“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:19

Fifteen years ago, God led us to establish Go and Love Foundation, which was difficult, bitter work. At times, it felt like we were in the wilderness, but we repeatedly experienced His faithfulness even when there seemed to be no solution. He opened new doors for us in the dry wasteland, letting the streams rapidly flow! We are grateful to God for His grace!

The following three points highlight the grace we have experienced and the lessons we have learned. These all give us a deeper understanding of the good work God has done in our hearts.

He uses our “needs” so we may have “faith”

On the morning of March 2, 2009, I had an unforgettable conversation with my co-workers. We urgently needed 500,000 yuan [$72,000USD] to start an early childhood education project. When my co-workers asked how we would raise these funds, I replied, “No!” and then said, “Let’s pray!”

No one thought that in just two days, on the morning of March 4, when I turned on my computer and read my emails, the title of a forwarded email would cling to my eyes: “500,000 School Funds Waiting!” If I did not know the person who forwarded the email, I would have most likely regarded it as spam. I was so amazed of this that I had goosebumps! After carefully reading through the message, I learned that the donor wanted to contribute
500,000 yuan to establish a primary school in mainland China. I immediately expressed that we wanted to invest in early childhood education teachers and practical training projects, rather than building primary schools. After we communicated, the donor accepted our plans, and the projects were accomplished!

This is amazing! I never met the donor before and the chances of meeting were very small. Is it not our God of miracles who knows our needs and has the power to connect us to such a person? This unique experience has strengthened our faith in God. Since then, even with occasional deficits, we continue to rely on His faithfulness and wait for His provision for He is faithful!

He uses our “frustrations” so we may learn “humility”

Prior to 2008, our work in China was highly favored by the government and general public. Whether we focused on education for the those in poverty, English teaching, technology training, English camp, or leprosy rehabilitation work, we always received good feedback. By the end of 2007, the local government invited us to build a youth activity center and basketball court in a village so that local teens could have a place for recreational activities and women could learn how to protect themselves from domestic violence. Go and Love created a detailed plan and had
a vision for that place. By November 2007, we officially broke ground and the project was endorsed by the United Front Work Department and the deputy to the National People’s Congress. The village leaders and the villagers also actively participated in the construction work.

By mid-2008, 95% of the project was complete, but since the leadership changed, the project was blocked. First, they said there was a safety hazard, and then I was given an unwarranted charge.

At the beginning of 2009, I received a notice from an official that while the building had passed the inspection and there were no safety hazards, they still had other requirements. Since I did not want to encourage bad habits and satisfy their greed, the entire project was eventually dismantled. This was such a catastrophe, and as the person in charge of Go and Love, I felt devastated! When I finally quieted my heart before the Lord and confessed my sin, God heard my humble call.

Not long after, the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council invited us to partner with them, once again affirming the work of Go and Love. I never thought that such a thing would happen. God honors His children, this is also due to His grace!

Every time I sang the song called “Refine Me Lord” written by Watchman Nee, my heart felt encouraged and comforted,

“If you don’t press olives until they become dregs, they won’t turn into oil. If you don’t throw grapes into the wine press, they won’t turn into wine. if you don’t press flowers into a paste, it shall not emit fragrance…with every hardship…it is a blessing, if it is taken away, it will be restored.”

God allows our lives to experience defeat in order for us to learn the lessons of humility, patience, and faith so that we can be His instruments. As James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

He uses our “difficulties” to remind us to “walk with God”

Years ago, my former boss recommended me to create a new organization. At first I was afraid and resisted. How easy is it to serve in a different ideology, culture, and political context? What’s more, everything is hard to get started! “Needs people, but no people” and “needs money, but no money.” I said to God, “I won’t!” Immediately, an idea emerged in the mind. It seems that God spoke to me, “You will not I will; you will not, I will give you the people you need.” His words promised, “Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be alarmed, because I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you, and I will support you with my right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

According to Chinese laws and regulations, foreigners are not allowed to publicly preach the good news in China. While we cannot share the gospel with our words in such an environment, I learned that we can reach people through our actions instead, for the Lord is with us. No one can stop us from living out the what we believe in.

Go and Love Foundation’s projects involve medical care, education, engineering, social work, and community development. Thank God, although we are not in a decathlon, the Lord is with us and nothing is too difficult in Him! Step by step, we use every penny to invest in others. These projects are an opportunity for us to enter into lives of people in need and touch their lives with love!

In the days to come, we still have a lot to learn. Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Even now, God still guides us both on the field and in the background! With your prayers, many more people have come to faith, love, and patience to glorify our Father in heaven!

By: Betty Chou