My earliest childhood memory is that I was already attending church when I was in kindergarten. When I was little, my kindergarten and the church were in the same place, so church life was not separate from my everyday life—it was part of who I was. In my family, community, and church, those early memories are deeply rooted and filled with warmth. I remember when I was very small, my father was a deacon in the church. So I often saw my father working hard for the church, helping with services, supporting others, and being a strong presence of faith. That’s the main reason I came to know the Lord Jesus from such a young age. My earliest experiences of faith were not just taught, they were shown through my father’s actions.
My faith has deep roots that go back many generations. My maternal grandfather was a pastor. He became a Christian and later a pastor because of the influence of American missionaries during the Qing Dynasty. Their witness changed his life, and that faith became a foundation for our family. From my grandfather to my son Sirong, we are a four-generation Christian family. That legacy continues to shape who we are. My faith tradition came from the influence of my family—my grandfather, my maternal grandfather, and my parents. Christ is deeply and firmly rooted in my life because of their consistent witness, their prayers, and the love they showed every day. Their faith was not just a private matter—it was the way they lived and loved others.
I also have one older sister who is a Christian. She is now 82 years old and still lives in China. Even though we are far apart, I stay in touch with her. I often send her pictures through text messages. We talk regularly, and we keep our bond strong through faith and family. Her continued witness, even in her older age, inspires me to remain faithful and joyful in the Lord.
One of the most significant events I remember growing up was the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States—President Nixon’s historic visit to China. It was a time of great change and hope, a time when we felt the world becoming more open. It was a historic moment that left a deep impression on me as a young person, giving me a sense that the world was shifting in ways that could allow for more freedom, more faith, and more understanding.
But the most difficult time in my life was during China’s Cultural Revolution. During that time, the government shut down all churches. We were not allowed to gather for worship or openly talk about our faith. So we had to worship in our homes, in secret and with caution. Our gatherings were small, quiet, and always held with care. The church was taken away, but our faith remained strong. That experience taught us to value our faith in new ways. It made our belief even more personal, even more real. We learned that the church is not just a building, but a body of believers.
One of the proudest moments in my life came after that hard season. When the Cultural Revolution ended, churches began to reopen. My mother became the first church elder in Shanghai after the reopening of the churches. That was a great honor for my family. To see her faith, leadership, and resilience recognized like that made me very proud. Her role as a leader in the church was not just a title—it was the fruit of years of quiet faithfulness and prayer in the midst of hardship. I will never forget the joy and pride I felt when she stood before the congregation, a symbol of God's faithfulness and restoration.
My favorite hymn is Amazing Grace. It holds a very special place in my heart. I remember hearing the adults in my life sing it when I was just a child. It was always a song of comfort and hope, and I have carried its words with me throughout my life. Whenever I hear it now, I feel a deep connection to my past, my family, and my journey of faith. The words remind me that grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
I met my spouse through a fellow church member—one of my mother’s friends. We both came from Christian families and were raised in homes that valued faith, family, and community. That shared background drew us together. We saw in each other the values we were raised with, and that made a strong foundation for our relationship. We have known each other since around 1981 or 1982—so it’s been over 40 years now. Our relationship has been built on faith, trust, and mutual support. We have shared many seasons of life together, and our love has only grown stronger with time.
I moved from China to the United States for family reasons. My son Sirong lives in Canada, and my spouse’s siblings live in the U.S. Most recently, we came to Houlton, Maine, because it’s very close to where our son lives in Canada—just a little over an hour’s drive. That allows us to see each other often and stay connected as a family. We treasure the time we spend with our son and extended family. It is a blessing to live near them and to share life together, even across borders.
Since coming to Houlton, I’ve found the people here to be kind, welcoming, and loving. They are open to communication, always willing to help each other, and eager to build meaningful relationships. It’s a warm and caring community where we feel at home. As a church, I believe we should stand together, worship God together, and support each other in both joys and struggles. Hallelujah! It is a joy to worship in a place where faith is alive and people care for one another like family.
The most meaningful thing in my life is that I’ve been able to receive pastoral teaching in the church. I am deeply thankful for the spiritual guidance I’ve received throughout the years—from my childhood to now. Pastors, mentors, and fellow believers have all helped me grow in faith and character. I hope my family and friends will continue to go to church regularly, spend time with fellow believers, and stay close to the church community. Church is not just a place we go—it is where we are formed, nourished, and sent to serve.
Faith has carried me through life’s joys and struggles. From my grandfather’s conversion during the Qing Dynasty, to the hidden worship of the Cultural Revolution, to our present-day gatherings in Houlton, God has been faithful through every generation. Our family story is a testimony of God’s grace, perseverance, and calling. I pray that future generations will also walk in this faith and know the love of Christ.
