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Written by Geoff Chan Friday, 04 December 2009 16:17

Dr. Li was a bright, young orthopedic surgeon in China and a devout Buddhist when he came to Richmond to study. When he first came to the Chinese Bible study, he was arrogant and proud.  But God placed believers around him, including his professor, landlord, and close friends.  During the next two years, we witnessed his change in personality, and he became a follower of Jesus Christ in 2002.  He also became a humble man, with a servant’s heart. The transformation in Dr. Li’s life is a perfect example of the life-changing power of God.  Dr. Li was baptized at Immanuel, and after they moved to Minnesota, I had the privilege of leading his wife to Christ as well.  They are active in a local church, and this December they will be going to Chicago to attend a national mission conference for Chinese believers.

Mr. Y was a university English teacher in China in 2002 when he came to a local university as a visiting scholar.  Through a Christian couple who heard about the Chinese Ministry at Immanuel, we invited Mr. Y to our Friday night Bible study and eventually to our Sunday worship.  Mr. Y. even joined us for a retreat over the Memorial Day weekend.  Shortly after that, Mr. Y accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, and was baptized at Immanuel before he returned to China.  The last time we heard from Mr. Y, he has returned to school to get his doctorate degree, and was doing research on the translation of the Bible from the original language into Chinese.

Dr. Z was an engineer in China who had come to America to do research, first in Texas, then in Richmond.  He and his wife were brought to Immanuel by their neighbors.  Dr. Z opened his heart to follow the Lord in 2004.  Over the next two years, the Lord worked in the life of Mrs. Z, who eventually trusted Christ as her Savior as well.  After a short stay in California, they returned to China where he is now a professor in a leading university.  They are active in a house church that serves the university and young professional community.

These are some of the stories among the 83 professions of faith and 69 baptisms that the Lord has blessed this church during the ten years of Chinese Ministry at Immanuel.  Each of these precious souls has a unique story to tell.  Each of these lives that have been changed is a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness.

Today Immanuel celebrates an important milestone.  It was ten years ago, on December 5, that the first Chinese worship service was held at this church.  During these years, Immanuel had a front row seat in seeing God worked in miraculous ways to bring about life-changing decisions.  Immanuel is thankful for the many co-laborers who had been channels of God’s blessings

As we move into a new decade, may the Lord renew Immanuel’s vision and increase our resolve in bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those that have come from a foreign land.