The outbreak of war broke the once peaceful lives that Pastor Yulong Chen* and his congregation led. Silence was replaced by gunshots and explosions. Their homes were destroyed, and their relatives were scattered. As a last resort, Pastor Chen and others took their only belongings and fled their hometown. They left the place they once called home and took refuge in a remote place. Although the environment was harsh, they knew that walking with God’s presence was more important than anything else.
“The war took away our homes, but it cannot take away our faith,” said an elderly woman from the church community with fierce determination. “As long as we have breath in our lungs, we must pray to God.”
The people were moved by her words and went in search of a place for worship. The place Pastor Chen decided to do service at was very simple. It was surrounded by barren mountains and almost isolated from the outside world. They built a temporary residence hut made of wood and rags, and the wind blew in with a biting cold. However, although the conditions were harsh, their hearts were more focused and eager than ever as they knew that Christ was their refuge.
During the gathering, they read the Scriptures together out of a worn-out Bible— it was all they had. In order for everyone to hear the word of the Lord, they took turns reading aloud. When the Word was spoken, fatigue and fear disappeared in an instant. It was replaced by God’s peace and hope. Some people shed tears silently, while others praised God with all their might.
Pastor Chen and the congregation stayed in this place. Though the war has been hard on them, they now know that God is with them always to protect and support them in all things.
