At the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington, D.C., there is a couple whose voices are as heavenly as they are touching. Whether leading worship during Sunday services or performing special songs during important holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, Brother Hongfa Chu and Sister Haibo Bai’s beautiful, expressive singing always leaves a deep and lasting impression. Their voices transport listeners into God's embrace, evoking deep emotion and awe. Especially Sister Haibo Bai, who was once an accomplished soprano, now uses her voice to serve God, channeling her talent into an expression of faith and dedication.  How did her story of musical advancement and deepening faith and love for God unfold over the years?

Sister Haibo Bai has loved singing since she was a child. After graduating from high school, she joined a performance troupe and later pursued advanced studies at a music academy, where she earned first place in several competitions. With her exceptional musical talent and performance skills, she became a vocal instructor at Tianjin Conservatory of Music at a young age. Seeking to challenge herself and broaden her horizons, Haibo applied to and gained admission to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, known for educating some of the world's top musical talents with its highly competitive selection standards and intense curriculum.

When Haibo first arrived at Curtis, she faced significant challenges due to her older age, less advanced musical skills, and limited English proficiency. Her impressive background in China seemed irrelevant in this school for prodigies, and her sense of self-worth collapsed. On top of the heavy academic load in music, she also had to learn Italian, German, and French, adding to her stress. Nevertheless, with relentless effort and dedication, she gradually overcame these challenges and earned the respect of her teachers and peers, showcasing her irreplaceable talents.

After graduation, Haibo Bai faced the choice of either continuing her studies or entering the workforce. Fortunately, she met Ms. Li Shuxin, a pianist and devout Christian. Ms. Li not only sponsored Haibo Bai’s further studies but also invited her to perform on the stage of the opera company she founded. Haibo participated in ten opera productions, with Madama Butterfly being the most well-received. Her powerful performance moved countless audiences, marking it the peak of her artistic career.

Despite her notable success in music, Haibo still felt an inner emptiness and longed for a fulfilling family life. She began contemplating her role as a mother. However, after she became pregnant with twins, a sense of profound emptiness and insecurity overwhelmed her. Previously, Christian friends had shared the gospel with her, but she had resisted. During her pregnancy, her spiritual void gradually opened her heart. One day, she heard a sermon by Pastor Feng Bingcheng (Li Cheng), which deeply moved her, leading her to decide to be baptized and embrace Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Though Haibo’s understanding of her new faith was limited, she actively participated in church service with great enthusiasm, including singing and leading hymns. Later, she became the artistic director of the Joyful Sound Ministry. With her achievements and professional expertise, she could have had a more prosperous career in China. Yet, in the U.S., due to financial pressures, she had to teach music, which prevented her from fully pursuing her singing career and showcasing her musical talents. This left her feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

Soon after, Haibo’s health took a turn for the worse, she was diagnosed with stage-one breast cancer. This unexpected life storm did not discourage her; instead, it deepened her experience of God's miraculous work in her life. During the process of two surgeries and three rounds of chemotherapy, she was never afraid of death. Instead, she felt her relationship with God and Jesus Christ grow even closer. Through God’s words, she understood that He is the sovereign Lord, and everything should be entrusted to Him.

Haibo shared, "The greatest blessing of believing in Jesus is knowing where my final destination lies." That period became the strongest phase of her spiritual life. Her following of Jesus grew even more intimate, and she experienced the love of the church family in a more tangible way. Whether through earnest prayers, financial support, or meals brought to her during chemotherapy, she felt surrounded by the love of Christ, which warmed her heart.

Throughout her cancer treatment, Haibo experienced God's power and guidance, which led her to submit more fully to His will. She began praying for other Christians with cancer, even for strangers, offering comfort and strengthening their faith. A friend, Yizeng Xu, said, "She felt  worth having this illness because she became a blessing to others. Her suffering was not in vain. She was willing to pray for those who were physically weak, even in tears as she prayed, bringing God's word to them."

Today, Haibo continues to serve in church with her singing. In the past, she sang to pursue a personal career, but now she dedicates her talent to God’s work. Her service is not only filled with peace but also brings inner fulfillment. Each time she performs or offers a song, her greatest desire is to witness more people coming to the Lord. This is her deepest calling and joy.

Haibo believes that the greatest blessing in life is knowing God. No matter what kind of person she is, God has accepted her and never abandoned her. Whether her life is on mountaintops or in the valleys, Jesus is her solid foundation. She is willing to rely totally on God, grow even closer to Him, and be content with seeing the fruit of her service. She knows that to become a person  pleasing to God, she must do the work that He delights in.

Source:

Showers of Blessing Evangelistic Ministry (FM 104, Hong Kong Edition), Relying on God – Bai Haibo (Cantonese version).

For the video, please refer to:

恩雨之聲香港版　《倚靠》白海波 - 粵語