More than three years ago when I first came to Canada, like most of the newcomers, I felt so excited and also a little bit insecure. Because it's a totally new environment for us, we have the language barrier and we barely know anybody here to ask for help. However, we got another opportunity to start a new life here, so I asked myself: What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? At that time I did not know anything about The Bible, and had zero knowledge about Christ. Later on, I made some friends and some of them are Christian, they loaned me their Bible, and that was the first time God knocked at my door, but my heart was not open yet, I was still living a purposeless sinful life.

Then about one year later, I went back to school and I got the chance to attend Dave and Kathy's Bible study at York University, and some time later, I also got the chance to go to Steve and Bea's small group on Sunday. During those times, I learned a lot about God from the study and some personal stories we shared. Now I have been attending Bible study for about one year, the more time I spend on the Bible study, I feel the closer God draws me. From The Bible I learned that God is love; from The Bible I found the answer to my questions. It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Step by step, my door starts to open.

And then I got Christian books from my Christian friends, and those books made me really think about the meaning of life, the purpose of life. God says, "I know what I am planning for you, I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future." God has showed miracles to me, I believe in God, I want a good future, I want to live a purpose driven life and I finally made up my mind. I want to be a sheep who listens to the shepherd's voice, I want to follow Jesus.

When I told my friends about my decision, the greatest decision I've ever made in my life. They were very happy for me; those who are not Christian asked question like, "what's the benefit of following Jesus?" And I told them "you will have relationship with God and you get eternal life, what's better than that?"

Now when I look back in my life, I see how amazing God is. I am very thankful to God for everything God has done to save me, so here I am. Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you. I commit my sin and my life into your hands. Amen!

I would like to share with everyone my story of how I became a Christian.

Throughout my life I didn’t believe that there was God in the world; I believed evolution as it was taught as truth in China. However, when I read some English books, a word “Bible” appeared frequently. Though I had never read this book, I knew that it was a book about God, and it was very popular in Western countries.

Before I immigrated to Canada, I had worked in a coastal area of China. In order to study English, I listened to some radio programs abroad; therefore, I had a chance to understand a little of the Gospel and had interest in the Bible. A Christian unit in HongKong sent Bibles to its audience freely, so I wrote to them and asked for some Bibles. Not only did I want to have one Bible, but I also wanted to present it to some friends, because I thought that at least the book represented Western culture. Unfortunately, there was no response to my letter, so I forgot it as time passed.

Interestingly, 2 days before I flew to Canada, I went to visit a friend. The family was very happy when they heard that I was going to Canada. When I left the family, the wife asked me to wait for a moment. I heard that she was praying for me. Then she opened the door and presented me with a book. That book was my first Bible. I had read some stories in the Bible, but I just considered them, stories.

In January, 2004, one of my friends in Canada introduced me to his church in downtown Toronto. That was the first time I went to Church. However, because I hadn’t adapted to the atmosphere in church, I didn’t go to church again, though the people were very enthusiastic to me. Until June, 2004, I went to TMCCC at my friend’s invitation. That day, the pastor preached excellently. It ignited my interest to understand more about Christians, so I continued to come. Last year, I’ve made a very important decision that changed my life forever; that is to commit to God, and I came to church frequently since then. But I found that I still had questions and could not completely believe in Christianity. Even though, I have changed myself in some aspects, for example, I become more peaceful, more open-minded, like to help others more. Last August, I transferred to the English congregation, and very often since then I attended English worship. Besides, I also took part in a volunteer group organized by Ian and Karen; I studied a lot of Bible there.

Now I believe in Jesus totally. That decision led me to apply for baptism 2 weeks ago. I know that I have to discipline myself more strictly in the future. But I know what I should do, in order to follow our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the journey to be a Christian, many people have helped me. Especial thanks to Rachel, Ian, Karen, Jack, Pastor Lee, peter, Grace, Alex, Bernard and all the members of both in mandarin fellowship and English fellowship. Thank you very much!

