I hear their cries!
Interview with Sister Li Wu Shuyi, Chairman of the Executive Board of "Christian Horn Evangelistic Association" and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of "New York Lixin"
▲Being able to bring "love and respect" to these little lives that had no one to take care of them, Li Wu Shuyi is grateful to God for his kindness!
Preface
Sister Li Wu Shuyi is the chairperson of the executive board of "Evangelical Christian Evangelistic Association" (hereinafter referred to as "Evangelist"), the board chairperson and general director of "New York Lixin", and is also an advisory committee member of the "Kingdom Resources for Christ Association" to which this magazine belongs. one.
Although she is short, wears glasses, and looks like a gentle and "weak" woman, her drive and vitality in serving the Lord are truly unparalleled - she is doing great things for the kingdom of God! God heard the cries of the Israelites suffering in Egypt. Today, Sister Li also hears the cries of vulnerable groups in China and the United States and has the courage to respond. Please listen to what she has to say...
▲Li Wu Shuyi spares no effort in serving, and she would like to thank her husband Li Liren for his support and success over the years.
Question: As the chairman of the executive board of the "Shora Sing" organization, please briefly describe the organization's vision, mission and your ministry.
My participation in "Jiao Sheng" can be divided into two levels:
The first is the executive director, who mainly oversees, plans, and supports the development of the ministry. The executive directors meet once a month and ad hoc meetings may also be held as necessary. The second is to personally participate in God’s ministry and form a team with other “Shofar” co-workers to serve together.
God has a certain intention for every organization that belongs to Him, and "The Sound of the Trumpet" is no exception. In summary: Our overall vision and mission is to preach the “Holistic Ministry”. That is to say, integrating community care (substantively caring for people's physical and mental needs) and evangelism (substantively caring for people's spiritual needs, preaching the gospel of salvation and hope).
Over the years, "The Voice of the Horn" has entered the community, contacted people from all walks of life, established friendship with them, and extended a helping hand. This is the work of "preaching the gospel through actions" and "impacting lives with life."
"Sound of the Horn" began its service as an altar in Chinatown, New York, in 1982. Over the past twenty-five years, it has always adhered to its purpose and has continued to see God's blessings. Now it has expanded into an international organization. Headquartered in New York, there are eight branches and six branches around the world including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Hong Kong, and the number is still increasing.
In addition to serving the community and preaching the gospel, these branches also have many cross-regional ministries with "local" characteristics, such as the "Monthly Bugle", restaurant gospel ministry, cancer care, online radio, and Flushing, New York. community forums, medical centers in Los Angeles, Christian counseling centers in Houston, etc. Recently, at the New York headquarters, several new ministries have been added, such as children's villages (orphanages) in mainland China, domestic violence prevention, family care ministries, etc.
I joined "The Voice" fourteen years ago because I agreed with its purpose and direction. This is the ministry model that I have been waiting for for many years: helping new immigrants who lack resources, extending a helping hand to them as they navigate their way into the new environment, and witnessing the salvation of the Kingdom of Heaven. I firmly believe that this is a ministry that pleases God!
▲The first children's village was built in Sanming City in central and western Fujian. The inauguration ceremony was held on December 3, 2005. No matter local senior officials or overseas guardian angels, they saw the increasingly plump and rosy little faces and received the guests politely. Almost everyone burst into tears and shouted "it's worth it"!
Question: Please talk about the features of "The Horn", a Christian publication distributed around the world, and other publications of "The Horn".
In this information age, media is the most important tool. Thank God, "The Clarion" has a history of 19 years. It publishes one issue every month and publishes more than 400,000 copies of each issue. This diversified gospel publication has colorful content, providing readers with information closely related to life such as financial management, immigration, education, marriage, and movies.
The Clarion is not a preachy newspaper, but its content is full of Christian ethics. In order to report regional news, express local essence and meet local needs, "The Clarion" has currently issued a total of 23 editions, such as New York, Chicago, Vancouver, the United Kingdom, Europe, Hong Kong, Panama, Costa Rica and Peru wait.
In addition, in order to bring the gospel and hope to the vast number of workers in the catering industry, we have published a monthly newspaper called "Delicious Life" based on their special backgrounds and needs, with 30,000 copies per issue.
