9. New Orleans, God’s Designated Land

            When we received a letter from co-workers in China urging us to take possession of the Promised Land, we were moved by the Holy Spirit to leave Baltimore.  We realized that it was time to start a Home of Grace for Christ’s workers in New Orleans, the designated location.  We could not understand how sister Lu and her husband had disagreed with this idea, but they thought one could serve the Lord anywhere.  We decided that one of the brothers would stay in Baltimore as he needed to wait for a green card.  The other brother, the elderly sister, and I planned to rent a van and, with all our belongings, drive to the South.  My co-worker and her husband had already gone to New Orleans and moved into a senior apartment.

            When we were about to say good-bye to sister Lu and her husband, quite unexpectedly, they suggested that we wait for a while.  They wanted to buy a house for us in New Orleans, and afterward they would take us there.  Thanks be to the Lord!  Through the concern of Aunt Du about God’s work, she had entrusted her niece to look after us.  Sister Lu and her husband had been so faithful.  At that time I fasted every morning to pray that the Lord would lead her to buy a big house.  Then the workers for the Home of Grace would have a quiet place to have fellowship with God.  I thought it would be awful to have a small house that could only accommodate two or three people.  I prayed by faith.  What God has accomplished is beyond what one can imagine or even pray for.  A week later, Sister Lu assembled four of us and testified how God had guided her to the best area.  Near the airport, she found a three-floor house that she liked so much that she had to buy it.  The atmosphere and surroundings were very quiet and beautiful.  The supermarket and bank were within walking distance.

            She and her husband personally flew with us to New Orleans, settled us in the new house, and bought all our daily necessities.  I bowed down before the Lord to give thanks.  Not being used to the customs of America, I was sometimes insensitive and blunt, and very often ended up offending these dear friends.  However, they were so kind to us.  How amazing the Lord’s deeds are!  May these friends receive the Lord’s rewards on that Day!  We arrived at the Promised Land in March of 1993.  Praise the Lord, he is faithful.