Experience Love and God

It was due to a lost Bible, I got to know this lady. Two years ago in July, I worked as a volunteer in the TMCCC. Chen, a missionary, who gave me a Bible. Than asked me: "we do not know who left this Bible in our church, and would you mind call the contact person's number on the Bible?" When I opened the Bible, on the last page, there was some contact information, which were two phone numbers. The owner of the Bible wrote it very clear. I looked at the hand writing, I guess he or she should be a senior citizen.

When I made phone call, a lady answered the phone. I thought she was the Bible owner's family member. But she said, none of her family member lost a Bible, also none of her family member go to Chinese Church. Something was strange here! I thought to myself: "But it was very clearly written of the two phone numbers, so how could this be wrong?!" Than how did this Bible come to our church? While I am wondering how the Bible got here. Just after a few moments, she drove to our church.

She looks small, shine and gentle, short hair reached her ear, with golden eye glasses, and heavy two Lake Chinese accent, like a young lady appear in front of me. I looked at her appearance and dress, I know that she is from a wealthy family. On her face I can tell she is tired (mind and body).

This Bible belongs to her father-in-law. Her father-in-law and herself are Christians. But he went back to India for a long time already. Other family members do not know Chinese, even though they are Christians, they would not come to Chinese church. Lost and fund of this Bible was a very interest thing. I am very interested to find out how this happen!

I will not give up searching for the answer, until I am satisfy with the result, especially this is regarding a lost Bible! I believe nothing happens by chance, it must have a reason and purpose. How can we understand God in our simple mind?

She shared her sad story with me after we chat. Her name is Chon Mai. She became faithful Christian when she is 11 years old. She was in India at that time. Her family and her husband’s family were dentists for many generations. She studied dental care in many countries. She got her doctor degree after many years of studies. She is married for more then 10 years. Her husband and she love each other. Her husband is her classmate in her university. She used her sweet and kind heart, and high grades to win her husband’s heart. Two of them opened a family dentist office in Toronto. They have been operating dental clinic for 7 years. The business was quite stable. Half year ago, her husband left her for other woman. Her husband left her family. They did not know where is he. She did not hear anything from her husband for half year. The dental office almost closed. A few times she was thinking to close the dental clinic.

She was in stable and peaceful world before this incident happened. Her world became unstable, worried. She can not believe what had happened to her. From university until her husband left, they never separate. No matter where they are at home, in the office, they are always together. He is just like her shadow always beside her. This man is her first love, the only man in her life. He disappeared in one morning. Her brain was bland in that moment. She pray everyday. The only thing she said to God was: "God, why this happened? God, why this happened?"

God let her keep quieted. She did what God wants her to do. Her patients thought the doctor (her husband) was away for further study. The dental office was missing a chair side assistant. There is no other things changes in the dental office. It runs as smooth as it used to be. She goes to work as usual. When she is in church, her tears drop on her face. She cried in God’s house.

In past half year, she lives like a human during the day. She lives like a ghost at night. She is scared of the dark. The darkness just like tens of thousands arrows went through her heart. She could not fall asleep at night. From cupid lady became slim lady. Her parents worries about her. They asked her brother to move to her house to be her company. She asks, "God where is that kind, warm, and handsome and hummer doctor? Where is the man that goes to school with me, grow up together, experience difficulties with me, who treat me like a princesses?" All of the sudden, in one morning, he took a few cloths and left. There is no sign of he is going to leave. He left her without any notice and sign.

Half year has passed, she did not hear anything from her husband. In this moment, she has one word from God, and she stick on it. That is: "forgive him, because he did not know what he did." She did not hate what her husband did to her. She was worry about him. He does not have money on him. He did not withdraw money from his bank account. The weather is cold. She is thinking how he goes through his day. She is wondering what power makes him so brave to leave home. Every night, she asked God our father, "why did you do thisthis to me? What you want me to do? What I am going to do without my husband? If I close the dental office, the doctors and nurses who work in the office, they will lose jobs. What are they going to do with their family?" She has many things on her mind. She said to God, "please be with me, don’t let me down."

