編者按:  張謙一家三口人和John, Lucy,Aileen 以及Aileen的表姊於六月底帶著教會弟兄姊妹的祝福前往德州定居。並於抵達之後，通知弟兄姊妹一切平安，並問候大家。他們並分享了一個大好的消息給教會: Aileen 和她的表姊在當地蔡牧師前往探望並為他們禱告祝福時，深受感動而當場決志信主。哈利路亚，我们撒种的和他们收割的一同欢喜快乐！

 

先生：張謙 （Kent Zhang）

我的中文名字叫張謙，英文名是Kent。

首先，我要感謝慈愛的天父，讓我終於謙卑的站在這裏，向所有的人們宣告，我願意接受耶穌基督做我的救主，邀請祂永遠住在我心中，讓我有榮耀地和主在一起，直到永生。

我還要感謝我的表弟王誠，是他最早告訴我華人恩典聖經教會。只是每當我對他說“謝謝”的時候，他的回答總是（你們都知道），“感謝主，榮耀歸於上帝”。

在座的很多弟兄姐妹一定記得我和家人是怎樣來到“三塊饅頭”（Sacramento）的。那時大家說，是神的指引。當時我還不理解，怎麼是神的指引呢？我是東走西撞，撞到Sacramento來的啊。兩個月後的今天，我實實在在的體會到，那確實是神的恩典和祂精密的設計和做工，使我一步一步地，終於走進了祂的懷抱。

中年迷茫，無助無措

前不久在填寫受洗申請表時，其中第一個問題是：你是如何認識基督耶穌成為你個人的救主？我的回答是這樣的：我聽過很多次耶穌的名字，但是我並不認識祂。過去二十多年來，我曾多次接觸過基督教會，參加過美國人的查經班，中國人的講道和團契，也在張伯笠的見證會上灑過淚。甚至稀哩糊塗地要洗禮。記得當時在洗禮前排隊時，我突發奇想的問旁邊的人：“洗禮和不洗禮有什麼不同?”他們告訴我，洗禮以後，你就是基督徒了，你的言行就要像基督耶穌一樣。我當時的反應是，“耶穌是聖人啊，我區區一個凡人怎麼可能做到言行和耶穌一樣呢？”現在想起來，除了當時我對耶穌的認識只是一知半解，我更是執意要做那個凡人，因為，說出來請大家不要見笑，我那時還是個單身王老五呢。我要是洗了禮，言行要效仿耶穌，那可怎麼結交女朋友呢？結果，我不顧面子找了個藉口一逃了之。至於聖經的故事，耶穌的電影，也看了不少，感動常有，渴慕也曾滋生。但那並不表明我認識耶穌，大多是為了面子逢場作戲，或只是好奇而已。

真正開始認識基督耶穌是今年八月十二號的那個星期天。在這之前，我因一次家庭危機和太太劉軍勇不約而同地希望找到一個教會尋求幫助。因此我想到表弟王誠是基督徒，便打電話向他詢問，然後於八月十二號這天來到了這個神聖的殿堂，開始了我獲得重生的歷程。

曾有朋友問我，為什麼現在才信主。原因很多，其中最重要的是，我很迷茫。不是因為經歷了多少坎坷多少苦難，或是前途渺茫。(順便問大家，在座的如果有看過電影《北京人在紐約》的話，我想告訴你們，主人公王啟明的故事，就是我來美國前十年的真實縮影。為什麼迷茫？按說我現在沒有生活的壓力，有家有老婆，五子登科樣樣俱全，我應該是五十知天命的啦，迷茫什麼呢？朋友開玩笑說，我是更年期，老年癡呆症前期！但仔細想想，不無道理。我確實是因為家庭問題糊塗，因為自己的壞脾氣無措，為著如何在Sacramento站住腳煩惱，為著如何戰勝健康的退化，太多次覺得自己無助無能，軟弱自卑和渺小的可憐。很多基督徒說，人只有在軟弱的時候才能彰顯神，或當人走到了路的盡頭，就是神的開始。神說，你驕傲就瞎了眼，你瞎了眼，我就讓你看見。是的，我已經驕傲地生活了這麼多年，到頭來我的身心憔悴不堪，迷茫無措。而慈愛的天父就在這時向我伸出了祂的手來救我，在我面前開闢了道路。

