FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
by Audrey Folkenberg
Mr. Zhang* lived comfortably by Chinese standards. He had a virtuous wife, lovely children, and the admiration of family and friends. However, Mr. Zhang felt empty and depressed. Wealth, a harmonious family, and status within the community didn’t satisfy his needs.
His journey was recently revealed by a Florida Conference-sponsored indigenous pioneer missionary in China who ministered to Mr. Zhang and shared this testimony:
“Occasionally, Mr. Zhang came to our church and health center for Chinese herb therapy. He believed this therapy might help release him of his burdens. I served him, and he shared his story with me during the therapy. I always encouraged him to return for more therapy since I could see he truly trusted me.
“One day, I shared Mr. Zhang’s situation with another pioneer missionary with whom I am still working. We decided to ask some of our Adventist brothers and sisters to join us in reaching out to Mr. Zhang the next time he returned for therapy.
“A few days later, Mr. Zhang came again. He made many new friends this time as we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. We also told him the reason we have happiness and peace is because we have Jesus. As we spoke of Jesus, Christianity, and our church, Mr. Zhang did not resist. We even invited him to attend our church the next Sabbath, and he came.
“Soon, it became evident that God was making a difference in Mr. Zhang’s life. We began to see God shining through him. Even his family and colleagues came to us and spoke of the tremendous change they saw in him. He had become a bright person. He found a new way to live because God was now his hope. He praised God for everything. Mr. Zhang was physically, mentally, and spiritually healed!
“Can a human change the markings on a leopard? I cannot. Can man create a new heart and a new mind? I cannot. But God can! And that’s exactly what He did in Mr. Zhang!”
Florida Conference members, friends, Sabbath School classes, and churches are working toward the goal of supporting 130 pioneer missionaries in China. With only 20 sponsorships yet to be filled, thrilling reports already reveal that 1,200 individuals have been baptized.
“It’s unbelievable, when compared to our standard of living, that it only takes $1,500 to help fund a Bible worker/church planter in China for an entire year,” says Phil Bond, Florida Conference Development and Planned Giving Director. “That’s an amazingly low cost to help support a faithful worker with the high calling of bringing souls to Jesus!”
Video clips and more information about Florida Conference’s Mission to the Cities/China projects are available at env-floridaconference-fcoldweb.kinsta.cloud/missiontothecities
*Name changed to protect Mr. Zhang’s identity.