Two ladies were chatting in the church office almost two hours, and then I told her that: "Believe me; he will come back to you." She asked: "When? I said: Chinese New Year." She asked: "Why?" I answer: "there is no reason but it is." She asked again: "How do you know?"

I answered: "Don’t you know this lost Bible leads you to somewhere? It must be God’s will to lead you here." She answered: "You are right. Without this Bible, I will not be here!" Than she laughed. Her eyes smile, she is very pretty. She said: "if my husband comes back to me, I will let you know first."

According to her description about her husband, and I look at her husband’s picture, I can read his mind from his eyes. I am sure he will come back.

Since then we became good friends. She called me very often in the middle of the night. Her voice was low when she called. I knew her weeped. All her family and her husband’s family said, "let him go away, as far as he could." She said: :Only you told me he will come back to me."

We often hand in hand pray together for her marriage, her future and her husband. We believe God has mercy on us even in difficult times. God let us learn lessons, changes us through difficult times.

She forgive her husband, besides Christian’s forgiveness, patient and love, she still has hope and liable to her husband. I have not seen her dental office that time. I can not imagine a woman like her can run a big dental office.

I was worried if she can go through this incident happen to her. I told her that your life is too smooth, did not go through any difficulties; you rely on your husband too much. Maybe God want you to learn a lesson from this. She never been to China, she do not understand before God wants to use him, or her, He or she has to go through difficulties. Before God give you responsibilities, He prepares our hearts to face difficulties. Otherwise, we will blow away by wind, die under the sun or die of dry land. There is a song says: "if you do not go through heavy storm how can you see a rainbow." She told me she never heard of it. I told her that if you compare your neighbors, and new immigrants from China, you have today’s success is their dream! It could be a dream that will never come true in their life. We need to learn to be thankful! You provide many people jobs in your office, share your success. This is a job that glorifies God and benefit people. You never work for someone, not even work for your father. You life is too smooth; you never experience sweet, bitter, sour and spicy in your life. Today, you have experienced that. In the future, you will appreciate life’s sweetness and bitterness.

Short after her husband left, everything in the house, in the office she has to handle them by herself. How can a weak girl handle it? We pray to God to help her handle these things, and at the same time, I think God gives this opportunity to test her wisdom and ability. We should thank God for that. We do not have to worry about her husband, let God worry about him. Let him br crazy, God will make him rethink about his life; let him experience what is life through these things. God let you learn to trust Him and to be strong when you have no one to rely on. Let God loving fire lit from me to others. This sad love story is seems like an unfortunate thing, but it is God’s mercy. I am consulting others at the same time, I learn from them.

Chon Mai speaks like a child, she is saying: "you are right, God said: forgive, trust, hope and patient." She repeats again.

During her husband’s absence, her dental office has no husband’s support, short one doctor. This dental office did not fail, but doubled patients! She renovated her office, paint it in pink color, create a child like atmosphere, patients from different countries have good commands on that. Those patients did not give her flags, bill board as gift, but they give her flowers, wine, steam bread, fast food and so on as gifts. The patient’s warm thank you is all there.

While she is waiting for her husband to come back, she learned how to drive. She has good driving skill. It doesn’t matter how bad is the road condition, how hard to park her car, she seems to handle it easily. I am very bad on directions, I always get lost. Why God put two of us together? We very often can not find the places we wanted to go. We keep circling North, South; we can not get out of Scarborough. Two of us debates, we should go this way or that way . We laughed. She said: "don’t laugh. When you know how to drive, for sure you will get lost too." It does not matter we get lost. We can always turn our handle. God will lead us to where we should be. That is what Bible told us. Chon Mai! The road of life is just like that.

Last year, in New Year, her husband left her one year. The phone rings in the middle of the night.” How do you know for sure he will come back to me?” She said. "Thank God! He really came back. Last night," I received his phone call!