福音啟蒙，頓開茅塞

感謝神。感謝祂的兒女陳牧師、王誠、慕道班高老師和王老師、Philip和Jennifer、Daniel和維薇、唐濤和郝宗銀、Judy還有丁亞夫婦和恩典教會。沒有他們熱心的輔導啟蒙，分享見證，我不可能站在這裏。每次聽到他們解讀聖經傳福音，我都會覺得頓開茅塞，如逢甘露。我開始如饑似渴地閱讀里程的《遊子吟》，在網上觀看許多牧師的講道，常常邊聽邊感動得泣不成聲。更重要的是，我開始閱讀“約翰福音”。實話說，讀聖經蠻吃力的，有很多地方讀不懂，但只要讀懂了，我都感到受益匪淺。我終於慢慢的認識了耶穌和上帝。祂是創造萬物的真神，耶穌是上帝的獨生子，因聖靈感孕，由童貞女瑪利亞所生，在彼拉多手上受難，釘死在十字架上。三天後復活升天，與天父重逢，將來必重來人間，審判活人和死人。我認識到自己必須認罪並承認自己是罪人。認罪不夠，還要悔改，我的罪才能得以赦免。我終於來到主的面前，于2012年10月21日在慕道班上做了決志禱告，接納耶穌作為我個人的救主，成為神的兒女，獲得永生。

我今天能站在這裏，享受著神的光，耶穌的愛，面對著眾多的神的兒女弟兄姐妹，不是幾句感言，幾句真誠的表白，幾個動人的故事，就能完成這個見證，好像完成了一個任務，走完了一個過程。而是要勵志，從今以後，永久的在內心流淌著無盡的對上帝的感恩，永久真誠的敬拜，永久的見證動人的故事。我期待著這樣的日子，過這種只為榮耀神而活著的生活。

癌癥消失，酒癮戒除

我原來想，我沒有很多神蹟的經歷，也沒有做過可以讓我猛醒的夢，好像神沒有對我有過特殊的眷顧。祂忙祂的，我忙我的，偶然聽到祂在他人他事上顯示了大能神蹟，也是十萬八千里，與我無關。現在當然不同！神蹟當然在我身上顯露著。我這裏舉兩個例子。

我是一個癌症患者。一年多前，我在廣州一次例行體檢時，意外地發現有癌細胞在膀胱裏。造影的診斷書寫著駭人的一個字：癌！這是什麼判決啊！完了，我要死了嗎？我記得當時我是站在一個視窗前拿到的診斷書，看到這個癌字時，真的是膝蓋發軟，差點坐到了地上。不要說心跳加速，呼吸困難，面無血色，那是魂不附體啊，嚇得呆了傻了！後來我聽醫生說，可以動手術切除，治癒率可高達百分百！但復發率高達百分之五十。前半段話是讓我暫時鬆了一口氣，但是後半段的話又讓我後背發涼。他說：“不要過於擔心，回家好好休養，注意飲食健康….”我一聽，這不是對要死的人講的話嗎？我們有過這些經歷的人，誰不是對要死的人這樣安慰的呢。“又完了”，死亡的恐懼再次包圍了我。此時我真是泰山壓頂，萬念俱灰。我開始想如何回家度過餘生，如何處理自己的後事，我還偷偷地開始寫遺囑。此刻在這裏，我先要感謝神，微創手術成功，癌細胞切除。感謝神讓太太Maggie買了一本關於癌症的書。挺厚的一本書，我現在只記得一句話，得癌症死掉的人，百分之八十都是被嚇死的。

我現在好了，半年內覆查了兩次，最後一次就是三星期前。在等化驗結果的那幾天，我平靜地向神禱告，我說：“神啊，我剛剛決志，剛剛準備追隨耶穌基督，還沒有洗清自己的罪，沒有來得及傳福音，我還要留在人間”。幾天後醫生打電話來通知：沒復發!

