Peace be with you, brothers and sisters!

My name is Wang Chun Lan. My English name is Cindy. Twenty years ago, I came to the US from the Guizhou province in southwestern China. Through the years, God had sent many friends to share the gospel with me, but I had always been indecisive and hesitant. A series of life experiences led me to rethink this more seriously. My move to the city of Sacramento was a turning point. I realized that I had found the answers to many of my lifelong questions. I also found my spiritual home here. So, today as I stand before God and all my brothers and sisters, I am filled with overflowing joy as I receive my holy baptism – to become a devout Christian. This is a gift that only God can bestow. I am so thankful to Him for this moment – the happiest moment of my life!

Before making my decision to accept Christ’s saving grace, I was a muddled little lamb who had gone astray. Recalling my days in L.A. and Miami, Florida, I joined numerous church activities and met many friends who exuded fervor and kindness. They made me feel that the church is a place filled with joy and vitality. They also provided me with the warmth and comfort of an extended family. However, in the midst of this uncommon overwhelming happiness, questions and doubts lingered in my mind. My atheistic background ingrained in China remained a difficult hurdle. It was very difficult for me to accept the Christian God as the only true God. With no desire to study the Bible with intention and an open mind, I kept reverting to the notion that “life is just a series of events determined by a “preeminent being who decides our fates”. I clearly felt the existence of a “spiritual realm”. Nevertheless, is there a true monotheistic God? Or do there exist a pantheon of gods and demigods? Moreover, what are their appearances and forms? Also, due to the humdrum of my busy days, I kept restraining myself from taking the next step.

I’m thankful to God for bringing me here to afford me more time to think freely. My decision to go to Florida forced me to leave the company I had served for many years. I also lost the work environment I liked a lot. In spite of all these sacrifices, I did not obtain the happiness I had wished for – the fulfillment of a perfect relationship. Instead, they turned into the most exhausting, perplexing and helpless days of my life. The pains and frustrations were unbearable. But I soon realized that I must remain strong, in order to regain my self-image a wee bit at a time. The first order of business was to reestablish my professional life. After a series of setbacks and failures, I felt like I was stumbling through a fog and dredging through mud. I silently called out to God for help and guidance. God heard my cry and He charted a path for me. In a very short span of time, I found an ideal job which befits me perfectly. This was followed by a quick and smooth move to Sacramento. Although my life here is not devoid of shortcomings, I know that God will lead me every step of the way. He will settle me down and grant me inner peace and tranquility.

Following God’s divine plan, I moved to Sacramento in late October of last year. Being a newcomer in the city with no friends, my life of solitude was very lonesome. A distant Christian friend suggested that I go visit some local churches. Just before Thanksgiving Day, I came to Chinese Grace with a casual “look-and-see” attitude. I was heartily welcome by many church friends who showered me with love and friendship. And I readily felt the warmth of a church family. Late last year, I began attending the Seekers’ classes on Sundays. Teacher Daniel offered me a lot of help as I began to understand the basic tenets of Christianity. I learned why our triune God (Father, Son and Spirit) is the only true God in the entire universe. Furthermore, my perplexing questions were answered and my lingering doubts dissipated. Questions like, “Where do humans come from?” , “What is man’s life purpose on earth?”, “Where are we headed in the future?”, “What is the true meaning of life?”. These are questions which have troubled me for many years as I struggled to find answers. Somehow, no one close to me cared enough to seek nor had the answers.

I have come to an understanding of the scripture verse in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. Our Lord, Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. His precious blood washes away our sins. His redemption enables us to be reconciled with God, the Father. Today, I stand before you and admit that I’m a sinful person saved by grace. All that I am and all that I have come from God. I resolve to commit the rest of my life in our Lord’s hand. May God continue to lead me and provide me the ability to serve Him.

Thanks be to God, as I proclaim my faith in Romans 3:23-24. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus”. When I opened my heart and trust in the Lord, all my doubts were cast away. As I yearn deeply to know God, I am also made aware that following God does not insure a smooth and trouble-free life. I will have my share of failures and pains. And when such things happen, I know that He who possesses power beyond me is always in control. There will also be times of weakness, lack of faith and disobedience. But through daily prayers, I will remind myself of God’s faithfulness. His plans are better than my plans. He will always make the best arrangements for my life.

I am so thankful for our Sunday services and worship time together. I especially love the praise and worship hymns we sing. Oftentimes, these wonderful songs would remain with me through the rest of the week. I get to savor the comfort and serenity once more. Through the inspiring lyrics, I ponder upon His word as I seek His truths and directions. I thank God for my renewed hope. I no longer feel lost walking in darkness. He gives me the hope and strength to face my future by simply trusting Him. Knowing God also made me realize what a wonderful life I have. With total openness and acceptance, I receive Jesus Christ as my personal savior into my heart. Praise God for teaching me how to pray before Him with devotion. I pray that He will continue to lead me onward. May God grant me the strength to worship Him and to serve others in His name, especially in sharing the gospel with others.

My baptism today symbolizes my salvation and rebirth – a most joyful beginning indeed! It is also my open testimony of God’s grace and mercy in my life. May our Lord Jesus’ precious blood wash away and cleanse all my sins and iniquities. I resolve to obey God’s commands – to be a humble, holy, loving, and devout Christian.

Thank you for witnessing the beginning of my new life in Christ today!

April 16, 2017 at Chinese Grace Bible Church in Sacramento