When the Lord Jesus comes into your heart, you will have a lot of changes in the whole person. You are no longer the old you, which were crazy, prideful, selfish and greedy. The "old me" is gone and, now I am a new reborn child of God, everything for me now are all thanksgiving, peace, joy, and living each day no longer for ourselves, and is in fact ,for the living Christ. Amen!

More than three years ago when I first came to Canada, like most of the newcomers, I felt so excited, and also a little bit insecure. Because it's a totally new environment for us, we have the language barrier, and also barely know anybody here to ask for help. However, we got another opportunity to start a "new life" here, so I asked myself: What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? At that time, I did not know anything about the Bible, and had zero knowledge about Jesus Christ.

Later on, I made some friends and some of them are Christian, they loaned me their Bibles, and that was the first time God knocked at my door, but my heart was not open yet. I was still living a purposeless sinful life! Then about one year later, I went back to school, and I got a chance to attend Dave and Kathy's (they are missionaries) Bible study at York University, and some time later, I also got the chance to go to Steve and Bea's small group on Sunday.

During those times, I learned a lot about God from the studies, and some personal stories we shared in those groups. Now I have been attending Bible study for about one year; the more time I spend on studying the Bible, I feel the closer God draws me to Himself. In the Bible, I learned that God is love; and also in it I found the answers to my questions. It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Step by step, my door starts to open. And then I got Christian books from my Christian friends, and those books made me really think about the meaning of life, the purpose of life. In the Bible, God says, "I know what I am planning for you, I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future." God has showed miracles to me; now I believe in God, I want a good future, I want to live a purpose driven life, and I finally made up my mind. I want to be a sheep who listens to the shepherd's voice, I want to follow Jesus.

When I told my friends about my decision, the greatest decision I've ever made in my life! They were very happy for me; those friends who are not Christians asked question like, "what's the benefit for following Jesus?" And I told them, "you will have a relationship with God, and you get eternal life, what's better than that?" Now when I look back in my life, I see how amazing God is. I am very thankful to God for everything God has done to save me; now here I am: "Jesus, I believe in You and I receive You. I commit my sin and my life into your hands. Amen!"

Cancer turns out to be a blessing from God

My breast cancer spreads to my back spine causing me to lose my ability to move; which led me into the hospital for an operation. After the operation was successfully done, I had to learn how to walk again with the help of God. By depending on God, I am not only able to face these difficulties bravely, but at the same time able to witness God’s love to others. For me, I got a spiritual revival for God, because of this experience!

Cancer spread to back spine

I am a kind of person who always tries to conceal my illness by keeping away from doctors, because I am afraid to see doctors. It is because of needles and medicine. I would say that it was my shame this time for not taking cared of my own health. It was my fault, because I always delay the treatment for my breast cancer until it went into a critical spread to my back spine, which made me unable to move. But thanks to God, and His unconditional love that is so great for me, and He didn’t forsake me for my stupidity. On the contrary, God led me through these difficulties and fears, and in His words He told me clearly that in His presence I have nothing to fear.

God’s Words is the strength of my heart

A PhD. brother who taught us how to pray with the verse in the Bible. His teaching was deeply moved me; especially, when he quoted this verse in Jeremiah 15:16 “Your words were found, I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” (ESV) During the two weeks in hospital, with God’s words, I gained confidents, strengths, and the power to face the pain that brought by the cancer. My heart was also in peace. I finally understood the purpose and know the usefulness of memorizing golden words in the Bible, because the word in Bible is the healing tools for our trouble times.

God also strengthened my faith with every English message from a phone-call station. Remembering my very first message: “Let Go, Let God”, which God told me to let go, and commit everything in His hands. All these kind of promises from God really lightened my burden. And after it, God also use the story about David and the giant Goliath to remind me that I should not only focus the difficulties; instead, I should seek unto Him, who is an Almighty God.

