On a Thursday evening, I sat at my office desk, pulling an issue of Tianfeng from the shelf to read in the soft light. Deeply moved by an article titled “The Last Days of My Mother”, tears welled up as memories of my mother flooded in. The recollection was still vivid — that was an afternoon in September 2017 when the doctor informed us of my mother’s critical illness.

We hastily arranged for her transfer from the hospital to home via an ambulance. After safely reaching home, she lay on the bed with a breathing machine, accompanied by medical personnel. She used all her strength to speak through the mask, requesting me to invite church members to come and pray for her. She believed that angels might carry her away this time.

Photo by Nelli Chaitanya on Unsplash

In the belongings I sorted through later, I found many new clothes, some still with tags. However, several of her Bibles showed signs of wear and tear. The notebooks filled with her sermons and notes, along with spiritual books packed into two large boxes, became the most cherished items she left for me. During my mother’s memorial service, the Spirit of God deeply touched me.

The 90-square-meter apartment overflowed with church members; some even sat on taborets in the corridor. Many senior believers came from afar to bid her farewell upon hearing the news. Their love was a great source of comfort to me. They vividly recounted my mother’s stories of service throughout her lifetime, which inspired me to resolve that my family and I would serve God forever and ever.

Time swiftly advanced to the year 2021. One day, on my way home after work, I received a call from a church leader, who mentioned a potential opportunity for me to study theology and subsequently serve full-time in the church.

At that time, I was employed as an accountant in a company, enjoying a job with a manageable workload, a generous salary, benefits, and a handsome year-end bonus. Without hesitation, I declined the offer.

The church member urged me to discuss with my family before making the final decision. However, I refused, as I had completely forgotten the promise I had once made.

After hanging up the phone, I found myself wrestling with conflicting emotions as verses haunted me: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (cf. Isaiah 6:8). The vow I had made to God resurfaced in my mind: my family and I would serve God forever and ever.

In my turmoil, I confided in a familiar pastor. She reminded me that choosing the path of service doesn’t guarantee a glamorous or revered life. Instead, it is marked by challenges, weariness, and sometimes even misunderstandings. Choosing this path might mean sacrificing a favorable job, limiting quality time with family, and foregoing recreational activities like shopping.

However, it is a blessed journey, filled with ups and downs, and moments of reaping accompanied by songs of joy. The question posed to me was: Was I ready for this?

After much internal struggle, I made the decision to surrender myself to the Lord, taking the entrance exam for Jiangsu Theological Seminary and successfully receiving an offer later. With a recommendation letter from the church and the support of my family, I officially became an undergraduate student in October 2021.

The moment the offer letter arrived, tears welled up thrillingly. That weighty letter in my hand symbolized my mother’s wish and carried the expectations of my church. I was ready to pick up the baton and continue to serve the Lord, allowing Him to mold and shape me.

Even though my mother left behind little in terms of material possessions, she bestowed upon us the most valuable treasure — her unwavering faith in Jesus. This wise woman understood that devout offspring outweighs material fortune. Earthly treasures can be destroyed by moths and vermin, rot away, or be stolen by thieves.

It is wiser to store up treasures in heaven, where they are immune to destruction and theft (cf. Matthew 6:19-20). She knew that “the fear of God is pure, enduring forever; the decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb”.

Therefore, we are committed to passing on the faith in God to our family members, ensuring that God’s grace and blessings permeate our family. What a beautiful prospect to joyfully unite together in our heavenly home! May we all be showered with blessings!

Author: Yi Nuo

Translator: Bei Feng