The thing I’m most thankful for in my life

If you ask me what I’m most thankful for in this life, my answer would surely be: the many precious friends I’ve had the blessing to meet along the way.

These friends have shared countless beautiful memories with me and have been a source of support, help, guidance, and encouragement in my life, ministry, and various circumstances. They’ve inspired me in many ways, and I’ve learned and grown through them.

In recent years, however, quite a few of my dear friends have passed away, leaving me with a deep sense of loss—and also a greater appreciation for every one of them. In February 2025, my close friend Betsy Wetzig passed away less than two months after her diagnosis—it caught me completely off guard. She had been a faithful prayer partner for many years. Over two decades ago, after we prayed together one day, she told me that the Holy Spirit had moved her to be my support. She said, “I will always have your back.” And she truly kept that promise—never once turning down any request I made.

After the memorial service, at her husband’s request, I hosted a gathering for family and friends in my home. Among the many guests who came from near and far were quite a few unexpected friends—dancers, scholars, former colleagues, students, and several who held different beliefs or were atheists. Almost everyone, in sharing their memories, mentioned how respectfully and thoughtfully Betsy engaged in conversations about faith. Her sincerity, passion, and genuine spirit left a lasting impression. Being with Betsy made it easy to be yourself—because she accepted everyone with honest, open-hearted grace.

Over the past few months, countless times when I’ve faced a challenge, my first instinct has been to pick up the phone and ask Betsy to pray right away—only to remember that she’s no longer here on earth.

In March, my cousin Elder John Tsai passed away less than a week after being hospitalized. At 88, he was a truly blessed man—raised in a wealthy, God-fearing family, and faithful in serving the Lord throughout his life. In his later years, he cared for his wife until she passed away before him. In February, after a fall that led to his hospitalization, doctors discovered widespread organ failure. He made the decision not to undergo further life-saving measures and was moved to a palliative care unit.

I went to see him that very day. We prayed and sang hymns together, and he was full of joy, saying he was completely ready to meet the Lord. When I told him I would come visit again the next day, he responded with a calm but serious smile: “No need to come—I’ll be going to be with the Lord Jesus tomorrow.” A few days later, he passed away peacefully.

Losing two dear friends, prayer partners, and ministry companions within just two months was undoubtedly a heavy blow. Yet their way of living, serving, and relating to others—and especially the peace, assurance, and even joy they displayed at the very end of their lives—left me deeply moved and full of admiration.

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