Encourage and pray for those sick people in my same ward

In Deuteronomy 33:25 it says: “as your days, so shall your strength be”, which is quite true. When I totally committed myself to our Lord Jesus who strengthens me, I can do all things. First, I am in His love, so I don’t need be afraid again, and on the contrary, I am very peaceful. God’s truth set me free! He free me from worrying about my illness all day long, instead He used my faith in Him to comfort and encourages me to pray for those sick people around me. When I am under further treatment, I became very weak to the point that I could not moved, but I still continues to use my faith to pray for those sick people.

Astonishingly fast on learning to walk

During the time in hospital, there is so many God’s grace that I could not number. After the operation, doctors were surprised that I didn’t need morphine. Oneday, my sister came and had lunch with me, later assisted me to wash my hair. When my doctor happened to came into the room with the intention to tell me that my haemachrome was low, and he supposed that I should be lying on the bed, tired. Instead, what my doctor seen was out of his expectation that I am eating vigorously. When taking physical therapy to help me learned to walk, my feet were totally out of control, just like a baby. But just one week later, I made such a progress that I could walk with an aid-walker. After releasing from hospital, in the beginning, I had to use a crutch. Thanks God, only after a short time, I could walked again without any assisting aids, which made my folks and friends really surprised.

Moved the saints to pray

In the hospital, God also sent two houseman to have fellowship with me. Then I took that chance to share with them what God had done for me. And from their smiles and reactions, I knew that they are Christians. Praise God, for using me, a weak child, to testify His love and Almighty to encourage others.

Everything that happened was really for its goodness. Because of my illness, Christian peers in my company launched a prayer meeting. Now, they still meet and pray every week. Another friend is moved to pray earnestly and consistently, because of my illness, whose spiritual life, faith and relationship with our God have been improved very much.

Seems unhappy, but gained much

In others' opinions, to have cancer is unhappy experience, but through this cancer, I gained much. God used it to tear down and rebuild me, and let me truly experience the God which I believe, who not only teaches people to do good deeds, but also came to earth to saved me. He also provided me the strengths to face every kind of difficulties, which later turn out to be many blessings. God’s grace is sufficient for me, for his power is made perfect in weakness. As Paul said, that he would boast all the more gladly of his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon him. (2 Co 12:9). Where there is human weakness, there'll reveals the strengths from God.

I truly hope those friends who are in painful sickness, take courage as I had taken mine by totally grasping on our Almighty Jesus, the God of peace, which will make your painful days happy.

Summer Missions Trip: Bolivia

I’ve been attending Malvern Baptist Church for 15 years now. Every Sunday there would be the same routine of attending morning services and Sunday school. My attitude also seem to be like a routine as well, because during Sunday Service I would not do much but sing praise, pray, and sit there playing with my fingers, and sometimes listen to the message. Then again, I would sit and listen in my Sunday classes, but not really taking in what I have learned. But things changed, after being a Christian for about 5 years now. During those 5 years, I have matured a lot. I have grown spiritually and knowing the truth of what being a Christian is all about: Serving God and worshipping Him daily.

November of 2004 was the starting mark of my farther maturing in Christ. I attended a Youth Missions Night at Miliken Gospel Church. Pastor Stephen Hawkins was the speaker for the night. His message really hit me in the head, as a wakening sign. The message was about the people in third world countries; how they do not really have many resources that we living in the West have: (Bibles, Christian books, Praise and Worship songs), and yet they have such great amount of faith with their limited resources. In contrast to us, in my opinion we depending much of these resources to grow in our faith. During that message, I had thought to myself of why we are so grateful in North America and how we take for granted of everything we have. After I went home, I prayed to God that night about thinking of serving Him in a country that is not as fortunate as Canada or the United States of America.

Several months of thinking and praying to God about my decision, I finally came to a conclusion of going to Bolivia (border of Peru and Brazil) in South America. There I would be working with the poor, children ministry and doing construction. I felt that Bolivia is one of the countries that God has called me for. Because God loves all of His creations, the poor and the children included.

