Fen - Salesperson

My name is Fen.  I was born in China in the early 1960’s and grew up there  when many resources were scarce due to a long period of natural and man-made disasters, which affected tens of millions of people in China.

Until I was about 7 years old, I did not live with my natural mother and father.  I grew up at my widowed auntie’s house in the countryside.  I was often hungry.  I did not go to pre-school like other children.  I felt that nobody wanted me.  My cousins were always fighting with each other and I was afraid.  I did not know anything about love, but only survival.  I learned to protect what I felt belonged to me, and often felt sorry for myself.


During this time, my parents saw me every now and then.  Why did they not take me home with them?  Were they not my parents and was I not their child? What made them strangers to me since birth?  I felt totally alone.  

When I was about 7 years old, I came to live with my mother and father in the city.  By then, I didn’t know what it was like to have a relationship with a mother or father.  I didn’t know why I was punished when I did not obey them.  I felt disrespected, so I talked back to them.    I felt they did not want me, so I would run away from them to a classmate’s house.  

My parents seemed to talk endlessly among themselves about money.   Money was everything, and we didn’t have enough.  Thus, when I was about 12 years old, I was pushed to begin working to support my family.  As you might be able to imagine, there was no good work for a 12 year old.  After school, I did my house work, had dinner, then sometimes worked from 12 midnight to 8 in the morning.   I would do almost anything for money:  I helped to build a house by digging a hole, picking out the stones, and building the mud walls, with my bare hands. When my family had money, we would spend it very carefully.  We learned to waste nothing.  This was my childhood.

Twenty years ago, I came to the United States with my husband.  He got his PhD at Queen’s University in the UK and then found a job at the University of Minnesota.  A short time later, I was offered a job in a small food wholesale company as a salesperson.  I worked there for seven years.  My experiences in China taught me to work hard and to work smart.  Thus, I was one of two employees in this small company who was picked up by the largest U.S.-based food distributor.  Coming from a developing country, it is ironic that my husband and I were able to work our way to the upper middle class of American society and also achieve high social standing in our community.   Despite the difficult years in China, my husband and I always tried to be good citizens, helping others when it was in our power to do so.  We thought we had so many friends in those days!

On October 06 of 2010, I received a cryptic voicemail message which would go on to change my life forever: “I am leaving, … so sorry”.  It was from Jenny, our real estate investor in Minnesota.  I called her cellphone, but there was no answer.  I tracked down her business associate in the Twin Cities and discovered that Jenny had committed suicide.  I was beginning to really worry.  Those investment documents needed to be found, or the chance to get back our significant investment would be in jeopardy.   We also found out that Jenny had borrowed a lot of money from other investors, some of which were our friends.  Her last will and testament mentioned her thanks for our friendship and an apology, but nothing else about the investment.   Where had all this money gone and what was it used for?  

An uneasy feeling in my stomach matched my growing sense of worry that we would never see that money again.   As the investigation continued, it became clear that the money was not used for investing in real estate, as we had thought.  Suddenly, we received news that some of the investors were thinking that my husband and I were involved in this illegal scheme, because Jenny had told them that their money would allow them to invest in real estate with us in Minnesota and in China !  This was really shocking from people whom we thought were our friends!  Now, not only were we looking at the loss of our investment, but also disagreements, lawsuits, and estrangement from friends.  My worst fear was realized that we might lose everything which we valued and cherished!  I could not make myself eat.  My heart developed palpitations.  I did not have restful sleep.  My heart sunk into despair.  

Many good friends deserted us, but some acquaintances defended our character.  One friend told me not to be afraid, because God knows our hearts and we could trust in God’s fairness.  Although I never knew any god, somehow, her words brought a lot of comfort to me.  

