The Local Church, my Home, Tim Chiu

I am an American ? born Chinese who was raised in a Christian home in the city of Chicago. My parents were faithful Christians in their participation in the church in Chicago. As such, they brought me to the Sunday children's meetings regularly. I learned many things about God, such as His creation of heavens and earth, that we should worship Him as the only true God, and that He loves us (Genesis 1:1; Romans 16:27; 1 John 4:19). However, these subjects were mere teachings to me. It was not until I turned twelve that my experience of Jesus Christ became real to me. Oftentimes before, I felt God was not real to me, and that God was my parents' God. Thus, there was some unrest and loneliness within me.

When I decided to declare my belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior and life to all the church congregation, to my friends, and to God publicly, I was baptized a believer of Christ. I felt my unrest and loneliness turn to peace and joy like I had never experienced before. I realized from then on that it was in the local church that I came to find a Savior, Jesus, in my own experience. When the believers of the church spoke to me about believing in Jesus Christ, they warmly and lovingly introduced me to a wonderful loving, and sweet Savior. They were so welcoming to me that Jesus Christ became so attractive and appealing to me. Never before had I met a group of people who made me feel so much at home. The local church became my real home, my rest, my comfort, and my happiness.

Today, my feelings for the local church and for Jesus Christ have grown even richer and deeper. At the age of 28, I am proudly a member of the church in Naperville, IL. This is where I have found Jesus Christ among those in the church as my true home and resting place