還有第二個神蹟。以前我是半個酒鬼來的。尤其在國內的這兩三年，我是在中國的酒文化裏生活的。為了不丟面子，除了在餐桌上舉杯，三天兩頭在家還要鍛練酒量。酒量是練出來了，壞毛病也冒出來了。脾氣長得最快。身體器官的各種小毛病也開始像雜草一樣叢生。夫妻感情逐漸枯萎。直到一個多月前的一天，我突然覺得我這樣喝酒神一定不喜歡，我不要做神不喜歡的事。感謝神，我就此戒了烈酒。我太太最近常說：“你變了，變好了，我越來越愛你！”多麼悅耳，多麼甜蜜的聲音啊。你們知道我的回答嗎？“是的，感謝主，全是神的恩典”。

慶幸重生，男兒彈淚

最後，我想和大家分享一個感覺。我發現自己的淚腺最近特別發達。一個人開車的時候只要想到耶穌，我就會眼睛酸酸的。在這裏只要唱到“三一頌”，我就會掉淚，只要聽一些牧師的講道和新的基督徒的見證，我就會哭泣。我是怎麼了，不是男兒有淚不輕彈麼？親愛的弟兄姐妹，我相信這是感激的淚，是流浪者走到了世界末路被人救起的那種感激，是失散多時的孩子終於找到了父母時的激動，是掙脫了死亡魔鬼的桎梏獲得重生的慶幸，是慈愛的天父溫暖的大愛對我們所有苦楚的理解，是我們擺脫了罪惡後的自由和喜樂。所以我們會流淚。感謝主，幸福的淚水是多麼的甘甜。感謝主，我真真的蒙福了。再一次感謝恩典教會，榮耀歸於神。

My name is Kent Zhang. I wish to thank our loving God for allowing me to stand before you – to proclaim my intention to accept Jesus Christ as my savior. May He abide in me as I abide in Him and glorify His name until eternity.

I want to express my thanks to my cousin Wang Cheng – he was the one who brought me to this church. Even when I rejected his invitations, his answer was always, “Thank you Lord. May your name be glorified!”

I believe that my family’s move to Sacramento was the will of God. Two months ago, we had no idea where we were headed. Our Almighty God guided us step by step toward this city – and unto His outstretched arms and warm embrace.

The first question on my baptismal application form was “How did you come to know Jesus Christ as your personal savior?” Here is my answer: In the past twenty years, I have heard Jesus’ name numerous time. I have been to Christian churches and Bible Study groups. I have also joined countless evangelical meetings. I cried profusely after hearing Bro. Zhang Boli’s testimony on his exile from China. Once I was already in line ready to be baptized when I asked the fellow right next to me, “What happens after our baptism?” His answer was, “After your baptism, you’re to emulate everything in Jesus’ life. ” I thought to myself, “Jesus was a holy man. I’m just a mere mortal. Moreover, I am still a bachelor – maybe I should find a wife first. ” I quickly exited the premise with a clever excuse. I continued to read biblical stories and watched several films about Jesus. However, my understanding of salvation was quite shallow and I was easily swayed by mass thinking and doubts.

Sometime ago, we had a major family crisis.My wife Maggie and I both felt we should seek help through a church. We called cousin Wang Cheng knowing that he is a devout Christian. With his encouragement, we embarked on the first step in our spiritual journey towards eternal life. The day was August 12, 2012, a Sunday.

Many of my friends asked me, “Why accept Christ at this stage of my life?” My foremost reason is “I am lost”.Frankly, I had my share of trials and tribulations. I had this “lost” feeling all my life. When I am became well established with a wonderful family and the “Five子blessings” [in Chinese traditions, the 5子’s refer to 車子(car)、銀子(money)、妻子(wife)、兒子(son)、房子(house)]. Why do I still have this “lost” feeling?” My friends joked that I am either facing a midlife crisis or in a pre-Alzheimer stage. Truthfully, I had to face many crises in my life: I had been found wanting as a family man; my bad temper had brought me much grief. I am also a born worrier, I worry about how to fit in a new environment. I have an intense fear of bodily deterioration and aging. I feel so helpless, weak and yes, lost. My Christian friends tell me that “God’s strength is manifested in man’s weakness” and that “The end of man’s schemes is the beginning of God’s mercy”. God has a way of dealing with proud people who live their lives oblivious to His presence. My pride has driven me to the edge of desperation and hopelessness. And as soon as I admitted that I am lost and I need Him, our loving God extends His helping hands. He offered me a path of life. But without your encouragement, I will not be standing here today. I am so grateful to all of you. As I read the gospels and spiritual books such as Li Cheng’s “Songs of a Wanderer”, I began to understand God’s perfect plan of salvation. His unconditional love for mankind culminated in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. His resurrection brings us hope of eternal life. All who confess their sins and accept Christ’s redemption will have everlasting life. On October 21, 2012, in our Beginners / Seeker’s class, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior. I know that I am now a child of God with all His promises.

