A Testimony of Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving marks the 25th anniversary of my baptism and my decision to follow Christ. Reflecting on my journey of faith fills my heart with gratitude. I am thankful for God’s sovereign choice, which guided me, an atheist, step by step into His family. I am also deeply grateful for His love, faithfulness, and protection throughout my life, as well as for the opportunity to study His Word and serve Him.

My journey to faith is quite ordinary. It was God’s love, expressed through the brothers and sisters in the church, that drew me to Him. When I arrived in Maryland in September 1996, a brother kindly gave me a ride to a fellowship meeting during my first week. At the time, I didn’t know what a fellowship was or understand much of the content being shared, but I clearly remember the joy and warmth of the group, which kept me coming back.

Later, a campus ministry worker at the University of Maryland shared the gospel with me, encouraging me to seek God with an open mind rather than dismissing Him outright. He used Romans 1:19–20 to explain how God’s existence is revealed through His creation, evident in our daily lives. He acknowledged that while he couldn’t scientifically prove God’s existence, atheists couldn’t prove otherwise either. This perspective resonated with me, especially as I came to see that atheists often accept their beliefs without thorough questioning or reasoning.

I continued attending fellowship meetings and seeking the truth. Looking back, I don’t recall much of the meeting content, but I clearly remember experiencing God’s love and grace through the brothers and sisters during challenging times, such as pursuing my studies, finding a job, and obtaining my green card, legal residency, and eventually citizenship.

Toward the end of my studies, my wife, Tianhui, began working as a secretary at the church. Since her work authorization had not yet been approved, the church was unable to pay her a salary. Aware of our financial struggles, the brothers and sisters generously supported us, easing our burdens. When we expressed our gratitude, they humbly attributed their kindness to God’s love and encouraged us to pass on that love to others in need when we could. In October 1998, with only $10 left after paying rent, God provided me with my first job. Truly, His grace was sufficient for us.

My job was in the rapidly growing internet industry, but soon the bubble burst in early 2000, leading to widespread layoffs across the industry. Despite this, God’s faithfulness never wavered. When my first contract ended, my company arranged interviews for me and a colleague with a telecommunications company. However, there was only one position available. My colleague, a U.S. citizen with a Ph.D. and extensive experience, seemed far more qualified than I was—a foreigner on a temporary visa with just six months of work experience. Before the interview, I prayed in the parking lot, “Lord, You know my needs. If this job is Your will, please grant it to me.” To my surprise, both the telecommunications company and another internet company offered me positions.

Uncertain about which to choose, I sought advice from a brother in the church. He said, “Choose the one that God has given you.” Though he didn’t know I had prayed, his words confirmed my choice of the telecommunications job, as it was the one I had specifically prayed for. In hindsight, this decision was God’s perfect plan. When the dot-com bubble burst later in 2000, the internet company I didn’t choose suffered significant losses.

In the spring of 1999, during a retreat at Deep Creek Lake with our Living Water fellowship, Pastor Yingyan Guo from the For All Saints Team Ministries invited me to accept Jesus as my Savior. Although I still knew little about the Christian faith, I had already experienced God’s love, grace, faithfulness, and protection. Without needing further proof, I made the decision to follow Christ and was baptized in October of that year.

After becoming a believer, I continued to grow in faith, often drawing strength from Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse inspired me to work diligently and with integrity, and God blessed my efforts. In the workplace, I enjoyed harmonious relationships and received raises without asking. Even during economic downturns, God’s protection was evident. Despite three rounds of layoffs at my company, I—a foreign worker on a visa—remained employed. By 2002, I received my green card, which stands as a testimony to God’s provision.

Even during uncertain times, I felt peace in God’s sovereignty. While waiting for my green card, I occasionally applied for other jobs as a precaution, but none responded. Yet, two weeks after receiving my green card, a friend unexpectedly asked if I was looking for a job. Without knowing my situation, he referred me to a company where I was quickly hired. I stayed there for nearly 15 years, enjoying stable work that allowed me to care for my family and serve in the church.

I am deeply thankful for God’s amazing work in my life. Through both challenges and blessings, His grace and faithfulness have remained unwavering. I strive to rely more on Him, continually renewing my life through His guidance. I pray that my life bears witness to His grace, that my actions reflect His love, and that I remain a faithful servant of Christ. I trust that no matter what the future holds, as long as I follow Him, He will lead me on a path of blessing.

To God be the glory, forever and ever!