickering flame of hope within her. Through the pages of this divine text, she discovered a deep connection to God - a connection that surpassed all superstitions and offered her true peace. “When I used to visit the witch, she would always talk about this or that, which made me fearful.” Hu is no longer living in fear after putting her faith in God.
The stories of miracles in the Bible spoke directly to her heart, igniting a flickering flame of hope within her. Through the pages of this divine text, she discovered a deep connection to God - a connection that surpassed all superstitions and offered her true peace.
As Hu's faith continued to grow, she began to see her life through the lens of God's sovereignty and love for her, including the time before she became a believer. An example was the challenges she faced when her son was entangled with a dangerous gang during his junior high school years. At that time, before she became a believer, Hu made the courageous decision to relocate, ensuring their safety. Miraculously, her son eventually broke free from the grip of the gang, blossoming into a beacon of hope for his own children.
Reflecting on this challenging period, Hu found solace in the belief that God has protected and guided them through it all. While her son may not have shared her belief in God at the time, Hu saw the divine hand at work in their lives, leading them to a positive outcome. Her experience showcases the transformative power of faith, both in her personal life and in the lives of those she loves.
Hu confessed that before she believed in Jesus, she didn't fully understand the importance of considering others' feelings and was driven by a mindset of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." However, her faith reshaped her character, making her more compassionate and loving, just as Jesus taught. During the pandemic, Hu became a community volunteer, delivering essential supplies to families facing lockdown.
"After I became a Christian, I felt that I should serve the society and spread love. This is also an opportunity to share the Gospel. In times of crisis, we can share the gospel and bear fruit. So, we must seize the opportunity," Hu shared joyously.
“It is never too late to find faith and purpose in life,” Hu ended our interview with an encouragement to all of us. Through her faith, she was able to overcome challenges, find hope, and transform her life in ways she never thought possible. May Hu’s story be an inspiration to those who may be struggling to find meaning and direction in life, and a testament to the transformative power of faith.
UBS is privileged to support the churches in China in their Bible ministry. Join us in believing God for more powerful testimonies of hope, strength, and transformation, and in thanking Him for the incredible work being done through this ministry.
Photos: UBS CP
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