Sixteen years ago, around 2002 to 2003, when I studied in Concordia University Business School, a friend of mine took me to Margaret and Ted’s Bible Class at the Chinese Grace Church. It was the last lecture of that term. I remember that the topic of that lecture was Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the lecture was given by Margaret. Margaret told us that when Jesus was pierced by the soldier, blood and water came out of his side. In order to make things clear, Margaret asked Ted to explain this phenomenon from a doctor’s point of view. Ted explained and drew some pictures on the board. At that moment, I thought Ted’s explanation was so funny. I had science background (before I came to Canada, I was a chemistry teacher), and I really could not accept his explanation. At that time, I concluded that this couple was trying to use superstition to convince us. I understood that this lady (Margaret) was a teacher before, and it was possible that she had no science knowledge in her mind. Based on this fact, I could “forgive” this teaching ‘based on superstition’ but this gentleman, he was a doctor, and he should have the basic knowledge of science. Why did he believe and even teach us those kinds of ridiculous things? This led me to conclude that Ted must be a quack (庸医).
I went back to my normal life again, with my busy and fast paced study but whenever I had spare time such as during the winter break, I couldn’t help thinking about Margaret and Ted’s class. It seemed that there was something there calling me back (This is God’s grace). On a cold and snowy winter day, I came, a second time to Margaret’s class by myself. Unfortunately, that day was the last day of that term and there was no lecture. Members of the class were performing on musical instruments to celebrate New Year. I left there with deep disappointment—I said to myself: “I am searching for truth, but I didn’t find it.”
I could not remember how many months, perhaps a year later, I came to Margaret’s class the third time. This time I stayed from the first lecture to the last. God opened my eyes through His word. I saw the beauty of Scripture. The first chapter of Genesis read by Margaret was just like a poem, and it was also like a spring water flowing from her.
It was on Oct 19, 2004 that I told Margaret and Ted that I’d like to accept Jesus as my personal Savior. They were very excited and prayed for me. Later I joined Margaret and Ted’s Bible study fellowship at McGill McDonald campus, and my husband went to the Bible study class in Concordia as well, where the lectures were given by Ted. On the Easter Sunday of 2005, both of us were baptized in a Chinese Alliance Church. Margaret and Ted attended the service (see the picture).
At the end of 2005, my husband and I moved to Toronto. We attended another Chinese Alliance Church in Mississauga. We had a very good Chinese Bible study group there. We were in that church for one and a half years before we moved to Vancouver. During that period of time, the Holy Spirit moved me a lot. Whenever I read the Bible, heard the Bible verses, sang the songs, in Sunday’s service, saw the cross on the church building or even stood in the church’s parking lot, tears always came out like streams. The Holy Spirit’s supernatural work transformed my life and softened my heart. I was a different person, a new person.
In 2007, my husband and I moved to Vancouver. I attended a Chinese Baptist church led by Pastor Yujian Hong. We were actively involved in the church’s services. I opened my house to brothers and sisters, hosted and led the Bible study.
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Whenever I share my faith or spiritual journey with others, I always mention Margaret and Ted who were the pioneers who led me to the Lord, and the “quack doctor” story. Margaret and Ted, have been used by God, have given all their strength, their efforts and their lives to Chinese. They love Chinese, because God loves them and calls them. They are God’s faithful workers. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”.
Because of their faithful work to God, many Chinese, especially Chinese students and visiting scholars were saved in those past 20 years. I am only one of them. From a strong atheist to a follower, God did an amazing work in me through Margaret and Ted.
I have a big blue hardcover English-Chinese NIV Bible which was given by Margaret and Ted during the time I studied in their class. On the first blank page, there was Margaret ‘s handwriting, in which Margaret congratulated me in accepting Jesus. It was dated on Oct. 20, 2004. This is my first Bible, full of my notes. I’ve read it many times and it’s almost fallen apart. I can’t use it anymore. I carefully wrapped it and put it on my shelf. This Bible is too precious for me.
I believe that in the past 20 years, Ted and Margaret met and preached gospel to too many Pings through English Bible Class. Thanks to the Lord!