Anguo Township in Pei County, located in northern Jiangsu Province, is home to a respected pastor, Elder Zheng Shanlin.
In 1986, Elder Zheng was afflicted with a mysterious illness that caused him to lose weight progressively, making him increasingly anxious. Despite seeking medical treatment extensively, the cause of his condition remained undiagnosed, and no medication brought any relief. During this challenging period, the gospel began to spread quietly in the town, and quite some people reportedly experienced healing through their faith in the Lord. Encouraged by his wife’s persistent persuasion, Zheng decided to give an attempt by attending a meeting.
Zheng felt like he was being embraced by God’s love for an indescribable warmth and strength enveloping him upon his step inside the gathering venue. At that moment, he confessed his sins, repented, and accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior. From then on, his health began to improve steadily. He no longer needed medication, regaining weight with a daily improvement in health. Zheng accepted baptism just two months after coming to faith.
After embracing the Lord, Zheng committed himself entirely to serving God. He attended the Xuzhou Christian training class three times to deepen his understanding of God's word. Upon completing his studies, he returned to his hometown church, carrying the Lord's commission.
In 2006, Zheng was ordained as an elder and dedicated himself even more diligently to serving the church and its members. However, there were times when he felt weak and even considered quitting his ministry.
One night, Zheng clearly heard a voice saying, "Go find my sheep." That night, he dreamed of sheep being scattered in different places. He ran to one place, seeing a sheep chewing on tree bark; in another, a sheep was searching for grass near a millstone, where there was none. Upon waking, he realized the Lord was entrusting him with his flock and calling him to shepherd them. From that moment, Zheng devoted himself to providing pastoral care in distinct meeting points in villages daily. Later, he enrolled in an associate college course for pastoral care at Jiangsu Theological Seminary for further training. Even after completing his studies, he continued to study the Bible earnestly each day, determined to teach believers the pure and faithful words of the Lord.
During the church's construction, Zheng worked alongside the believers, mixing mud, moving bricks, sharing meals, and rejoicing in the Lord's grace. He stayed in a tent on the site to oversee it at night, never returning home throughout the entire construction period. After six months, the church was finally completed.
Each year, Zheng also leads believers to the local nursing home, delivering daily necessities to the elderly. Additionally, he provides financial assistance and living supplies to those in need. While the elderly in the nursing home often praise his selfless love, he consistently gives all the glory to God. His efforts have earned him multiple commendations from the local government, which has honored him with the title of "Charity Model."
Recently, Zheng had an illness that required surgery. However, he trusted that God would heal him and felt no fear on his way to the hospital for surgery. Now recovered, he continues to serve the Lord with dedication. He believed that the Lord Jesus granted him health and has been determined to work tirelessly for Him, striving to repay His grace.
(The article was originally published by the Gospel Times and the author is a minister in Jiangsu Province.)
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by Poppy Chan