This morning, I bask in the light of God, the love of Jesus and you as witnesses. I do not wish this to be just a fulfillment of duty. I shall encourage myself to make today’s pledge an everlasting one – that I will be eternally thankful to God. I shall worship Him in truth and testify His goodness before men.

I used to think that I have no miracles in my life. I admire others who have seen signs and wonders in their lives. That has all changed – God has bestowed upon me imprints of His miracles. I will cite two instances:

I am a cancer survivor. About a year ago, rectal cancer cells were detected during a routine physical examination. My X-rays revealed the dreaded “Big C”. I said to myself, “I am done! No doubt it’s a death sentence!” My knees started trembling and my heart began pounding. I had difficulty breathing and I turned pale all over. I was petrified and scared stiff. Then the doctor comforted me by assuring me that my survival odds are very high (almost 100%), unfortunately, the chances of recurrence is also high (above 50%). The prognosis spelled relief for me momentarily. It was followed by chills down my spines. The doctor gave me some good advice. Ironically, all these vacuous comforting words further affirmed that my end is near. My pressure mounted and my vision turned bleak. I was preoccupied with thoughts of my remaining days as I penned my last will and testaments.

At first, I kept my terminal ailments from my family. However, as the surgery date drew near, I grudgingly unveiled the horrific news to my wife Maggie. She was very helpful in taking care of all the preparations for my surgery. Thanks be to our cancer surgery was successful. Maggie bought me a self-help book on cancer. I perused the thick book, and one statistic caught my attention,”80% of cancer patients do not succumb to the disease, they are more likely to be scared to death!” Today, I stand before you a healthy person. I had two post-surgery exams, the last one took place just three weeks ago. As I waited for my test results, I prayed to God, “My Lord God, I accepted you as my personal savior just recently. I have a lot of growing up to do.Help me cleanse my sins day by day. Give me the chance to spread your “good news” to others. Please grant me more days to glorify you on earth. ” A few days later, I got the lab report, “No trace of cancer! Nothing! “

Then there is the second miracle. I was a heavy drinker when I was in China. Initially, I started drinking for social purposes. Soon, I was drinking heavily at home to improve my liquor tolerance. These abuses led to all kinds of physical ailments. I also became short-tempered and easily agitated, thus causing our marital relation to wither. About a month ago, I began to realize that God is surely displeased with my drinking binges. Since I have already made a decision to follow Jesus Christ, I should quit doing things that bring shame to Him. This resulted in my wife telling me recently, “You are a changed man. I love you more with the passing of each day.” These sweet nothings are music to my ears. I thank our dear Lord Jesus – for His saving grace and my unmerited favor”.

In conclusion, I wish to share an intimate feeling. Lately, I notice that I am quick to shed tears of emotion. For example, I was alone in my car one day, a radio sermon on Jesus’ grace made me cry as I reflect upon the cross. Sometimes, even a simple rendition of the doxology song instantly brings tears of thanksgiving and joy. What’s happening to me? I used to embrace the mantra “Real men shed no tears”. I believe that such tears of joy are shed by a vagabond who has reached the end of his rope; a loafer who is weary of wrestling with the devil; a wayward son who has returned to his father’s home.

With teary eyes, I thank God for blessing me with His gift of salvation. To Him be all the honor and glory!

