Pastor Zhang, now 76 years old, is frequently seen wearing a pair of black-framed glasses. He remains vibrant and full of life, exuding a sense of humility and warmth in his interactions. Every morning, like clockwork, his devotional reflections—consisting of Scriptures, meditations, and prayers—pop up in the instant messenger chat without fail.
In 1969, at the age of 20, Pastor Zhang was baptized and became a member of the church. "When I first came to Christ, I didn't know much about devotions," he recalled. "But as I grew in my understanding of God, the habit of devotion slowly developed." At first, Pastor Zhang concentrated on his own morning devotions. However, as he began to receive inquiries from fellow church members seeking guidance, he recognized a growing need to share his insights. This practice of sharing has continued for over a decade. What began as simple reflections on Scripture has transformed into a comprehensive collection of devotional materials, which have now been compiled into a book.
"At first, I never thought I would keep going for so long," Pastor Zhang said with a smile. "But it's the needs of my fellow believers that have motivated me. If I miss sending a message for just one day, I get flooded with caring calls." This dedication reflects Pastor Zhang's deep commitment to shepherding God's flock.
In the quiet hours of the early morning, while the city is still fast asleep, Pastor Zhang is already deep in his time with God. "Bible reading and prayer are essential for starting the day," he explained. "Without these moments of reflection and connection," he said, "it's difficult to find the energy required to face the challenges that lie ahead."
Pastor Zhang is truly dedicated to his ministry. He carefully selects Scripture passages that align with the liturgical calendar and presents them in a manner that is both comprehensive and accessible. He reviews his materials multiple times to ensure they are doctrinally sound, and he thoughtfully considers every word he uses to make sure his messages are clear and easy to understand. "There are some Bible passages that I really need to ponder over," he shared. "I always double-check everything before sending it out, just to avoid any typos or incorrect dates." It takes him about half an hour each day to share the material with his friends.
Pastor Zhang's eyesight has deteriorated due to his frequent computer use, but he remains grateful for the modern tools that allow him to continue serving at his age.
Before retiring, Pastor Zhang served in the municipal CC&TSPM for over a decade. Looking back on those years, he openly admitted, "I really felt the challenge of finding balance in ministry. The administrative tasks were quite demanding. With meetings, events, and coordination work piling up, I frequently found my time feeling fragmented."
He reflected on his experiences during that time. "Every day was a whirlwind of responsibilities, and I often found myself in conflicts with others. Without realizing it, this really affected my personal connection with God. By the time I got home in the evening, I was completely exhausted. As a result, my sermons were often prepared in haste, and they just didn't have the same quality as before."
"The underlying issue, however, stems from not staying spiritually alert. When we're surrounded by various titles and roles, it is all too easy to lose sight of our fundamental identity: we are, first and foremost, children of God. Our roles as pastors or presidents only come second." With a thoughtful emphasis, he remarked, 'While our positions may shift, our identity as God's children remains constant.'"
"Now, I often pray for my colleagues who are serving," Pastor Zhang said. "I hope they can remain steadfast in their original calling amidst their busy work and remember that, above all, they are servants of God. Without a connection to God, even the highest position is merely for show."
At the end of the interview, Pastor Zhang shared a powerful insight: "Drawing close to God isn't just an option; it's essential. The closer we get to God, the closer He gets to us. Conversely, if we drift away, we risk losing our spiritual sensitivity." Reflecting on his 76 years of life filled with highs and lows, this seasoned pastor shared a heartfelt confession, "I'm acutely aware of human frailty, and I wouldn't dare spend a day away from the Lord."
Originally published by the Gospel Times
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by Joyce Leung
