In today's world, it is not easy for Christians to hold fast to their faith, and passing it on within the family is even more challenging. When the entire household is called to serve, the task becomes all the more difficult.
Yet after meeting Sister Zhang and hearing her testimony, the words of Scripture, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," have resonated in my heart.
Sister Zhang
Six years ago, on a bitter winter morning with the northwest wind howling outside, a preacher stood at a small podium. Her short, neatly styled hair was the darkest in the room. She was Sister Zhang. As she spoke, she picked up a pen, leaned slightly to the side, and swiftly noted key points on the whiteboard. Then, slowing her pace, raising her tone, and leaning forward, she repeated what she had written. The audience consisted mostly of elderly people, their hair gray or completely white. Six years later, on another windy winter day, I saw Sister Zhang again, unchanged.
Born into a Christian family, Zhang recalls receiving a clear call from God in her teenage years. Yet unsolved questions about her faith led her to travel across the country in search of Jesus, attending any gathering she heard of, no matter how distant.
Eighteen years ago, Sister Zhang attended a gospel retreat where a message finally resolved the questions that had long troubled her heart. However, a conflict arose within her church, arguing that Sister Zhang should not be allowed to return. Angered and disheartened, she left the church and drifted through the secular world. For the next three years, she faced many setbacks, her heart filled with resentment toward God, and she even ceased to pray.
During this time, her child got sick and was hospitalized, with doctors unable to provide effective treatment. In desperation, she rushed into the restroom and prayed to the Lord, "Why have You left my child in this condition and even allowed me to give birth to Your child?" In response, the Lord spoke to her heart: "Your child is sick, but what about Mine?"
Those words struck deeply into Sister Zhang. As she prayed, she realized she must return to church. Yet the cost of travel posed a serious obstacle. Having lived away from home for years, her family's finances were extremely strained, leaving them with little to spare. Still, in prayer, she sensed hope that God would send help.
Soon after, Sister Zhang's husband received a call from a sister who had once served as an interpreter at a church gathering. She introduced two teachers who needed to stay temporarily, and Zhang welcomed and served them. Before leaving, the teachers gave the family 500 yuan, which later served as money supporting their journey back.
Sister Zhang exclaimed, "It is truly miraculous! Since my return, I have witnessed numerous wonders. Thanks be to God."
Her years of service have not been easy. Each year, theu have gatherings that dozens of elderly believers travel from surrounding towns and counties to attend. Zhang not only preaches from the pulpit but also handles food and lodging arrangements. Kitchen work alone requires preparing ingredients in advance, from sourcing to cooking, serving meals, and cleaning up afterward. Apart from brief moments of sleep and rest, the staff spend nearly all their time in the kitchen.
Each time Sister Zhang hosted a gathering, she would think, "This is it. I won't do it again." Yet before every meeting concluded, the Holy Spirit would plant a new vision in her heart.
Daughters
Sister Zhang often says that life gives birth to life. Her two daughters, though very different, reflect this truth.
Speaking of her eldest daughter, Sister Zhang admits with regret that in her early years of ministry, she was so occupied with church responsibilities that she neglected her child at home, at times even forgetting which grade her daughter was in. The eldest grew up feeling sorrowful, convinced that her mother's heart belonged to the church, leaving no place for her. It was not until she entered university and experienced God's healing through fellowship that her faith was restored. After graduation, she found work in a major city and sent her earnings home to support her mother's ministry.
Her youngest daughter, now a teenager, shows a different character. Though her academic performance is average, she delights in joining adults in discussions about faith. When moved by a testimony, she often expresses her feelings through poetry. She has also become a peacemaker in the family: whenever minor disagreements arise between Sister Zhang and her husband, she uses Scripture to calm her mother's frustration. From an early age, she enjoyed spending time with the children of fellow believers, helping with homework, singing, and telling stories. Sister Zhang testifies that her daughter has been a great source of encouragement and strength.
Elders of the Family
Sister Zhang has pieced together the stories of her elders. Her granduncle, influenced by missionaries from Shandong, was the first to accept the gospel. Later, her grandfather came to faith in Christ and, after immigrating to western China, laid the foundation for the church where Sister Zhang now serves.
She never met her grandfather. "I wasn't even born when he passed away," she said. "But my father often tells us how he taught our family." Her grandfather had seven sons, two daughters, 13 grandsons, and 23 granddaughters. In her father's generation, nearly all the spouses were also Christians.
After her grandparents established the local church, Sister Zhang's father and one of her uncles joined the ministry. Today, Sister Zhang has become the primary leader of the congregation. Reflecting on this legacy, she said with emotion, "Our family is truly blessed. Wherever our relatives are, there are gatherings and services."
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo and translated by Poppy Chan