 

妻子：劉軍勇（Maggie Liu）

養尊處優，天馬行空

我叫劉軍勇，軍人的軍，勇敢的勇。來自中國廣州。

大家聽到我的名字一定就會就猜出我出生在一個信仰共產主義的軍人家庭。我是生在新中國長在紅旗下，沒有經歷過饑荒和政治動亂的一代人；是從小就接受無神論和唯物論教育的一代人。

成年後，學業和工作都非常順利。從1991年起就在廣州鐵路集團機關工作，後來又自己經商多年，一直過著豐衣足食，養尊處優的生活，從不思考信仰的話題，認為那是貧困潦倒走投無路的人追求的東西。只相信個人奮鬥的我，就這樣逐漸形成了以自我為中心、驕傲自大天馬行空的個性。

巧遇聖徒，迂迴糾結

在2005年的一天，一個偶然的機會，我認識了我的鄰居Tony 先生一家，一個來自英國的英語教師。他送給了我一本聖經書，並邀請我和兒子到他家學習聖經和參加團契。在他家裏我第一次接觸聖經，並聽到有關上帝創造人經是外國人的文化，聖經是古代聖賢們寫下來勸導人們向善的神話故事而已。鄰居Tony家是一個組合家庭，他的家裏每天都充滿著和諧快樂的氣氛。他和太太的前後2次婚姻共有6個孩子，其中最小的一個女兒是患唐氏綜合症的孩子，生活不能自理，一刻都離不開媽媽的照顧。在我為他們的小女兒擔憂的時候，他們的眼睛充滿著光亮，告訴我說，他們的小女兒是上帝送給他們最特別的禮物！是上帝給他們的考驗。那時我就疑慮，上帝真有這麼大的力量，可以讓他們在常人眼裏看作不幸的事情，卻在他們的眼裏視為榮耀？殊不知，那時就是深愛我的主耶穌在我罪性深重，最需要拯救的時候向我伸出的手，而我卻完全不認主，只是客氣地應付著這位基督徒朋友向我發出的邀請。

由於我被罪蒙蔽了雙眼，完全憑著個人意志我行我素地追求自己的價值觀和人生觀，在接下來的幾年當中，魔鬼撒旦利用了我的軟弱操控我，使我生活在罪的深淵裏越陷越深不能自拔。我總是不改從小養成的驕縱自大的個性，認為自己所擁有的一切是個人努力勤奮創造得來，對上帝的恩賜視而不見，更不曉得感恩。這樣任憑魔鬼的引誘，放縱了自己的性情成了罪的奴僕。我現在認識我親愛的主，祂時刻愛護我這個罪人，祂從來都沒有放棄看護我這個叛逆不認罪孩子。在我生活中歷盡了兩次切膚之痛的教訓之後，祂又向我伸出了拯救之手。

我有一位多年未見的姨，她是我從孩提時起就認為最美麗，最溫柔的女性。三十幾年前，她懷孕時不慎吃了過量的止瀉藥，生下了一個智力殘缺的女兒，由此她背負了接近半輩子的愧疚和痛苦。夫妻關係因此也不和諧，她的生活一直痛苦不堪。在2006年，當我再次見到她時，她完全不是原來那個面容憔悴的樣子了，簡直像換了一個人，喜樂之情流露在美麗的臉上。她告訴我她找到了她的救主耶穌，是神的愛給了她和女兒生活的信心和勇氣！只要相信耶穌，我們就會得到永生。她還送我一本聖經書，並囑咐我每天向神禱告依靠神，神就會令我開心幸福。

儘管當時我又一次看到了一個真實的見證，看到了我們偉大的主是如何改變一個人生命的見證，可我還是不認主，自甘墮落地活在罪的黑暗裡不知悔過。尤其在最近幾年的生活當中，罪性更深的殘害著我，明明知道自己心裏有時被魔鬼操縱卻對牠無能為力，始終糾結在罪的黑暗裏常常感受不到快樂。這時，慈愛的主耶穌知道我的心思意念，祂再次憐憫我，將祂早就為我安排好的救恩計畫交給了我。

