A Student’s Account of the Underground Church

To protect the identity and safety of the student and their family, the student’s name has been omitted from the interview.

 

Tell us about your background and what led your family to serve in the underground church in China?

I grew up in a Christian family, deeply influenced by the legacy of Eric Henry Liddell, the heroic ex-Olympian and evangelist who was imprisoned in Weifang (a City in northern China) in the 1940s. His commitment to his faith left a profound impact on my family and inspired four generations of my paternal relatives to dedicate their lives to serving the Lord.

 

We evangelized in our neighborhood, seizing every opportunity to share our faith. My parents and I would talk about Jesus with people we met on taxi rides, planting seeds of faith wherever we went. During summer, we organized Christian camps secretly. Through these diverse and often covert methods, we were able to reach many people and continue our ministry despite the constant threat of persecution.

 

Despite financial challenges and religious persuasion, my parents never wavered in their commitment. They worked tirelessly to establish meeting places in different areas of Weifang and eventually became leaders of the house churches there. Now they continue to establish churches and extend to different parts of China. Their perseverance and faith have been a guiding light for me and continue to inspire my journey.

 

What challenges did you and your family face while serving in the underground church?

We struggled financially, living in a shabby place and often unable to afford bottled water or keep the electricity on. Growing up in such poverty, I was often malnourished and sick. Church activities were held at night or early morning, with doors and windows covered to avoid detection. My father’s preaching often led to police harassment. 

At school, I was bullied and isolated for my Christian faith. I faced criticism and punishment for not participating in communist activities and was often blamed for conflicts. In the final year of middle school, I was pressured to join the Communist Youth League to advance to high school. I chose to stay true to my faith without joining the communist party. By God’s grace I left my country and came to the United State.

Hence, I have not seen my parents or any relatives for 10 years.  If I go back to China, I will certainly be involved in the cause of the Lord as my parents are and will also be persecuted. Moreover, because I am young, if I go back, I will become a hostage for the government and used to threaten my parents. 

 

When did you first feel called to ministry?

My parents had a great influence on me as a child. However, witnessing the persecution and experiencing it firsthand in China made me reluctant to get into ministry for the longest time.

Then the Lord changed my perspective during the pandemic. In the last semester of my undergraduate studies, I got offered a great engineering job, but I did not feel fulfilled in my heart. Due to the restricted outside activities during the pandemic, I had more time to spend with the Lord. It was then that I finally understood the dedication of my parents’ ministry. I realized it is an honor and glory to be a servant of the Lord, and that’s when I felt a calling and a desire to get into ministry. 

Although I wasn’t sure which ministry direction to head into, I chose to trust the Lord. After He led me to Corpus, I joined the Stark College and Seminary family and started taking Bible courses. These courses opened my eyes. One class, in particular, Communication & Technology, really inspired me. I learned about the concept of bi-vocational ministry. I always wanted to use my worldly education and skills to serve God and had prayed about it. This concept answered my prayer, and I felt inspired to become a bi-vocational pastor to make an impact for the Lord in academia or industry.

 

What brought you to Stark College & Seminary?

I began searching for a seminary where I could deepen my theological understanding while continuing to pursue worldly skills. Inspired by Paul’s example of being a tentmaker in Acts 18:1-4, I wanted to serve in ministry with worldly trade. During my search, I came across Corpus Christi, which has both a Texas A&M University site and Stark College and Seminary located close to each other. Intrigued, I called Stark for more information and spoke with Rochelle Rocha Roots, the Chief of Staff. We had a great conversation, and I decided to visit.

I applied to Stark, and with the help of the amazing staff, enrolled and moved to Corpus. My experience at Stark has been incredibly fulfilling. The seminary has helped me grow closer to God, understand and appreciate biblical teachings, and enjoy fellowship with other students. The supportive community and focused learning environment have strengthened my faith and kept me centered on the Lord, even when navigating the secular world.

The diverse readings and teachings have also given me a richer understanding of ministry history and equipped me with practical skills for bi-vocational ministry. Balancing my seminary education with my dual-title PhD in Biomechanics, I am inspired to think creatively about how I can integrate my calling within my professional work.

Furthermore, I am grateful for the generous support of Stark donors. Without contributions, I would not have been able to attain this valuable education. Their support has provided me the opportunity to prepare for future ministry, deepen my understanding of the Bible, and strengthen my connection with God. It has truly made a difference in my life.

 

What are your plans for the future after completing your studies?

My aim is to establish a church and engage in ministry within both academia and industry. Drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Abraham, Joseph, Esther, Jesus, and Paul, as well as modern-day missionary pioneers like William Carey, my goal is to foster Christian values in the workplace and develop a network of support for Christian professionals.

Additionally, I am passionate about supporting the Mission China 2030 (MC2030) initiative, which aims to send 20,000 Chinese missionaries to other countries by 2030. I hope to act as a bridge, assisting Chinese missionaries in transitioning to the United States and establishing their ministries in the Western world. By leveraging my experience and understanding of both Chinese and Western cultures, I aim to support their spiritual, cultural, and financial adaptation, ensuring a smoother integration into their new environments.

 

What message would you like to share with others about serving in challenging environments?

Isaiah 44:21 says, “Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.” This verse reminds us that the Lord will take care of His servants and will not forget us.

When we face challenges, we need to remember all the victories God has brought us through. The Spirit of God is our supply, and Christ within us gives us the strength to handle any situation. Trust the One who is in control and believe that He is working according to His plan, even in the worst circumstances. When the time is right, God will lift us up and deliver us. With God, there is always a way. Even in the most difficult environments, we can trust that He will guide us and provide for us.