In addition to co-workers and special writers, the articles published in these publications also accept submissions from general readers. Those who like to use words to serve the Lord are welcome to help us in this regard!
▲At the 2006 Jiaosheng annual meeting, global colleagues and directors took a group photo.
Question: "Jiao Sheng" has started working with children in mainland China in recent years. Please share your burden in this regard.
People often say: "The 21st century belongs to China!" As China's economy takes off and attracts international attention, society continues to develop and living standards continue to improve, but some rural areas are still very poor and backward.
In 2003, with God paving the way, we responded to the local invitation and cooperated with the "Wah En Foundation" in Hong Kong to expand orphanage ministry in China. In order to contact local authorities in mainland China, gain trust and support, and find a suitable location, I traveled to China five times last year alone.
We adopt three categories of children: 1. Orphans without parents; 2. Children of single parents with disabilities; 3. Children of prisoners. Not only provide their material and physical needs, but also provide for their spiritual needs and give them a loving home. The wounds suffered by their young hearts need to be healed, and they also need to receive excellent education to develop their potential and talents and cultivate good character. Through this, we have established good relationships with local government officials and people in the community, and have given wonderful testimonies, allowing people to feel the fragrance of Christ and yearn for a more abundant life.
The first children's village was built in Sanming City in central and western Fujian. It was truly a dream come true, by the grace of God. I am now the director and supervisor of the Children's Village, leading the construction and planning of the "software". The children's village is a three-story building with an auditorium, dormitories and a dining hall. It admitted children in August 2005 and held an inauguration ceremony on December 3.
Those who entered the children's village to participate in the celebration that day, whether they were senior officials and leaders from the local Sanming City, or guardian angels and supporters who had returned from Hong Kong and the United States, saw their increasingly plump and rosy little faces, greeting the guests politely and with enthusiasm and seriousness. During the speech and singing, almost no one was moved to tears and shouted "It's worth it"!
As the deputy director of the Children's Village experienced, every orphan has a pitiable story worthy of sympathy, and each orphan also has a unique personality and temperament, but they all have one thing in common: they need love. The first child brought us a lot of trouble, but over the past year and a half, he is more confident than before, no longer cynical, knows how to express himself with appropriate words, and respects others...
All the hard work is well worth it! We are able to bring "love and respect" to this group of little lives that had no one to take care of them. I am really grateful to God. In addition, I am gratified to see the nannies hired locally convert to the Lord one by one. We are now continuing to examine other locations to prepare for the construction of a second children's village.
▲The founding ceremony of New York Lixin in 2004 was presided over by Angie Golmon (second from left), founder of Lixin. Ms. Ji Huirong, CEO of Taiwan Lixin (first from left), and Pastor Lao Boxiang (third from left), Director General of Jiao Sheng, were on both sides. The candles represent the two organizations. Light the candle in the middle together to represent the establishment of New York Lixin. Li Wu Shuyi (first from the right) passed on the legacy and served as the chairman of the board of directors and director general.
Question: In recent years, "The Voice" has partnered with "New York Recruitment" to develop work to help abused women. Please share this need.
Garden of Hope was originally founded in Taiwan in 1988 by American missionary Angie Golmon. At first, she led a group of Christians to rescue and counsel young prostitutes. Soon, the scope of services expanded to include women and children who had been victims of sexual and violent abuse.
In May 2004, "Lixin" expanded its services to North America and joined hands with "Jiaosheng" to establish an independently registered organization - "New York Lixin". It aims to provide services to disadvantaged Chinese women and children in the greater New York area; in immigrant communities, care and rescue women who have been victims of sexual and violent abuse, provide professional counseling or referrals, get out of the haze of violence, heal physical and mental trauma, and re-establish freedom, A family of love and dignity.
"Lixin" also raises the community's awareness and concern about domestic violence and wife abuse through publicity and promotion, breaking the society's tradition of silence on domestic violence, and is truly a righteous voice for the Chinese community.
Psalm 55 profoundly describes the conflicts and pain in the hearts of victims of domestic violence: "My heart is in great pain within me... It turns out that it is not my enemies who are insulting me. If they were enemies, I could still endure... Unexpectedly, it was you. You and I I am equal, my companion, and my close friend. We always talk to each other and find it sweet..."
