Into the Deep Waters
Written by LiPing Lee
Every time she walks onto campus, Huifang feels as if she’s dreaming—she never thought that a Chinese language teacher from Taiwan such as herself could actually start an American Christian school overseas! All of this was accomplished with the help of God.
Happy childhood
Huifang Zhang grew up knowing Jesus Christ. Even her name “Huifang” (“grace”, “fragrance”) was given to her by her grandfather, who thanked God for his “fragrant gift”! To Huifang, her childhood was full of happiness. Growing up in a wonderful family, her journey in education was also very smooth. Even her dating relationship was without complications—she married her first love after eight years of dating. Her husband was teaching in a university; she taught in a high school—they were perfect for each other. Life was full of romance and friendship as they shared their love for books, flowers and tea. It was a beautifully harmonious symphony.
Diagnosed with cancer
In the summer of 1991, Huifang was in shock when she was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal (nose & throat) cancer. She cried that whole night. Through love and encouragement Huifang was reminded to be brave like her brother who had experienced cancer as well. But all Huifang could think of was her three and half year old son.
Into the deep waters
After the doctor started her on a series of treatment, Huifang personally experienced God’s leading and care. The many miracles during the treatment caused her to realize that the challenge of cancer was actually a blessing in disguise—God was taking her into deep waters to help her receive true abundant life!
When life was good for Huifang, she enjoyed God’s grace and took all good things for granted. Yet when she experienced the frailty of life, she began to truly comprehend God’s sovereignty over all creation. Huifang said “It’s just like what the Bible says in the book of Job: ‘My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You!’—the experience is just beyond description!”.
After radiation therapy, Huifang lost 20 pounds! She also lost her ability to taste and salivate; she could barely open her mouth. Yet Huifang vowed before God, “As long as I can still open my mouth, I will praise the Lord everyday!”
Triumphant over cancer, Huifang has been able to be involved in the church choir and do what she loves to do, sing hymns of praise. Before cancer Huifang just sang well but ever since the radiation therapy—through her barely open mouth— Huifang has moved everyone to tears!
Between 1991 and 1996, Huifang went through 40 sessions of radiation therapy, a laser surgery, several rounds of chemotherapy and operations. She has learned to depend on God very single moment through this long period of treatment.
Great blessings
After Huifang’s last lymph node surgery, Huifang was searching for a meaningful path in her life so, she decided to let the Lord lead her. Huifang knew that God’s ways are higher than the ways of man. Through Huifang’s faithfulness the Chino Valley Chinese Christian School was established! Through the past several years, God has always brought the best teachers and support and solved all the difficulties in His perfect timing. Huifang is thankful for God’s guidance, she would not have found such a rewarding path without it. She has come to realize that God led her into the deep waters to let her experience all the great blessings!
You may not have any choice but to face the many uncertainties in the future. Yet you can choose how you will face them. God is waiting for you to find Him—He loves you and wants to help you. Huifang can testify to that in 100% certainty, for she has experienced countless times His great power and help in her life!
God is waiting to have a relationship with you—He wants to help you and lead you on the path of life. He is waiting for you to make this choice. Why don’t you invite Him into your heart now? Prayer is talking to God. You can pray the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of woman you want me to be.
If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life as He promised. If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life. As you learn more about your relationship with God, and how much He loves you, you’ll experience life to the fullest.
