LAI LI NING
Lai had been involved with Christian organizations for many years. But she realized that she needed to belong to a group of believers who did more than just believe. “I want to do, and not just believe,” she says. “In the Salvation Army, we serve others actively, which I like very much.” Before joining, Lai used to look after a youth group in her ethnic Chinese community. Many of the young people she met there were involved in gang violence and it was clear to her that they were simply not getting the kind of help they needed. In the Salvation Army, she soon found a church that was both willing and able to do that.
It wasn’t long before she decided to become an Officer. The opportunity came at the perfect time for her. Her children were at pre-school age, leaving her with the time to dedicate herself to other things, and she had her husband’s blessing. In fact, they both became officers at the same time. Today, Lai is still very involved with young people in her community. As a Salvation Army officer, however, she is now able to use the opportunity to teach them to accept Jesus into their lives. And this is the kind of help she feels they have needed all along.
God’s words
Lai believes her current role is like a bridge that can link the people of her community to the Salvation Army and to Christ. As an Officer, she serves and supports those who need help, brings them to Christ and develops their faith. Lai is looking forward to seeing the works of the Salvation Army – “saving souls, growing saints and serving the needy” – have more influence and impact on the Chinese community. “Doing God’s work isn’t always easy”, she acknowledges. Lai has been facing many hard times and challenges through the last two years. What she has learned from her experience is to seek God’s help through reading His words. When she relies totally on him, she has nothing to fear.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1John 4:18)”, she quotes.