Home is a refuge of love and being loved, trust and safety. However, domestic violence often turns it into a hell on earth, causing victims to fall into an abyss of physical and mental pain. The curse is passed on to the next generation. Children who witness domestic violence suffer lifelong hardships. The spiritual damage to be repaired is truly the most regrettable tragedy in life!
According to statistics from the FBI, 50% of men regularly commit violence against their wives and children, and a woman is abused every fifteen seconds. The problem of wife abuse in the Asian community is five times higher than that of the mainstream population in the United States, of which 90% are new immigrants.
According to the 2002 census report, there are approximately three million Chinese Americans and the number is growing. However, the status and statistical data of domestic violence have always been lacking. In addition to the traditional culture that favors sons over daughters, there is also the face issue of "family scandals should not be reported outside the family". Most abused women dare not disclose it to anyone.
In fact, the Bible tells us that men and women are created in the image of God, enjoy equal prosperity and value (Genesis 1:27), and are entrusted together to manage all things and raise children (verse 28); men and women need to submit to each other (Ephesians 5:21), love one another (1 John 4:7), and work together to build a harmonious family. This is God’s will. Malachi 2:16: "God says... I hate anyone who treats his wife violently..." The Creator is indeed the source of gender equality and the savior of battered women. Therefore, we are bound to take on the issue of domestic violence and demand justice.
▲New York Lixin held a "Lecture on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control" at the community public library.
Question: You co-authored "Give Me Back the Plenty of Eden" with two sisters many years ago. Could you please briefly introduce the book? And do you have anything special to share with your sisters?
The book "Give Me Back the Plenty of Eden" was co-written by Qiu Qingping and Liu Xiuxian. It took nine years from the idea of writing the book to its publication in 1997. We explore women's identities and roles from biblical, historical, and social perspectives.
The completion of this book also represents our three authors’ personal passion for exploring female identity. We see that sisters generally encounter many difficulties and unfair treatment in church service. We also see that the image of women in ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad, has been distorted, and that they have been oppressed, physically and spiritually. Therefore, from the Bible, "Creation-Fall-Redemption" ──The Second Coming" salvation history to re-examine this issue of women: Seeing that at creation, men and women were not only created and entrusted equally, but also sinned together, but were saved together in Christ, received gifts together, and were called and sent out together. Inherit the inheritance together.
As Galatians 3:28 says: "... either male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Therefore, believers, both male and female, should make the best use of the gifts God has given to each of us. Respond to God’s call to the fullest and find the direction of your own service. More importantly, let the sisters who serve full-time use their talents and be recognized and respected... Men and women work together to expand the kingdom of God and demonstrate the glory of Christ. This book is published for us by the China Theological Academy in Hong Kong. It is truly an unexpected gift from God. (*Please read below: Remarks on the tenth anniversary of the publication of "Give Me Back the Plenty of Eden".)
Question: You studied at Westminster Theological Seminary and received two master's degrees. You also have rich life experiences. How do these help your ministry?
In addition to absorbing the teachings of the seminary at Westminster, I also struggled to think about many traditional theological topics that I disagreed with, and re-study God's words, "Give Me Back the Plenty of Eden" and "Reconciliation of the Genders - Men and Women Become in Christ" Participating in the editing of two books is an example. These years of learning experience have established the direction of my ministry:
1. The true meaning of God’s call and whole-person dedication: that is, the Christian’s mentality towards work and career. Every work that contributes to human society has its own intrinsic meaning and is a cultural mission entrusted by God.
2. Broadening the vision of kingdom ministry: We understand that as we put on the life of Christ, we should play a role in transforming society and changing customs, so that we can live up to God’s redemption and trust.
3. From the eternal perspective of "Creation-Fall-Redemption-Return", rethink the issues of men and women, as well as the relationship between husband and wife and family.
Breakthroughs in these three areas have allowed me to better understand God’s will and realize God’s love for the disadvantaged. The poverty and injustice in the world have always touched my heart. Exodus 3:7 gave me a glimpse of God’s love for the abused. Heart: "I have seen the suffering of my people in Egypt... I know their pain."
