In the long river of time, my soul has embarked on a unique and profound spiritual journey. Looking back, every step is marked by beautiful memories of my journey from being a stranger to knowing Christ; every step is a testament to my unwavering commitment to Christian service; and every step has clarified my future career goals and mission. Just like the plaque hanging in the main hall of Hangzhou Tianshui Church—"幸有耶稣"—these four words are not only a precious legacy left by the mother of John Leighton Stuart but also a symbol of my deep understanding of the path of faith. Every time I enter Tianshui Church and look up at that plaque, my heart is filled with gratitude and strength.
In the early 1990s, fate connected me with the Bible. At that time, the Bible seemed more like a collection of fantastical stories to me. Those ancient words, though beautiful, felt distant and unreachable. Yet, the arrangements of fate are always wondrous, quietly planting a seed of faith in my heart. "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow" (1 Corinthians 3:6). This verse perfectly describes my experience. This seed waited for the opportunity to sprout through the passage of time.
In 2014, due to a job transfer, I moved from a small town in northern China to Hangzhou. Here, fate once again revealed its magic, allowing me to meet a special person—Dr. Chen Bangchi, a Christian colleague from the United States. He was like the warm winter sun, demonstrating the beautiful qualities of humility, love, integrity, and tolerance through his words and actions. Under his influence, I reopened the Bible, which I had once regarded as a book of myths. At this moment, every word in the Bible shone like a dazzling pearl, radiating sacred and profound light. "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105). Whether facing confusion or moral dilemmas, the Bible always provided me with guidance.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
During my in-depth study of the Bible, I experienced a transformation in both body and mind. Long hours of high-intensity work had kept my body in a state of tension, but whenever I immersed myself in the scriptures, my tense nerves and muscles gradually relaxed. I noticed that my furrowed brows smoothed out, my clenched fists loosened, and my tightly clenched teeth relaxed. As my body relaxed, I also began to notice many beautiful things around me. The world was no longer a cold space filled with pressure and anxiety but a vibrant and warm paradise. This transformation nourished my soul like a spring rain, deepening my understanding of faith. With a devout heart, I joined Hangzhou Tianshui Church and actively participated in fellowship activities. In this loving community, I felt an unprecedented sense of warmth and belonging, further strengthening my resolve to move forward on the path of faith.
...whenever I immersed myself in the scriptures, my tense nerves and muscles gradually relaxed.
In my spare time, I participated in various church ministries. When leading seekers in memorizing scripture, seeing the longing in their eyes filled me with immense joy. Each time I guided them through scripture, it felt like opening a window to the light for them. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). During prayer vigils, I would engage in heartfelt conversations with God, praying for the beauty and peace of the world. During Christmas, every step from preparation to celebration held profound meaning. Through these activities, I became more inclusive, compassionate, and gained a deeper understanding of the essence of Christian service.
On the path of faith, I know that God's word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. To better understand God's will and equip myself to be a servant more aligned with His heart, I once longed to study at Zhejiang Theological Seminary. However, due to age restrictions, I was unable to fulfill this wish. Just as I felt lost, God's grace once again came upon me—I met Sister Duoduo. Her experience of studying at a seminary in the United States gave me great inspiration and encouragement. Her sharing showed me that God's guidance is not limited by geography or age; His ways are higher than my ways, and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts.
Sister Duoduo's experience made me realize that the path God has prepared for me may not be in Zhejiang but in a place farther away. With her encouragement, I decided to pursue further studies in the United States and continue my education at a seminary. I believe this is another door that God has opened for me, allowing me to be equipped on a broader platform, to know His word more deeply, and to serve His church more effectively. No matter what lies ahead, I will steadfastly follow God's guidance, for I know that, 幸有耶稣, every step I take is under His care.
About the author
Wei Cui
Wei Cui is a married Christian woman based in China, whose faith journey began in the 1990s when she first encountered the Bible as a collection of stories. In 2014, a move to Hangzhou and the example of her Christian colleague, Dr. Chen Bangchi, reignited her engagement with Scripture, leading her to join Hangzhou Tianshui Church (天水堂). Formally baptized in 2024, she has since served actively in the church, leading Scripture memorization groups and participating in prayer vigils.
Deeply influenced by the church’s "幸有耶稣" ("By the Grace of Jesus") plaque—inscribed by John Leighton Stuart’s mother—Wei’s writing reflects on how God’s grace transforms lives, even amid life’s pressures. Mentored by Sister Duoduo, a U.S.-trained seminary graduate, she emphasizes the timeless relevance of historic Christian faith in contemporary life, inviting readers to find hope in God’s enduring guidance.