Grace Endures, Lovesick in Old Age

In memory of KRC senior teacher/colleague Liu Yongling

Organizing/Oh Shin-hye

▲Although Teacher Liu’s “Life Celebration Party” was filled with reluctance, it was more about longing and gratitude. (Right) Teacher Liu’s son Kang Wei and grandson perform her favorite music together.

What is left is thanks and praise

On April 24, 2023, teacher Liu Yongling, accompanied by her husband and son who loved her, finished her days on earth and returned to her heavenly home safely. At the beginning of the year, I was still chatting with her about all kinds of things around me. In less than three months, Teacher Liu passed away. I really felt sad for the relatives and friends around me. When Teacher Liu could no longer move or speak, we prayed together, and she still repeatedly praised and thanked the Lord. Thanks and praise were her last words.

Teachers Liu Yongling and Guo Yuandi are like big brothers and sisters who are closer than their own siblings. For more than 20 years, they have been my best friends who have accompanied me through the joys and sorrows of life, and they have also been the subjects of my careful observation and study. Their relationship as husband and wife is admirable; they do not just follow each other, but follow each other and follow the Lord together.

Teacher Guo and her family do not hold a memorial service, but a joyful celebration of life, which reflects Teacher Liu's love and entertains visitors with her signature healthy food. That day, nearly a hundred people attended the feast. In addition to a rich and healthy lunch, their eldest son Kang Wei, a world-renowned violinist, played her favorite music with their eldest grandson. The two sons shared their thoughts and praises for her at the meeting. They both mentioned in unison how their mother affirmed and supported what they learned and what they did.

What moved me the most was Teacher Guo’s words. They have known each other and cherished each other all their lives. Teacher Guo misses him beyond words. Because of his faith and hope in God, he used the three Ps - God's presence (presence), God's peace (peace), and God's promise to him (promise), promising that he would have a goal and purpose when he comes back. Live life with direction and passion.

From their interactions until one of them left first, it made me think deeply. They quietly and silently taught me the true meaning of service through their own lives. ~Gao Lili

Keep your word and fulfill your trust

When I heard that Sister Yongling quickly returned to the arms of God the Father, accompanied by her husband who loved her wholeheartedly and relatives and friends who loved her wholeheartedly, these two words, "keep your faith and fulfill your trust", immediately came to my mind. Indeed, with her complete trust in the Lord, she has used her gifts and passion for teaching, counseling, and writing to accomplish the mission entrusted by the Lord and transform the lives of many people.

Ten days before her death, despite all the discomfort and inconvenience, she and Brother Yuandi still made a decision that was completely different from ordinary people: to open up the on-site and cloud channels at home, welcome relatives, friends, co-workers, and pastors from all over the world, and pay tribute to She said thanks, love, and goodbye with the same transparency, sincerity, and hospitality that the couple had displayed over the decades.

On April 14, 2023, I took half a day off from the KRC spring retreat in Pennsylvania and rushed to New Jersey with three sisters to visit Sister Yongling. The scene was very vivid. For more than 20 years, I worked together with them as teachers, students, and friends. Suddenly, we parted from the ground for a while. Although I was sad to say goodbye, I also celebrated and gave thanks to Sister Yongling.

I imagined that she would use her gentle but firm voice to narrate a passage that everyone used to cheer each other on at the KRC literature camp in the early years: "Although I am separated from you physically, my heart is with you." Now, I rejoice when I see that you are well behaved and that your faith in Christ is strong.” (Colossians 2:5) ~ Su Wen’an

The good friendship of being both a teacher and a friend

When I think of the mellow sister Linda, the strong and healthy brother George comes to mind. The couple are often inseparable and go out together. I have known them for nearly 20 years. They never make noises or raise their voices. However, they lend a hand to help anyone in need. From professional psychological consultation to airport pick-up and drop-off, hospitality and accommodation... there are countless people who have received warm treatment. Counted.

Years ago I was in charge of fundraising for a specific project at KRC. Whenever I make an appeal during the camp, it feels like an immediate answer from heaven. Sister Linda always approaches me first and whispers about the donation. This makes me full of confidence that God will provide!

At KRC, sister Linda, brother George and I are classmates, co-workers, teachers and students. His constant humility, consideration and incomparable kindness make people feel like a spring breeze no matter what kind of relationship they are in.