In January 2011, I met a woman named Julie, and she asked me about my occupation and how she could contact me.  A few weeks later, when her friend had mentioned an opportunity to export seafood from China to the US, Julie remembered me.  While we had business to discuss, I could not get over her contagious joyfulness and friendliness.  Through our conversation, I told her my dire circumstances, and she shared with me this verse from the Bible: “…Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26 NIV).  How I wanted this hope and joy that Julie had!  Sensing that I wanted more from her, she told me that I could give my cares to God directly by believing in His son Jesus Christ and receiving hope and eternal life.  Over the phone, she led me in a prayer to accept God’s offer, and I did. As soon as I began praying, my heavy burden was lifted and it was dissolved in a pool of my tears.  At last, I felt the love and comfort of my heavenly Father, God.   After my tears subsided, I felt a peace and calm which I never knew before.  By the way, right after I accepted Jesus Christ, Julie’s friend changed her mind and instead decided to export the seafood somewhere else, thus not needing my services.  You see, this business opportunity was not a coincidence, as it was God’s plan all along for Julie to share with me about the good news of Jesus Christ in the hour when I most needed it.  It made God’s gift of salvation more wonderful.

After some reluctance in attending a church service, I did decide to give it a try.  I am so glad that I did because I came away feeling that I was just adopted into a warm, loving family and that God would never leave me.  I started attending church, and began going to Bible studies, praying, and enjoying fellowship with believers just like me.  Through studying the Bible and growing in my faith, God began changing my character, my perceptions, and my attitudes about many things.  

Although we have not recovered from our lost investment a few years ago, I walked away from this bad situation as a winner, knowing that I am a citizen of heaven, and that I can never be separated from my heavenly Father’s love,… like I am God’s favorite!  When I look back on the past, from my awful childhood to the time that I wanted to die all the time, I see God was at work in my life even when I did not know Him.  

I would like to serve God with my life by being trained to teach the Bible and to serve as a full-time minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ….in His time.

 

Would you like to make Jesus the Lord of your life too?

 

If so, you can pray this prayer - Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God.  Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and rising again.  Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life.  I ask you into my life and heart as my Lord and Savior. Please help me grow in you and live for you. Thank you for coming into my heart.

 

If this message has touched your heart, please let us know your response from the following options:

1. Yes! Today I chose to trust in Jesus: Please click here.

2. I already trust in Jesus and would like to grow in my faith: Please click here.

3. I am still seeking: Please click here.

 

 

Testimonies - Men

Vic - Real Estate Broker

Vic - Real Estate Broker

My name is Vic.I look back on seventy-five years and God’s love never ceases to amaze me. I did not deserve my parents, and so many others who loved me…

Readmore..

Rafael - Barber

Rafael - Barber

My name is Rafael. I was born in East L.A. and was raised in the city of Northridge in the San Fernando Valley.I have two older siblings, a brother and…

Readmore..

Dennis - HVAC Superintendent

Dennis - HVAC Superintendent

Until I was about 10 years old, I was a pretty normal kid. In my early years, I grew up in Fresno, California. Mom worked in insurance and Dad in…

Readmore..

Jeff - Movie Extra

Jeff - Movie Extra

I was born in Southern California. I am the youngest of 5 children. Growing up, my family lived in many places and moved a lot. When I was 12, my…

Readmore..

Alfonso - Teacher

Alfonso - Teacher

I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1937. I am the third oldest in a family of nine children. I have six brothers and two sisters. My parents were farmers.…

Readmore..

George - Appliance Service Rep

George - Appliance Service Rep

Hi! I am George. I was born in 1945 in Guadalajara, Mexico. I am the youngest of my parents’ four children. My eldest brother died when he was only one…

Readmore..

Lou - Truck Helper

Lou - Truck Helper

I’m Lou. I’m 73 years old, born in L.A. My grandparents were from Guerrero, Mexico. They had seven kids. My Mom was the second oldest. She was a seamstress. My…

Readmore..

John - Internet Fulfillment

John - Internet Fulfillment

Hi everybody! My name is John. I’m supposed to tell you a little about myself, so I was born 54 years ago in Burbank, California. My job is selling truck…

Readmore..

Lowell Edward - Media Specialist

Lowell Edward - Media Specialist

“You’ll be ‘like the restless sea’, the Bible says. Have you ever looked out at the sea and watched how restless it is? It’s coming and it’s going. The Bible…

Readmore..

George - Product Developer

George - Product Developer

My name is George and I am 39 years old and I work at an Auto Parts Company. I was born in Aleppo, Syria. I lost my mom while she…

Readmore..

