I was totally an “outsider” believing in Jesus a year ago. At that time, I couldn’t imagine living with a living God and going to church every Sunday.
Thanks to God’s grace and amazing work, I converted to following Jesus this past Easter! Worship God on Sunday is as natural as breathing to me now!
Church in Beijing
Chongwenmen Church, the one that I’m going to every Sunday, was established in 1870s. It is one of the time-honored churches in Beijing.
It is where my Christian life begins! I joined the baptism class and was baptized there; I learnt the discipline of being a Christian and worship God every Sunday there, I participate the Bible study group and strengthen my understanding of God’s words there. It is a place full of memories and blessings!
Moreover, it is also a place filled with love and joy!
Sincere greetings and genuine smiles of the volunteers make the church home to every visitor; along with timely support and encouragement from brothers and sisters erase the worries of this life; more importantly, pastors’ and spiritual leaders’ teaching, keep strengthening my confidence and faith.
I feel blessed that my belief starts and grows with such a biblical church!
Church in Taipei
I have been enjoying traveling for a long time. Visiting churches in various places add more fun to the journey. Sometimes, it is the highlight of the whole trip. My trip to Taipei earlier this February was definitely one of those trips.
I visited the Taipei Truth church on Sunday during my stay there. The pastor’s preaching was full of power. It seemed like that he spoke directly to my heart! I still remembered that the preaching was about how Solomon asks wisdom from God.
In the end, the pastor encouraged everyone to learn from Solomon and pray for wisdom from God. He also offered some suggestions of how to do so. One of them that I remembered most is to read God’s words and pray to Him constantly.
I was not a strong believer at that point. However, encouraged by the preaching, I decided to read the Bible regularly and pray to God every day.
Seven months later, I was amazed how this decision has changed my life. I have finished reading two thirds of the Bible and continually draw strength from praying now.
This habit helped me building a closer relationship with God, through which I believe that our Lord is a true and living God!
Church in Thailand
I spent a two-week fabulous time in Thailand this May! My experience with the local church was just marvellous!
As learning Chinese is getting popular in Thailand, the church offers low-cost Chinese class to the neighbours every night. I was given the chance to teach young kids Chinese during my stay there. My time with the kids there was awesome!
The kids were shy and not willing to talk much at the first few days. But they tended to talk more in Chinese as I wrapped the class with some interactive games. We were getting familiar with each other and closer as time went by.
It’s really hard to say goodbye! I have promised the kids and the pastor that I shall come back next February.
I’m still in contact with the pastor, who informs me about the church and how the kids are doing. I’m looking forward to meeting with them again. I’m sure that we will have a great time together soon!
Continue meeting together
When looking back on my experiences with different churches, I couldn’t thank enough for God’s these great arrangements! I did learn a lot and am inspired by different churches, it's like an international home wherever you are.
I believe that God has favour on those who come to His house. As Hebrews 10 versus 25 states: “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of going, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
May God’s grace be with those who go to His house!
Cheng Xingyi (known as Cindy) was born and brought up in central China. Cindy enjoys travelling and reading history books. Cindy is inspired by talking with local people when travelling abroad experiencing different parts of the world, as well as herself.
Cheng Xingyi's previous articles may be found at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cindy-cheng.html