INTRODUCTION OF ONE CHINESE FAMILY
Michael Xu, my lovely son and I, Renee Kong as an academic visitor come from Shenzhen, China and stay in Preston only half year under the exchange program between Shenzhen University and University of Central Lancashire. We have wonderful time here; especially we have one warm church family.
1n 1995 as a graduate student I furthered my study ‘Economic Engineering’ in the Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. In 1995 I married Bin Xu who was the PhD candidate of ‘Optical Engineering’ in the Ruhr-University Bochum. On the 7th June 1997, Michael was born in the Elizabeth hospital, Bochum. After graduation in April 2000 we flied to San Jose, California, USA because my husband was hired by the company ‘JDSU’ and in the end of 2000 we moved to Dallas, TX, USA because Bin changed his job in one start-up company. In Dallas, our whole family got the most precious gift- God’s salvation. We were called by God and grew up in the ‘Dallas Chinese Bible Church’. In 2003, we came back to Shenzhen China because my husband started his new career in this young and active city. And we worshiped God in the ‘Fellowship of Jinshanbieshu’ which is one international and growing up church because of the increasing new believers and sisters and brothers from different countries.
We come to the Fulwood Methodist Church after the invitation of Sister Janice Astley whom we met by accident in the front of the main gate of Archbishop Temple High School on our second arriving day in Preston because we wanted to apply for one year 7 position for Michael in this school. Even though we had no chance at that time because of the full admission number for Michael age group, Janice still tried her best to support us and encourage us. She warmly invited us to Fulwood Methodist Church when we tried to find one right church with Sunday school that is the most favourite place for Michael.
On the 7th September we went to the church with a little nervous and on the way imagined how the church looked like etc… When arriving the church, we were welcomed by the brothers and sisters in the front gate. After seeing us, Janice introduced her mom and other teachers of Sunday school such as Ken and Delma to us. When Ken and Tony knew about Michael’s music talent, they helped him to arrange the piano practice time and asked Michael to show piano before the service. We immediately recognized we are not alone if we need help because we have many friends in this lovely church family. On this day Michael got the new bible for youth, which is necessary for us during staying in UK, from the church without expectation.
Michael and I were deeply impressed by worship services of Fulwood Methodist Church because of the lively form involving by all payers during the service and teaching only following the words of God. In particular, the service on Harvest Day showed the boundless love to the people in need; the service with plenty high quality music performances showed the amazing gifts to our brothers and sisters from our heavenly Father; and the service on Memorial Day showed the passion, respect and remembrance to the solders for keeping the peace, judge and freedom in the world. Meanwhile, we appreciated the kindness and trust of brother Peter who arranged Michael to collect the offering during the service. At that moment, Michael was so excited and felt the strong responsibility to do something for the church. He was very joyful and peaceful in God’s love.
Time runs very fast. About 3 months later, we will come back to Shenzhen China. I am sure we will miss the brothers and sisters of Fulwood Methodist Church very much. Even though we cannot stay with you often physically, we can pray each other in Jesus’ name, communicate in Holy Spirit, and feel love and care forever.
Renee Kong
This article has been printed just as Renee wrote it. How we wish our foreign languages were as good!
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