Alfonso - The Violin Story

Alfonso - The Violin Story

A local Burbank church decided to reach out and help Christians in Haiti. So they found a remote area there where there was a Christian pastor and his family who…

Readmore..

Jim - Social Worker

Jim - Social Worker

Although it pains me to admit it, my wife was right about me: I fear death. I am the oldest and only son of my parents’ three children. My Dad…

Readmore..

T.G. - Musician

T.G. - Musician

Since I was a young child, I would occasionally experience strange visions in my mind and was never really sure what they meant or what to do about them. One…

Readmore..

Steve - Filmmaker

Steve - Filmmaker

Hi, I’m Steve. I am 41 years old and have lived in Burbank for the past 12 years. I am an editor and filmmaker working in the Television and Film…

Readmore..

Seth - Engineering Technician

Seth - Engineering Technician

Hi everybody, my name is Seth. I am 33 years old and work as an engineering technician for a municipal public works department. I was born in Modesto, California and…

Readmore..

Tony - Warrior

Tony - Warrior

“…en esta vida, van aber muchas cosas que van apareser emposible…en esos tiempos, vas a ver es cuando El te levanta.” -- Abuelito Tomas (“..in this life you will come…

Readmore..

Testimonies - Women

Elisabeth - Soldier

Elisabeth - Soldier

Growing up I’m originally from Vienna, Austria. I grew up Catholic (this is the main denomination in Austria). I was baptized as a baby. I attended a private Catholic school…

Readmore..

Elisabeth - Covid-19 Testimony

Elisabeth - Covid-19 Testimony

My HOPE and FAITH in Jesus during COVID-19 “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say…

Readmore..

Myrna - Child Development Worker

Myrna - Child Development Worker

My mom was really not supposed to have a child – she has a lifelong heart condition which makes it difficult for her to breathe and it makes her lightheaded.…

Readmore..

Nancy - Lost Camera Story

Nancy - Lost Camera Story

A couple of summers ago, I was attending a festival with family in the mountain community of Wrightwood, and lost my camera, which had some important photos on the SD…

Readmore..

Diane - The Guitar Story

Diane - The Guitar Story

I loved that 12 string guitar which served me so well for years. I am not a professional musician, but I value music and that guitar helped make it happen.…

Readmore..

Tracy - Makeup Artist

Tracy - Makeup Artist

I’m Tracy. I was raised in Glendale, California. I have an older and a younger sister. Me and my younger sister, Kelly, are identical twins. I am in the middle…

Readmore..

Sarah - Survivor

Sarah - Survivor

My name is Sarah. I grew up in Whittier, California, a small town southeast of downtown Los Angeles. My first few years of life seemed normal enough. My father was…

Readmore..

Jessicca - Mother

Jessicca - Mother

I am the oldest of three siblings. I was disobedient, argumentative, and constantly fighting with everyone. I had anger issues and problems in school. I was mean! I was the…

Readmore..

Fen - Salesperson

Fen - Salesperson

My name is Fen. I was born in China in the early 1960’s and grew up there when many resources were scarce due to a long period of natural and…

Readmore..

Ali - Student

Ali - Student

My name is Ali. I'm a twenty-five year old college student. I wanted to be a veterinarian, maybe even work in Thailand rescuing elephants. But now I have a heart…

Readmore..

Kathy - Caregiver

Kathy - Caregiver

Hello. My name is Kathy. I am 55 years old. When I was 15 years old, I was amazed that a heartfelt decision led me to a series of miracles…

Readmore..

Christine - Speech Pathologist

Christine - Speech Pathologist

Hi! My name is Christine. I am 29 years old, a wife, a busy working mom, and a follower of Christ. I grew up in Burbank, went to Burbank schools,…

Readmore..

Vilma - Professor

Vilma - Professor

Hello. My name is Vilma. I'm 44 years old and work as a business professor at a local community college. I am married and have two precious teenagers. I came…

Readmore..

Yvonnie - Photographer

Yvonnie - Photographer

Aloha! My name is Yvonnie and I am 43 years old. I was born in Hawaii and so were two of my three grown kids. All three, plus two grandkids…

Readmore..