Today, one bird flies first. Queen Elizabeth II of England once said: "Sorrow is the price we pay for love." My message to Brother George is that one day we will be reunited in heaven, which is the sweetness we are waiting for for love. ~Han Jiahua

Spring, full of vitality

The first time I interviewed Teacher Liu Yongling was for "True Love" magazine's "Four Qs Complete, Sail Away", and asked her to talk about how to cultivate children's healthy habits from an early age. Teacher Liu not only knows how to take care of the body, but also gives tips on "keep trying" and "gradually change".

Later, in "True Love" "First Grandparent", I interviewed Teacher Liu again, who had just become a grandmother. When talking about grandchildren, sweet affection oozes from his words. I remember Teacher Liu said that she couldn't let go of her grandson once she hugged her. It felt like her favorite spring, when new buds sprouted from the treetops and they were full of vitality.

I once asked Teacher Liu for advice. My daughter had only learned violin for a few years. As a piano player, I often "corrected" her for wrong timing and inaccurate notes, which made the relationship between mother and daughter a bit tense.

Teacher Liu, who raised a son who is a professional violinist, told me, a mother who couldn’t be brave, “Replace criticism with encouragement.” I did so. Now my daughter is in college, majoring in music, serving as the concertmaster of the school symphony orchestra, and also plays the piano in the fellowship worship group. I think this is thanks to what Teacher Liu said back then.

In early February 2023, I had a phone call with Teacher Liu to talk about moving. Having just moved to a smaller house, I would like to give some "suggestions" or "envisions" to Teacher Liu who also wants to do the same. She is looking forward to enjoying life more in her new environment. We arranged to meet at a retreat in Pennsylvania in the spring.

The meeting in April was at her home. She and Teacher Guo had just moved into the apartment. When the large floor-to-ceiling windows of the study room were opened, they saw the green lawn and the brilliant spring trees. At that time, Teacher Liu was already in bed, unable to get up and walk into the approaching spring. That day, we talked, prayed, and sang. Even as her body gradually declined, Teacher Liu's heart and soul were still strong and full of vitality, as if spring had entered her room and her life.

Thank you Teacher Liu, your life is gentle and brilliant, just like spring, infecting those who come into contact with you with vitality. ~Lin Minwen

I can draw anything now

I have crossed paths with Teacher Guo and Teacher Liu on different trips, including our encounter in Taiwan, True Love Travel to see the redwood trees in Northern California, and a cruise in Bermuda. I was baptized by the Jordan River in Israel, and they were witnesses. I also stayed in their home many times, enjoying healthy food and pleasant conversations on the dining table surrounded by green plants... These are all warm and comfortable memories!

Many years ago, they came together to attend KRC’s art camp. Linda is very open-minded and enjoys the process of painting. It must be said that this is not easy to achieve, because as a "teacher and elder", it is really rare to be able to live without the "baggage of idols"!

There is a conversation that I still remember clearly - Linda: "Ranhui, I think I can draw anything now!" This sentence is really touching! Because this means that there is no fear in the heart, no worry about "likeness or dissimilarity", but staying close to "truth and unreality". George next to him responded beautifully: "Yes, I think your painting is better than Monet!" What a happy affirmation!

Linda has completed her journey in this world. We miss her, but we look forward to seeing her again. ~ Zhou Lanhui

invisible pillar

Teacher Guo and Teacher Liu appeared like a bright light in my life, like invisible pillars. Such kindness, enthusiasm and generosity, always lending a helping hand to those around him. They listened quietly and supported silently.

When I faced difficulties or setbacks, she was always by my side to give me strength and courage, saying that Christians should bear each other's burdens, and using gentle comfort and instant encouragement to make me firmly believe in the power of God, overcome difficulties, and pursue my pursuit again. dream. Her value in life has an indescribable impact on me.

Looking back on our time together is full of joy and gratitude. We often communicate with each other on the phone to express our concern and share beautiful moments together; whether it is chatting about our mood, or I ask her for advice on the problems I encounter, and eliminate my own emotional weaknesses. She was concerned about my health and explained the medical examination report to me.

After learning the news of her critical illness and death, I felt extremely sad and lost, but even though I was reluctant to let go, I had no choice but to let go. Her beauty will always be with us and live in our hearts until we meet again in heaven! ~Jian Hailan