I. Pre­-Conversion

I think that every human being would seek God, if his conscience has not been seared as with a hot iron (1 Tim 4:2). God made us from one man. God made us to seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him because he is not far from each one of us, for in him we live and move and have our being. We are God’s offspring  (Ac 17:26-28). I am a man who is a wretch (Rom 7:24). (I could write ten pages to describe in detail what a wretch I am, but I think it is better to keep it between me and God, because he knows my heart. But if someone is interested we could discuss it).

Though I am wretch, yet I am a man who has the consciousness to seek God. I was a Buddhist. True Buddhists never worship Buddha, but they treat him as a wise man, as he told us.  It took me a very long time–in the first year after I converted to Christianity–to figure out why Buddhism has so much similarities to Christianity. It confused me for quite a long time. But what I am very sure about is the reason why Buddhism was so attractive to me and why it made me more motivated to seek God. The reason is that I saw a glimpse of God’s glory through Buddha’s teaching. But my heart could not be filled. I was not being loved. I felt as though I was still an orphan in the universe. But that glimpse of God’s glory opened my heart to Jesus. He is the son of Man, and the Son of God, whom I wish to marry today during my baptism.

II. Conversion

Rather than say it is my conversion, I would say how I came to know more about God. I believe there is only one true God. My favorite song is “You raise me up,“ even when I was a Buddhist. Strange, huh? But it is true. I am influenced quite a lot by a prestigious monk in China. He even teaches the Rosary, which is a form of prayer used in the Catholic Church. I believe God is everywhere, and he led me even though I was not a Christian.

I thank God that God brought me to Chicago. God brought me to UICCCF, the Chinese Christian fellowship at UIC. And I thank every servant of God servant in the fellowship. I made a confession to Jesus in this fellowship. I have come to know more about God during Bible reading, praying with brothers and sisters, through fellowship, through every life influence and life experience, and through the miracle that God has done in my heart and life.

Then I found a lovely church – West Loop Church. The diversity of this church shows God’s glory. We have more than 12 different nationalities, ethnicities or backgrounds. It truly shows that God’s love, God’s grace and the gospel is universal.

Thanks to Dr. Ben and Rhoel and Hannah. We have had lots of Bible studies and meetings. I really enjoyed and benefited a lot from all that I learned in our conversations. Whenever I was worried about something and really wanted to know how God’s will would lead me, I could talk to them. And every such conversation and prayer makes me know more about God. God gives us the church. God wants to let “life influence life,” and as a young Christian, I am influenced a lot by them.

III. Dreams and Goals in Christ

My dreams and goals in Christ are to pray to God that God could use me to be his loyal servant with a firm faith and that I could be an influential person on the campus. I pray to be the blessing to others, and to be respected even by atheists. I pray to be a witness of Jesus Christ to everyone who knows me.

I thank God for all things, for every verse, every song, every prayer, every friend, every hardship and every manna that God gives me and touches me with. I am your son. Please make me holy and be the noble prince that you created me to be.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now I am found

Was blind but now I see.

I am ready, and please baptize me. Amen!