My name is Sandy. Like many growing up in China, I was raised in a Buddhist household. When my family came to the United States, they continued their belief in Buddhism. When I got married and had my own family, I worshipped Guanyin in my home.

Over the years, my Christian friends had invited me to their church, and I had attended a few times. Even though I went to church with them, I was not ready to become a Christian. I felt that if a person was kind-hearted, treated people with respect, and did not do bad things in life, it did not matter what they believed.

About three years ago, I participated in Sunday worship at Chinese Grace Bible Church for a couple months. A sister from the church gave me a Bible, but I felt that if I read the Bible, I would be unfaithful and disrespectful to Guanyin. I was afraid that Guanyin might not be happy that I betrayed her. However, part of me also felt that if I no longer believed in Guanyin, that I might be able to accept Jesus. This had been an ongoing internal struggle for many years. When my mother found out I had been going to church, she disapproved believing that I should follow Buddhism.

In July 2017, I decided to go back to Chinese Grace Bible Church. Somehow, my heart wanted to get to know God and Jesus Christ. I felt the need to give thanks to God for everything that He had provided my family and myself. I am not a strong minded person and often worry. When I came back to the church this time to hear God’s word through the pastors, my feelings began to change. I am now very focused on listening to the pastors. I sing with my heart, and I am at peace. I am constantly touched by the Holy Spirit and often cry because of his presence. I have never felt anything like this before. I know very well that the Lord is calling me to follow him. From the Bible, I realize that God is the Creator of all things in this world. Everything we have is God’s blessing. Exodus 20:3 states, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:5 states, “You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” The Bible shows that there is only one true God in this world and he is our Heavenly Father. I am very grateful that there is only one true God in this world. When I came back home, I removed the Guanyin from its pedestal. I didn’t feel unfaithful and disrespectful to Guanyin because I knew that the road ahead of me is the path that Jesus wants me to follow.

The Bible led me to realize that I am a sinner. I could not meet the standards God had set for me. God is kind, compassionate, and righteous. On October 14th, 2017, I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior. Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins. His death on the cross has cleansed me of my sins. I have reconciled with God and have become a child of God. This is the grace God has given me.

In the past last few months, I found myself slowly changing in my life. Whenever I feel worried, in need of guidance, or spiritually weak, I will pray for God’s help, mercy, and guidance. When I get up in the morning, I like to listen along to songs to praise the Lord. Every Sunday, I look forward to going to church and worshiping the Lord; I attend Sunday school and the couple’s group fellowship. I have met many brothers and sisters in the couple’s group fellowship. Their kindness and encouragement make me feel very welcomed. Even though my daily life is more busy than before, my heart is at peace and full of joy.

Today, I declare before the people that I wholeheartedly offer myself to Jesus Christ. I am willing to give my life to the Lord’s hand, follow him for life, and obey his teachings. May the Lord lead me and guide me to be a Christian who is humble and who loves God and others.