I came to Australia in 2014 to study for my Master of Social Work. During university, I joined FOCUS (Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students), a group where international students gathered regularly. My original purpose was simple to make friends and practice English. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, and I enjoyed being part of it.
There was a couple who served as helpers in that group. They often drove students home after the meetings, as the gatherings usually finished late. I didn’t have a car then, so I often sat in the back seat of their car. One night, they asked me, Would you like to receive a free gift? I said, No, thank you.
In China, we have a saying: meaning One should not accept rewards without contributing. In my mind, it wasn’t right to receive something for free without giving back.
Then they said, Jesus died for you.
That moment deeply touched me. I thought, He asked for nothing in return, yet He died for me. If He gave His life for me, then the least I could do was to give Him my faith. That same night, in the back seat of their car, I prayed the prayer of commitment and accepted Jesus as my Saviour.
That moment deeply touched me. I thought, He asked for nothing in return, yet He died for me. If He gave His life for me, then the least I could do was to give Him my faith. That same night, in the back seat of their car, I prayed the prayer of commitment and accepted Jesus as my Saviour.
He asked for nothing in return, yet He died for me. If He gave His life for me, then the least I could do was to give Him my faith.
The journey afterwards was not always smooth. Churches are full of people, mostly wonderful people, but still people with their weaknesses and sins. I am not naturally a very tolerant person, so when I saw hypocrisy or conflicts, I would think in my heart, How can you behave like this if you believe in God?
This made me feel disappointed and reluctant to engage. I moved from one church to another, English-speaking, Chinese-speaking, always starting with passion and the desire to serve, but eventually pulling back, thinking that staying away from people’s sins might help me protect my own faith.
Of course, I also know I have my own flaws. I’ve hurt people before, though never with bad intentions. I believe God sees our hearts. He knows the reasons and the struggles behind our actions. That’s why He can forgive us all. He knows sometimes we are just not able to control ourselves.
My coming to Glenunga Uniting Church was almost accidental. At that time, I wasn’t attending any church. I was playing table tennis at the Burnside Community Centre, and someone told me that GUC also had table tennis sessions. So I came and joined the Sunday worship the same week. Deep down, I still hoped to belong to a church, even though I had many disappointing experiences in the past. Out of self-protection, I stayed cautious, and honestly, I still had anger toward certain things I had seen before.
Interestingly, on my first Sunday at GUC, the church was using the translation equipment for the first time. Someone was translating the service live, and people could listen with headphones. My English was good enough that I didn’t need it, and I found myself naturally translating in my mind. Without much preparation, I could understand and interpret about 80%. Later, I mentioned to Pastor Eric that if the translator were ever away, I could fill in.
As it turned out, this became a way for me to serve. My translation gift proved useful, and I became the main translator. The previous translator had felt quite pressured, but for me, it came naturally and even joyfully.
That’s also how I met Ian, who invited me to share this testimony today.
Now, I feel comfortable and peaceful at GUC. It’s not perfect, no church is but I don’t think I will leave. Many Chinese people have told me they feel no pressure here, that no one forces them to attend or be baptised. I think that’s because GUC respects people just as God does. God doesn’t force us; He patiently waits and values us.
I am grateful that I can be a bridge, helping Chinese speakers hear the message clearly and communicate confidently. Our church has so many volunteers using their gifts teaching English weekly, leading bushwalks every two weeks, coaching table tennis, and hosting Chinese Bible studies. Through these ministries, they serve not only the local community but also many Chinese newcomers. I truly thank God for this. It’s like God bringing people to GUC instead of sending missionaries all the way to China.
Personally, I’m also learning to manage my temper and to pray for more patience and wisdom. I’m very thankful for the chance to write down my story.
Please pray for me that God will help me grow to be gentler, more patient, and more understanding.
Thank you, Gill
