On November 4, 2008 Barack Obama changed the political history of America by winning the presidency of the United States. On the same night, two young Chinese seamen changed their lives for ever as they accepted Jesus Christ as their own Savior. The future of America’s president elect is unpredictable because he is facing lots of challenges in the coming years. In contrast, the future of these young believers is certain: on November 4, they became new creations in Christ and are now marching into the eternal inheritance of God.
On November 4, at the North Vancouver seafarers’ centre we had over twenty seamen visit from five different countries: China, India, Iran, Philippines and Romania. A group of Christian brothers & sisters from a Chinese Church also visited the Centre that evening. We were very busy and overwhelmed. However, we thank God that we still had a chance to share the Gospel with some of the seamen. Among all of the seafarers, the Chinese were the most open to the Gospel. A young Chinese Second Officer, Mr. Chi, wanted to know how to immigrate to a better place, like Canada. William (LHM Chaplain) responded by sharing with him how to immigrate to the best place, Heaven. He told the seafarer that in the same way that he needed a visa to come to Canada, he also needed one to get to heaven. Regardless of how rich, knowledgeable or good he was, he could not enter Canada without the stamp/ seal from Immigration Canada. William told him that the only way to get the necessary stamp from God is to believe in Jesus. Mr. Chi was touched by this message and wanted to know more about salvation. Pastor Lee of Vancouver Chinese Baptist Church continued to witness to him. Finally, they prayed the Sinner’s Prayer together.
Mona had a chance to talk to the young Chinese Chief Cook, Mr. Hui. The full Gospel was shared with him and he also opened his heart for Jesus. He said he wanted to be good, but could not, and that he needed Jesus to help him. He promised to read the Bible and pray to God. Amazingly, the Captain (Mr. Chiu) of Mr. Chi’s and Mr. Hui’s ship was nearby (using his laptop) and because he overheard our conversation with Mr. Hui he also showed an interest in the Gospel. When Mona invited all the Chinese seamen to sing hymns later on in the evening, Captain Chiu ordered his crew members to join her. We had a good time of singing and sharing. What a wonderful evening!
