Yan-QunNg
This year we will be celebrating our church's 25th anniversary. I, as a church member, am very proud of this event. I am very thankful to God. This church is my spiritual home when I was in the saddest moment of my life.
After coming to the United States, I have been a housewife, taking care of two young daughters and the housework. My husband had a steady job and we had a decent life until 2000 .: In the beginning of the year, we bought a house. A short while after that, my husband was sick and later was diagnosed as having cancer. He passed away in about six months. I was facing the fact oflosing my loved one and having to carry the financial burden of the household by myself No words can describe my pain; worry and feeling of helplessness. During the time my husband was sick, Mr. Ho, Elder Linda Chan and many brothers and sisters were around me to give me comfort and encouragement with God's word. They prayed for me. The love of Christ touched me deeply in this time of grief Though we are in tribulation, His mighty hands are our support and protection.
In the Christmas of 2000, I accepted Christ as my savior. I was baptized and became a member of His family. I also received the blessings from our
Heavenly Father. God is so merciful to our family in the past three years. What He provides are far better than what we ask. I have profoundly experienced: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And, the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7). Let us encourage each other in Christ and enjoy the abundant blessing in Him.
Double Healing
Sau-Kin Mui
I attended a
Christian school when I was little. I knew God to some degree. I prayed when I was in need.
However, I left God behind afterwards. I kept God from a distance.
In 1990, we immigrated to New York and our residence was close to this church. I brought my three young children to church and hoped that they would grow up in a church environment. It happened that my husband was unemployed at that time. I was so worried and burdened. I could not eat or sleep. I had become very tensed and fearful. I was accompanied by my family to seek medical help. However, the medication did not work. I started crying out to God: "
Heavenly Father, please be merciful. I am weak physically and spiritually. Please cure me. Strengthen my faith as well as my body. My family needs me. Help me take care of my family.
I am willing to commit myself to you." God answered my prayer. Gradually I regained my strength and felt at peace. I no longer needed medication. In 1992, I was baptized in this church and became a Christian.
People are forgetful. Very soon I resumed to my oid routine. I worked very hard to pursue financial security. I was very harsh with my family, particularly my children. I did not live a life like a Christian.
Eventually in the beginning of 200 1, I lost my health again. It was even worse than the conditions of ten years ago. I had illusions and was very unsettled. I could not go out by myself, I was very nervous in public places. This time, I realized that it was God disciplining me. I begged His forgiveness and asked for His healing. Also I asked Him to cleanse my sin and take away myoid self. I would not criticize, envy or get angry easily. I would be patient and gentle. Speak with encouragement to my family instead of accusation.
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger; abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever." (Psalm 103:8-9)
God's healing power was upon me again. His healing was complete this time. It made me recover physically and cleansed me spiritually. In the hospital clinic, I got medical treatment as well as counseling from the
social worker. I felt better and stronger. My illness was caused by my over anxiety. I met many patients with the same illness. They all worried about big and small things. If they seek help in time, the illness is curable.
Praise the Lord! He gave me the opportunity to befriend with other patients. I always talk to -thern and encourage them to overcome this invisible illness like I did. Now I can open up to tell them about what happened to me. I no longer think about being arrogant and invincible. I want to be God's witness. I want to bring my God who I trust completely to them. Everyday I pray and read the bible. I ask God for strength. I earnestly hope that I am able to bring my family to Christ and build an altar at home to please God. I also wish to serve in our church and in some gospel organization. I heartily need your prayers.