Life and death are profound problems in life that philosophy cannot resolve. The sudden death of someone we know can leave us emotionally confused, even triggering the fear of death. This is because we have yet to face the inevitable reality of death. The Christian faith offers us eternal life, as Jesus Christ conquered death on the cross. Our resurrected Savior, as the firstfruit, brings us the hope of resurrection and eternal life. However, this does not mean that every Christian can naturally overcome the fear of death. Even those who have eternal life must practice transcending death—this is one of the lessons of discipleship.

In 2023, during my sabbatical year, I returned to China to be with my seriously ill father. While there, I met a new friend, Sister Fay Chao from Ottawa, Canada. Before leaving for China, she emailed me asking for prayers, mentioning complications with her long-term peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). I immediately replied, asking, “Do you have cancer? Why do you need a PICC line?” Her response shocked me—she wrote, “I was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012, and it has been 11 years since the doctor declared me a palliative patient.” I could hardly believe that a palliative patient could survive for 11 years! And not only that, she is a leader of the Chinese ministry of FamilyLife Canada, constantly traveling to serve others while also caring for her centenarian mother in China. She is truly a Christian who has transcended the fear of death! During our many times together in China, she shared her life story with me. It turned out that not only her own life and death, Sister Fay also experienced the life and death of several loved ones. Living each day under the shadow of death, she has truly embraced the meaning of life every day. Her faith and perspective on life and death have deeply moved many people. In fact, a Canadian church was so inspired by her story that they turned it into a stage play.

I am thrilled that Sister Fay Chao will soon be visiting our church to share her testimony. I hope you will come and hear her speak in person, reflecting on the meaning of life. Even more, I encourage you to invite seekers to witness the life testimony of a true Christian.

Life Conference: “Do You Not Care That We Are Perishing?”
Speaker: Sister Fay Chao (Leader of the Chinese ministry of FamilyLife Canada)
Date: Friday, March 21, 7:30 PM
Location: ECC Edmonds Campus

Translated by: Translation Team