A 30-Year Long Dedication to Social Work Despite Physical Disability

Brother Wu Qinglian
Brother Wu Qinglian (photo: ChinaChristianDaily)
By CCD Contributor: SophiaJune 23rd, 2016

Brother Wu Qinglian comes from Zaozhuang in Shandong Province, raised up by a devout Christian family. He became a soldier who went into war in the borders of China in 1984 where he was struck with a severe injury. This injury caused him to become handicapped for life; but he had received the highest honors for his contribution to the war effort. He left his military post and went back to Zaozhuang in 1990. 

For 30 years since he left his military post, his tremendous stamina and perseverance has allowed him to conquer a variety of unbelievable challenges on his way. He was able to become independent despite his physical disability. Because of his amazing deeds and dedication to help others, he has received accolades from various groups such as the “Inspiring Model Citizen of Shandong Province,” “Excellent Role model in Zaozhuang City”, and many others. He was also invited by several schools to mentor students. His amazing spirit of being independent, determined and selfless has inspired many people. Moreover, several mainstream media channels such as People’s Daily, the Military newspaper and China Central Television all have specials featuring his life story. 

 

Home visits to the handicapped residents
Home visits to the handicapped residents

 

Counseling sessions given to patients in hospitals
Counseling sessions given to patients in hospitals

 

 

 

A father to the fatherless – Visits to the Orphanage
A father to the fatherless – Visits to the Orphanage

 

 

 

It is more blessed to give than to receive
It is more blessed to give than to receive

 

Brother Wu always says, “If my life is not poured out onto the battlefield, it should become streams of rivers nourishing the land of my hometown.” Upon his return to his hometown, Wu first got to know the youth who was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. The youth was forced to stop medical school because of his illness. Out of his compassion for the youth, Wu readily supported the youth with his school fees despite his precarious financial situation and encouraged him pursue his dreams. With Wu’s steadfast assistance to the youth, the youth was able to complete his studies and open his very own medical clinic. 

Aside from this testimony, Wu had also made his appearance very prominent in various hospital wards in the country, delivering comfort and conducting counselling sessions with hospital patients. His heart for the physically disabled has inspired many to hope for a better life once again. His dedication is very strong that he is not even willing to drink sufficient water in order to reduce his trips to the toilet during his visits in the hospital. With this dedication, all the hospital calls him “Counsellor Wu.” 

In 2013, Wu also became involved in a caring group catering to the needs of orphans through the assistance of volunteers from an organization in Zaozhuang. Through the collaboration of both Wu and the organization, they were able to assist 2 handicapped orphans with Wu showing them their love and care as if he has adopted these orphans. 

Register to be an organ donor

However, as time went on, Wu’s physical condition have slowly deteriorated. He was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure 10 years ago and upon knowing this situation, he persuaded his family to register as organ donors in the local Red Cross Association. He also initiated a social movement called “Little Rain Drop” to rally more people to donate their organs in support of those who are in desperate need for organ donation. 

Many have asked why he devotes so much energy and resources to meet another person’s needs when he himself is in need of such assistance. Wu answered “I’ve already been deeply blessed as most of my fellow army mates had never survived this far. With all the care and respect, I’ve been given in society, there’s no excuse left for me to waste the rest of my life.” 

Wu Qinglian shared his testimonies in Zaozhuang Gospel Church on Christmas Eve

During the service held in Zaozhuang Gospel Church on Christmas Eve, Wu shared his testimony by saying “Before knowing Jesus as my Lord and savior, I used to uphold my mom as God whom I relied on intensively. Only when I went to the battlefield did I truly encountered Jesus as my only God while in the midst of flying bullets and gun fire. I was spotted and chased by the enemy on my way to deliver military supplies to the front line. The enemy almost got a hold of me as he was firing bullets towards me non-stop. By God’s protective hand, I was shielded from danger by a piece of large rock before me. My injuries did not get worst due to the rock, enabling me to stay alive until this very day. Praise the Lord! I believe the God whom my mom worshipped and trusted has helped me through this life-and-death moment. My heart resonates strongly with what David said in the book of Psalm “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)

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