Wk09 - In a Prison Camp

During China’s cultural revolution, my father was studying to be a doctor but had

to quit because of Sabbath conflicts. He began assisting Pastor David Lin with

translating Ellen White books.

In 1958, both he and Pastor Lin were arrested and sent to Mao’s brutal labor

camps. Their crime? Sharing their faith.

Some time later my mother was also arrested--and sent to a different labor camp. During the next 10 years, they saw each other for a total of 15 minutes. But both my mother and father remained faithful to God and each other.

During his time in prison, my father was forbidden to worship or have any

Christian resources. But hidden in a pocket was a small book in which he had written from memory many favorite Bible passages. It was more precious than gold.

I learned of God’s grace and trustworthiness through my parents. And my father’s little book taught me the importance of God’s word.

Today I serve as secretary of the Chinese Union Mission. And I know that I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the faithful example of my parents who, despite incredible adversity, stayed faithful to the One who is ever faithful.

Thank you very much for joining us. We’re very curious. Do you still have that little notebook?

Yes.

How much did this little notebook mean to you while you were in the camp?

One time he was able to visit a home because he wrote all the Bible passages in this small booklet. As he was doing his daily routine, he memorized this and gave him a lot of encouragement.

I must ask, you were put into the camp for sharing your faith, but you still shared your faith while you were in the camp. What kept you going? Why did you do this?

When he was very young, he thought about his life. You grow up, get married, have children, and eventually die. He felt life is meaningless until he accepted Jesus. Jesus came into his heart. Then, he knew that Jesus is all he wanted in his life. So that kept him going even after he was put into prison.

After he became a Christian he was really happy and wanted to tell everyone about his beliefs. Even in the labor camp, that fire is still inside him he wanted to tell others.

How do you feel now, looking at the Adventist Church and seeing that your son is the Secretary of the Chinese Union Mission?

I’m very happy that my son can participate in the church work. He wants to tell everyone that we are at the end of this age. Satan is working very hard to draw everyone away from Jesus’ truth. He wants to encourage everyone to hold on to God’s truth until the end.

We are so honored and we want to thank you for sharing your story with us. Thank you.