永恆呼召，認罪悔改

2012年七月，當我們全家來到Sacramento的時候，我先生的表弟王誠介紹我們全家來到了恩典教會。當我一踏進教會的大堂，聽到讚美耶穌的聖歌時，止不住熱淚流淌，仿彿有一雙溫暖的大手撫慰我疲憊的心，又像一股暖流融化著我堅硬的心。

接下來的每個週日，我都參加教會的主日敬拜和高騏老師的慕道班。教會裏弟兄姐妹的熱情和真誠的關愛感動了我，使我看到作為神兒女的喜樂，在他們身上看到了神的榮耀。感謝主！自從我參加了慕道班學習以後，我的內心寧靜了很多，我的家庭有了更多寧靜祥和的氣氛。感謝慈愛的上帝，每次當我家庭裏起了紛爭時，我的內心就有一個聲音向我說，你這樣做是神喜悅的嗎？這樣我就很快平靜下來反思自己的罪。有時當我對兒子的不自律不愛學習的行為焦慮時，我就學著向主禱告，禱告後我的心裏特別安寧踏實，我知道天上的主耶穌祂是萬能的神，祂一定會聽見我的禱告並應許我的禱告！就像我的家裏有一位至高無上的家長在管理著我讓我順服於祂，祂將愛和寬容賜給我，我從此活在充滿祂的光的照耀裏。

在此謝謝唐濤宗銀夫婦借給我的《永恆在召喚》這本書。它讓我看到了人類的真理，開啟了我的智慧，解開了我一直心存的疑慮。丁亞夫婦給我講見證令我感動，使我對寬容和愛有了進一步的渴求。教會眾多弟兄姐妹的熱情謙卑讓我看到作為神兒女的榮耀。感謝慕道班高騏老師和王老師的深刻細緻的講解，使我確信上帝是創造人類的唯一真神，祂把祂的獨生子耶穌降世為人，為了拯救人類被釘死在十字架上，用祂的寶血洗凈了我們的罪並三日後復活升天。叫一切信祂的不至滅亡，反得永生。

再要感謝我天上的父和主耶穌，祂賜給我寶貝兒子信心和勇氣，使他和我及先生Kent在同一時間裏(2012年11月4日)接受耶穌作為自己的救主，這是我人生最幸福美好的時刻。今天，我願意在眾多的兄弟姐妹和家人的見證下，謙卑的來到主耶穌的面前承認自己是個罪人，並接納耶穌作為我的救主，讓祂掌管我的一切，在餘下的生命當中，親近神，跟隨著主的旨意，事奉主榮耀主，做一個合神心意的基督徒。謝謝大家！

My name is Maggie Liu, my Chinese name literally means “Strong Soldier”. You can easily guess that I come from a Communist cadre’s family. I am a child of new China nurtured under the Red Flag。Even though my generation did not experience frequent famines and political turmoil, nonetheless, we were educated in the dialectics of atheism and materialism.

After smooth sailing through my educational process, I found a job at the Guangzhou Railroad Company. I subsequently started my own business which lasted for a few years. I enjoyed my material abundance and a respectable standard of living. However, I never really gave much thought to my spiritual beliefs. I often thought that religious beliefs are crutches for the poor and desperate. I can work hard and achieve success all by myself. Soon I became a proud, egotistic, self-absorbed and unrestrained person.

In 2005, I met my neighbor Tony and his family. He was an English teacher from England. He gave me a Holy Bible and invited my son and I to join their bible studies and fellowship meetings. It was my first exposure to the Bible – it was also the first time I heard about God’s creation and Jesus Christ’s death on the cross paving the way for our salvation. Although I was moved by Jesus’ sacrifice and love, I still felt these were traditional western folklores whose sole purpose was to preach kindness and goodness. Tony has a mixed family – he and his wife had six children from their previous marriages. Their youngest daughter was born with “Down’s Syndrome” and she required full-time care. As a witness to their struggles, my heart was deeply troubled. But they both felt the little girl was a special gift from God. I began to wonder how they could turn such misfortunes into blessings. They even gave all glory to God. Ｉdidn’t know that, God was using my neighbors to plant a seed of gospel in my life. It was His way of extending His gracious hands to me. However, each time I would politely reject the invitations of this lovely Christian family.

