“Honoring parents” in the Tree of Life (2)

Many people live with a separation between “belief” and “daily life” – they look one way toward the church, and then the opposite way to their home. How can our life and belief be united and not separated? In our monthly prayer meeting (Call to All), Pastor Ruby shared her testimony.

“Traditionally, there should be peace and harmony in the family. Children should neither talk back to parents nor go against the will of parents after believing in Jesus, which is very important. However, it is very difficult to carry our faith in the family. After I moved to Canada, I got married, had children, and brought my parents from China to live with us. When we went to church, we brought along our parents; when we started cell group, our parents became our first member-couple. Whether we were at home or in church, we shared the Bible: our belief and our life were as one. Later, when I chose to serve God full-time, my parents found it so hard to accept this. I understand that they would feel lonely, and be desperate for their children and grandchildren to stay close to them. Emotionally, I communicated with them and expressed my willingness to bring them to Hong Kong – to continue to live together, and to continue supporting them and caring for them. However, my parents chose to stay in Canada; and I, together with Basil and our children, came to Hong Kong.

I chose to leave my parents, making a decision which was considered unfilial by Chinese tradition. I once blamed myself for this, but I thank God that I received healing in Him. I believe that if it is from God, He will definitely accomplish this. I understand the emotional needs of my parents, and I call them every week that we may share together over the phone. When they came to Hong Kong to see how this church has grown into a tree of life, they really accepted and understood me – and even embraced their beloved daughter, affirming me as a daughter who honored her parents.

Over the past 16 years, I thank God for keeping my parents healthy and enabling them to freely live in Canada. My siblings also see God’s blessing upon us and they are proud of their sister. My parents even encouraged as “the first pastor in the family” – implying that there will be more pastors to come.I truly thank God for his faithfulness, grace and favor.” (to be continued)•[2020.06.14]