In early 2002, I had a heart surgery. After the operation, I suffered a large amount of bleeding and my life was in danger. The doctor immediately performed emergency surgery on me again. After being miraculously healed by God, I felt like I was reborn from the ashes. Not only did I cherish the lives of myself, my family, and my relatives and friends, but I also often thought of the “worldly people” outside who were loved by God but were in dire straits! This feeling of emotion continued unabated, but I never disclosed it to anyone because I felt that I was unable to do anything, so I had to keep it deep in my heart.
But God knows it. Since I laid down my teaching duties at the end of 2002 and joined the "Shofeng" full-time service, God has miraculously opened up paths one by one, which surprised me: I have the opportunity to develop and participate in the ministry of special poverty-stricken children in China, In the ministry of battered women in the New York community and the ongoing exploration of AIDS ministry in China... God allowed me to study theology, which broadened my spiritual horizons and the direction of my ministry.
We should leave the greenhouse, step out of our comfort zone, look at it from God’s perspective, and serve this world full of suffering! Everyone has a trust given by God in their life. My ultimate hope is to rely on God’s mercy, be loyal to the trust, and do my best to complete my part!
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Sister Li Wu Shuyi's profile
1944 Born in Guangzhou, raised in Hong Kong, reborn at the age of 15 and saved
1970 Obtained a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Houston
1991 Obtained a Master's degree in Religious Studies (Urban Mission) from Westminster Theological Seminary
1997 Co-authored "Give Me Back the Plenty of Eden" with Qiu Qingping and Liu Xiuxian
2000 Obtained Master of Theology (Apologetics) from Westminster Theological Seminary
2002 From 1989 to 2002, he served as a professor of mathematics at the Community College of Philadelphia
He also serves as a guest lecturer on urban cross-cultural missions at Messiah University and serves as a pastoral staff member at the South Philadelphia Christian Church, serving Vietnamese overseas Chinese.
2004 Co-authored "Reconciliation of Genders - Men and Women Become One in Christ" with Qiu Qingping and Liu Xiuxian
Current Chairman of the International Board of Directors and Executive Board of "Christian Horn Evangelistic Association"
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of "New York Lixin"
Director of "Evangelical for Social Actions"
When this article was just finished, I received good news: Sister Li Wu Shuyi won the Life Time Achievement Award from Christian for Biblical Equality International.
She will officially receive the honor at an international conference in Denver, Colorado, on August 11 this year (2007). From this interview, we know that in addition to her lifelong literary work on gender equality, she is also committed to helping disadvantaged groups who are bullied so that they can receive equal treatment in line with biblical principles. Sister Li Wu Shuyi is well-deserved for receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to her! I also hope that because of this, more Christians will care about and support the ministry she is dedicated to, so that women and children can receive blessings from God!
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The scriptures that most influenced Li Wu Shuyi
Micah 6:8: “The Lord has shown you, O man, what is good. What does He require of you?
But act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. "
Isaiah 42:3: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench…”
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"Christian Horn Evangelistic Group"
Purpose: Combining social care and evangelism to bring back sheep outside the fold. Establish a complete and clear Christian witness in Chinese communities everywhere; live out biblical values with firm faith and loving care.
Spirit: Understand the needs of the community and respond to the community's considerations in setting up ministries. Evangelism at every level: community as the altar of devotion. The United Church fulfills its mission: to humbly be the hidden thread that connects the churches.
contact method
New York Headquarters: 48 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: 1-212-334-2033
Fax: 212-334-2062
Email: herald@cchc.org
Website: www.cchc.org
Internet Radio: www.cchcradio.org
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"New York Lixin"
Purpose: In the spirit of Christian charity, in the Chinese community, we care for and rescue women and children who have been victims of sexual and violent abuse, so that their lives and families can be rebuilt; and through public education and advocacy, we raise the community's attention to domestic violence and positively Raise healthy and peaceful families.
contact method
Mailing address: PO Box 520048 Flushing, NY 11352, USA
Phone: (718) 321-1030 ext. 21
Fax: (718) 321-1468
Email: ylcgoh@gmail.com
Website: www.GardenOfHopeNY.org
Author profile
Yu Guoliang, was born in Guangzhou, grew up in Hong Kong, and received a PhD in atmospheric physics from the United States. He is the author of two books: "Physicists Read the Bible" (Daosheng Publishing) and "John Code - Decoding of the Da Vinci Code" (Tianen Publishing).