As Pastor Z's soothing voice reached my ears, I felt the sincerity and kindness akin to that of a farmer's words. Upon meeting him in person, I discovered that this grassroots pastor possessed a compassionate heart, akin to that of a philanthropist. Unlike other pastors who primarily focus on pastoral care, Pastor Z often roams the vicinity of the church, seeking out those in need of assistance.
During his regular visits to hospitalized patients, Pastor Z noticed that relatives traveling from distant places often faced challenges in finding clean and comfortable accommodations. In response, he negotiated with the church staff to rent a nearby house, which was then offered free of charge to financially challenged relatives. The church waived water and electricity expenses and occasionally provided supplies such as oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar.
While such efforts may not immediately convince every patient or family member of the gospel, Pastor Z's purpose is to extend God's unconditional love.
Pastor Z once opened his home to two orphaned brothers, both in their teens, whose parents tragically passed away within a span of 100 days. After attending to the funeral arrangements for the children's parents, he welcomed the youngsters into his own home. Alongside encouraging the church members to extend their love and support to the two children, Pastor Z also took into consideration their employment and marriage.
As the elder brother grew older, Pastor Z sought assistance in finding him a job. Despite his initial unruly behavior, he gradually transformed under Pastor Z's guidance and paternal care. Pastor Z treated him as his own child and steered him towards the right path. Both brothers now are believers, have stable careers, are married, and the younger one serves the church.
Moreover, Z actively engages in social welfare activities. In 2008, in the aftermath of the Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, he promptly joined the rescue efforts, delivering essential supplies and taking on assigned tasks, such as assisting the wounded who were unable to care for themselves by transporting fecal or urine matter. As a Christian, he shared the significance of "life" with those who had lost the will to live.
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when masks and protective clothing were scarce, Pastor Z diligently monitored the news and coordinated with several churches to secure these resources domestically and internationally. He then distributed them to the affected regions. Furthermore, during the lockdown period, he volunteered his services.
Pastor Z has captured the attention of diverse individuals, including prostitutes, unfaithful husbands, discouraged students, grieving seniors, critically-ill patients and their families, and unruly youngsters undergoing drug rehabilitation. Under his guidance, each of them experienced positive transformations.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