After making my decision of going on this mission trip, my next challenge would be in gathering all the finance I would need to get to Bolivia. But I had no idea of how I would be able to raise $4000 for this 2 months trip. Somehow, I have raised $4000+ for this trip. For a month, I went on a door-to-door to ask strangers for donations, and raising $500. My church also supported me with $2000; I thank the Lord for His provision every time when I may share about my Bolivia experience.

Finally the day came for me to go on this mission trip; our team landed safely in Bolivia. When I have stepped on the ground of Bolivia, I thought it was still like a dream to me that I am actually in Bolivia, and at that point I wanted to cry so badly, because of God’s blessings that all have happened. For the next 8 weeks my team and I would wash babies in poor areas every Thursday and Saturday evenings. While during the week we would be working at an orphanage and doing maintenance. As each day has gone by, I would think to myself of how fortunate it is for us North Americans to have so many goods. While other third world countries like Bolivia would barely have anything to survive each day.

Bolivia is known as one of Latin America’s poorest country; where 70% of the population is living on a $2/day basis. The thing that amazes me the most is how these Bolivians Christians have such great faith, and yet have no resources to depend on. We in the West, some of our homes we would even have 5-10 Bibles as Pastor Stephen Hawkins has said in Youth Missions Night 2004.

The experience I had would be explained to be life-changing, eye-opening, and desirable. Life-changing because after spending 8 weeks in Bolivia, I felt more humbled and servant-hearted. I don’t need to feel as if I am useless and that I can not do anything to serve God anymore; instead, I feel more energized and happy when I am serving God. This experience gave me a heart for the poor and for the children, and makes me more and more like Jesus’ character. I also feel as if God is calling me to be a missionary either now or later. This trip was an eye-opener for me because it was my first time leaving North America, going to a third world country and seeing for the first time, how Bolivia’s economy, culture, and religion are like. Another part of this mission trip is that I was blessed to get the opportunity to go sightseeing. We went to Inca Ruins and also hiked a 17,000 foot mountain, and see how wonderful of a Maker God is. Lastly, I feel as if I have more of a desired heart to serve God after this missions trip, that whenever there’s an opportunity to serve Him; I would not back out and give an excuse I have. My time spent in Bolivia was not long; in fact, I felt 8 weeks is too short. Next time I believe that I would like to go on a mission trip for as long as half a year.

In Matthew 28:19-20, it says “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These are the words that Jesus had told His eleven disciples. So I encourage all of you to take these words to heart and pray to God about it. The things that I had experienced have changed my life forever! I believe that God has greater plans for each and everyone of us. What is your next step?

Like most kids at church, I was born in a Christian family. I attended Sunday service regularly in Hong Kong. However, when I moved to Canada, things started to get busy; we started to attend service less and less eventually to the point where we didn’t go at all. Although I’ve always did believe in a God, but to me, he was more like a fictional character from a book rather than a loving father. For my whole entire life, I’ve buried myself very deep in the world. It came to the point where I started cutting myself in the arms with scars that still remain till today. It wasn’t until in grade nine that my life went totally down hill. My marks dropped from 80’s to 70’s, I started to curse more often, lied to my parents, and deceived my friends.

The turning point in my life was in grade ten. My friend gave me a glimpse Christianity, so when she asked me to attend the Teen’s Conference; I decided to go out of curiosity. At TC, the messages and the workshops really made an impression on me. I was astonished at the crowds who were rejoicing, and out crying to their coming King. The afternoon of the second day, Pastor Kirk invited those who have not accepted the Lord as their personal saviour to come forward. I was so touched by the brothers’ and sisters’ living testimony at the conference that I decided to accept Lord Jesus. Later on when my captain prayed with me, I felt I was reconciled with Him once again.

When I accepted Christ, I didn’t realize back then that my life will be changed forever. However, I did find a purpose in life which made me feel worthy. From the day I accepted Christ, brothers and sisters have shown me how to live a Christian life – a sinless life. I’ve also gained a desire of reading his word everyday. I’ve realized over the months that the Bible is truly a flowing fountain, the living word. Although it was written two thousand years ago, I can fully relate it to my everyday life.