Sins had indeed blinded my vision. I chose to define my own values and to pursue lofty goals on my own terms. In the ensuing years, the devil took advantage of my weakness and soft spots. I sunk deeper into a bottomless pit. I could not change my deep-rooted sense of pride. I felt that the only way to attain fulfillment was through my own ability. I was totally oblivious of God’s blessings and living a life devoid of thanksgiving. The devil continued to tempt and control me – I became hopelessly enslaved to sin. Still, God never gave up on a rebellious child like me. He continued to reach out to me with His hands of mercy.

I have an aunt whom I have not seen for many years. She was the most beautiful and gentle woman I ever knew. About 30 years ago, while pregnant, she consumed an overdose of anti-diarrhea medicine and gave birth to a mentally-handicapped baby girl. She was ridden with guilt for half her adult life. Her marriage was ruined and her sufferings never let up. Then in 2006, I saw her again and what a changed person she was. Gone were her wrinkles and scrawny features. Her face exuded overflowing radiance and joy. She had found Jesus Christ – who gave her the faith and courage to face life’s many challenges. Trusting in Jesus brought her hope for this life and the afterlife. She also gave me a Holy Bible and prayed for me – that God will soon bless me with an abundance of joy. In spite of another witness sharing her life-changing testimony, I willfully chose to live in darkness with no feeling of repentance.

In the past few years, I sank even deeper into the depth of sin. I felt so helpless as I wrestled with the devil. The burden of sin weighed down on me and took away my joy of living. It was at this moment when our Lord Jesus Christ showed me His mercy once more. This time, my cold and hardened heart began to thaw. At long last, my soul felt an attraction towards His saving grace.

Our family moved to Sacramento in July, 2012. My husband’s cousin Wang Cheng brought us to Chinese Grace Bible Church. As we stepped into the sanctuary, I was deeply moved by the worship songs and tears of joy started rolling down my cheeks. I felt warmth caressing my restless soul. In the following Sundays, I joined the Beginners/Seekers’ Class. I began to understand how love among Christians reflects the glory of God. Praise the Lord! Since I joined the group, I felt peace and assurance in my heart. My home also became a place of solace and rest. Whenever there are petty arguments, I’d hear a faint voice asking me, “Are you glorying God?”. I would calmly admit my own shortcomings. Every time I focused my ire on my son’s faults, I would pray and seek God’s forgiveness for I know that our Almighty God listens to my prayers. I will honor Him as the Lord of our household who loves us and shines His light upon us.

I’d like to thank Bro. Tang Tao and Sister. Hao Zongyin for lending me the book entitled “Eternity is Calling”。The book opened my spiritual eyes to discern the true meaning of life. It also answers many of my questions concerning life. Bro. Liang Jinyou and Sister. Ding, Ya inspired me with their living testimonies. I am also encouraged by others who serve with humility in order to bring glory to God. I wish to thank Teachers Kao Chi and Rachel Wang for their awesome explanation of God’s salvation plan how He sent His only begotten son to die on the cross for the propitiation of our sins. His death, resurrection, ascension give us the hope of eternal life.

I thank our Heavenly Father for allowing our son Sam, and my husband Kent to take this step of faith of baptism as a family. I confess my sins before God with you as my witnesses. I accept Jesus into my heart as my personal savior. I resolve to follow Jesus for the rest of my life. I pledge to grow ever closer to our Lord and do His will. I will honor Him and bring glory to His name. Thank you!

兒子:朱穗濱（Sam Zhu,14歲)

我的中文名叫朱穗濱，英文名叫Sam。我出生在中國廣州，但是我不會說廣東話）。我是剛來美國三個月的一位新移民，在我媽媽和爸爸的帶動下，我每個週末都來到恩典教會學習聖經。 我第一次來到教會時，就被這裏的弟兄姐妹的熱情所感染，我喜歡他們臉上喜悅的笑容和真誠的話語。剛開始，由於聖經的道理太深奧，我有點聽不懂，但我有時和父母在家裏看看網站上牧師的講道，後來也參加了慕道班。高老師仔細的講解令我瞭解到，我們人類和整個宇宙都是上帝創造的，上帝是唯一的真神，上帝派祂唯一的兒子耶穌降世為人拯救我們人類，卻為人類釘死在十字架上，耶穌用他的寶血洗淨了我們的罪。