This is my story, my legacy, and my hope. A legacy of faith, love, and family that I now pass on to those who come after me. Thanks be to God.
My faith has deep roots that go back many generations. My maternal grandfather was a pastor. He became a Christian and later a pastor because of the influence of American missionaries during the Qing Dynasty. Their witness changed his life, and that faith became a foundation for our family. From my grandfather to my son Sirong, we are a four-generation Christian family. That legacy continues to shape who we are. My faith tradition came from the influence of my family—my grandfather, my maternal grandfather, and my parents. Christ is deeply and firmly rooted in my life because of their consistent witness, their prayers, and the love they showed every day. Their faith was not just a private matter—it was the way they lived and loved others.
I also have one older sister who is a Christian. She is now 82 years old and still lives in China. Even though we are far apart, I stay in touch with her. I often send her pictures through text messages. We talk regularly, and we keep our bond strong through faith and family. Her continued witness, even in her older age, inspires me to remain faithful and joyful in the Lord.
One of the most significant events I remember growing up was the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States—President Nixon’s historic visit to China. It was a time of great change and hope, a time when we felt the world becoming more open. It was a historic moment that left a deep impression on me as a young person, giving me a sense that the world was shifting in ways that could allow for more freedom, more faith, and more understanding.
But the most difficult time in my life was during China’s Cultural Revolution. During that time, the government shut down all churches. We were not allowed to gather for worship or openly talk about our faith. So we had to worship in our homes, in secret and with caution. Our gatherings were small, quiet, and always held with care. The church was taken away, but our faith remained strong. That experience taught us to value our faith in new ways. It made our belief even more personal, even more real. We learned that the church is not just a building, but a body of believers.
One of the proudest moments in my life came after that hard season. When the Cultural Revolution ended, churches began to reopen. My mother became the first church elder in Shanghai after the reopening of the churches. That was a great honor for my family. To see her faith, leadership, and resilience recognized like that made me very proud. Her role as a leader in the church was not just a title—it was the fruit of years of quiet faithfulness and prayer in the midst of hardship. I will never forget the joy and pride I felt when she stood before the congregation, a symbol of God's faithfulness and restoration.
My favorite hymn is Amazing Grace. It holds a very special place in my heart. I remember hearing the adults in my life sing it when I was just a child. It was always a song of comfort and hope, and I have carried its words with me throughout my life. Whenever I hear it now, I feel a deep connection to my past, my family, and my journey of faith. The words remind me that grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
I met my spouse through a fellow church member—one of my mother’s friends. We both came from Christian families and were raised in homes that valued faith, family, and community. That shared background drew us together. We saw in each other the values we were raised with, and that made a strong foundation for our relationship. We have known each other since around 1981 or 1982—so it’s been over 40 years now. Our relationship has been built on faith, trust, and mutual support. We have shared many seasons of life together, and our love has only grown stronger with time.
I moved from China to the United States for family reasons. My son Sirong lives in Canada, and my spouse’s siblings live in the U.S. Most recently, we came to Houlton, Maine, because it’s very close to where our son lives in Canada—just a little over an hour’s drive. That allows us to see each other often and stay connected as a family. We treasure the time we spend with our son and extended family. It is a blessing to live near them and to share life together, even across borders.
Since coming to Houlton, I’ve found the people here to be kind, welcoming, and loving. They are open to communication, always willing to help each other, and eager to build meaningful relationships. It’s a warm and caring community where we feel at home. As a church, I believe we should stand together, worship God together, and support each other in both joys and struggles. Hallelujah! It is a joy to worship in a place where faith is alive and people care for one another like family.
The most meaningful thing in my life is that I’ve been able to receive pastoral teaching in the church. I am deeply thankful for the spiritual guidance I’ve received throughout the years—from my childhood to now. Pastors, mentors, and fellow believers have all helped me grow in faith and character. I hope my family and friends will continue to go to church regularly, spend time with fellow believers, and stay close to the church community. Church is not just a place we go—it is where we are formed, nourished, and sent to serve.
Faith has carried me through life’s joys and struggles. From my grandfather’s conversion during the Qing Dynasty, to the hidden worship of the Cultural Revolution, to our present-day gatherings in Houlton, God has been faithful through every generation. Our family story is a testimony of God’s grace, perseverance, and calling. I pray that future generations will also walk in this faith and know the love of Christ.
This is my story, my legacy, and my hope. A legacy of faith, love, and family that I now pass on to those who come after me. Thanks be to God.
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