After receiving his grace and mercy over this past year, I’ve finally made up my mind up to be baptized. During Sunday school classes, Uncle Victor taught us a lesson on what baptism is and I believe that I am ready to tell everyone that I no longer belong to this world, yet to my Lord Jesus. I want to be dead in my transgressions and saved by His holy grace.

God Knows you

I can't even imagine how my life would be now without God. From the moment I really understood who He was, I understood what I have been missing all my life.

God is always there for me watching my back in my moments of struggle and sadness to my moments of triumphs and happiness. And even still now I am so grateful that He has never left my side.

Without Him I would be lost now, in all the possible meanings of the word lost. Lost in where I am heading in life, lost meaning that I am worthless, lost into this world, and not just that but a slave to this world. Lonely, full of stress and depressed.

I can assure you that God can take all of this away and show you how He is Almighty, all you have to do is give him a chance and he will show you what it really means to LIVE because we all have lost our lives when we entered this world. We live empty lives with no meaning whatsover.

Life is surely short and the only thing I regret is not knowing God earlier. From the moment I understood what it really means to believe in Him I realized what a wasteful life I had. My worldly achievements are really meaningless, because once I depart from this world I will not be taking it to my grave.

I have never worried about my life or even cared about it a little bit, because if I did I would have thought of it all the way up to my last day. But the moment I realized that my whole life can be a waste, I also realized that I was another NOBODY.

The moment God entered my life a series of drastic changes started over my life. You see, God knows your name and He knows you very well, even better than yourself; how can I tell? Well since God has entered my life he has changed me completely, not just the way I think but also the way I act and feel. From the NOBODY I was to a Somebody God knows very well.

He knows abilities and potentials that I didn't even know I had; and from the shy and lonely person I was he made me a new person with friends I can really treasure, with a real Life now, and with a goal in life. and I try to use my abilities to the fullest and sacrifice my resources in order to bring his children back to Him

Like in an obstacle race everyone of us is running blindfolded, my friends support me to keep going and never give up, and I support them as well. The obstacles are things that take us away from God, which are sins and times of problems and struggles. But you alone can't finish the race, because you don't know where your goal is. But once you let Jesus into your heart, He comes and rescues you, then carries you in his back all the way to the end of the race. All He asks from you is to stay in his back and believe in Him.

Yesterday, I watched this Chinese show called Miracle Box which is based on a true story from the Cancer Society, and wow it was really good!

There was this one thing the main character did that was so encouraging and inspirational. He made a box and said put all your problems in there and God will deal with it and He will do it for us. It is so true, God is a loving God and He will do everything for us. So don't worry about problems in the past, present, or in the future, because God has His ways to solve everything for us.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Is the peace over and now comes the hard time?

A question that was brought to my attention when I thought about Christianity; is it a highway and Jesus Christ is the vehicle all the way to Heaven?

Prior to Baptism it was just driving on a street that went in circles like the streets on Peanut Plaza. Baptism day, and I stopped driving in circles, I slowly moved towards the highway on Finch and suddenly I found myself in Cruise control for several weeks. Now I am on the Highway and on Cruise control, leaning back on my seat, just relaxing and enjoying the ride. Weeks later, Cruise control went malfunctioning and I suddenly had to regain control of the steering wheel. It is unusual now and sometime it seems hard to steer. Currently, the road is filled with gravels and pedestrians that I need to maneuver to avoid accidents from happening. Sometime it's so hard that I say to myself, why am I driving when I can just watch from afar? Because I know I have already gone to the place I want to be at, and this trail is only a re-run.

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ…" Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)

Breakfast at McDonald's

This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.

The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called "Smile." The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.

I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.

I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling". His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.

He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."

I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope." I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."

We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers.

That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the b iggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

If you think this story has touched you in any way, please send this to everyone you know. There is an Angel sent to watch over you. In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.

An Angel wrote: Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart. God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

[Behalf of TJLIT, thank you for this beautiful and touching story. Please share this story with those you loved!]