我真正想成為一名基督徒，是從我看了一集遠志明的佈道演講開始。那集的名字叫《我是怎麼認識主耶穌的》。他用他自己過去的一些經歷和苦難來見證了主耶穌基督的存在，當我看完這一集以後，心裏很感動，很快就有一個非常堅定的想法：我要決志信主！2012年11月4日在慕道班上，我就和媽媽劉軍勇一同決志接納耶穌作為我們個人的救主。

雖然我現在年紀還小，沒有經歷過什麼大神蹟，但是在我們家人都入了教會，親近了神耶穌以後，我家裏確實發生了一些“神蹟”。比如說，我以前總是喜歡頂撞媽媽，每次我媽媽說一句話我就要回她三句，現在我信了主沒有那麼不懂事了，也不頂撞媽媽了。我心裏好像知道對父母不孝順不是神喜悅的。還有，我媽媽好像心情開朗了許多，說話也溫和了許多。我們有時不開心的時候，馬上就檢查自己的“罪”，家裏很快就變得寧靜和快樂了。

以前我接受的教育說我們人類是由猴子演變而來的，我現在不認為我的祖先是猴子了，我相信我們是由上帝創造的，上帝才是我們人類真正主人! 世界上所有的事物都是由上帝親手創造的。我願意接納耶穌作為我個人的救主。

當我成為一名基督徒之後，我的整個人生也將會隨之改變。因為從那開始，我將按照上帝的旨意來行事，我要做一個榮耀神的好兒子，相信我自己也會每天很喜樂，心裏充滿了上帝的愛，用這種愛去愛別人。我願意成為上帝所用的工具，我要去帶領更多的人到您的面前得到一個全新的生命。謝謝大家！

My name is Sam Zhu (14). I was born in Guangzhou, China. I am an immigrant who has been in the US for only about three months. I come to worship God with my parents on Sundays.

The first time I set foot in CGBC, I instantly felt the warmth of our brothers and sisters. Their smiling faces and their friendly greetings are truly “contagious”. At first, I had a hard time understanding the profound concepts in the Bible. I spent time studying the scriptures on the internet. I also listened to streaming sermons with my parents. Subsequently, I joined the Beginners/Seekers’ class. Teacher Kao Chi’s explanation of the biblical truths truly enlightened me. I began to understand the marvels of God’s creation and His salvation plan through the birth of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross also cleanses me of all my sins.

After watching Pastor Yuan Zhiming’s series on “How I Come to Know Jesus”, I affirmed my desire to be a Christian. Pastor Yuan used his past trials and tribulations to testify the presence of Jesus Christ in his life. I was deeply moved after watching the complete series. My beliefs were strengthened and I resolved to be a Christian. On November 4 of last year, Mother and I accepted Jesus as our personal savior.

At my young age, I have not really experienced many signs and wonders. However, ever since we started worshiping God as a family, we have expereinced many “miracles”.For instance, I used to delight in arguing with Mom on trivial issues. For every word she said, I would rebuff her three times over. Since I accepted Christ as the Lord of my life, I do not engage in such petty arguments any longer. I know that God does not delight in me if I continue to show disrespect for my parents. Soon, I obtained a new perspective that Mom is not such a “nagger” after all. She has also become more loving and affectionate in her demeanor. As we all reflect on our shortcomings and confess our sins before God, our family has become a restful abode filled with joy.

My earlier education inculcated in me the theory that mankind evolved from monkeys. Today, I no longer subscribe to such a belief. God created us in His image and He is the Lord of our life. He created the whole universe and everything in it. He loves us so much that He sent His beloved Son to atone for our sins. I am willing to embrace His son Jesus Christ as my personal savior.

When I became a Christian, my whole life was transformed. I began to seek and follow God’s will. I want to be a child of God who glorifies Him. My heart is filled with a desire to love and care for others. I resolve to be God’s instrument to bring more people before Him – so that they, too, can enjoy a new and transformed life. Thanks, everyone!