December 2023, Vol. 20, No. 7
From a Crowded House to a House for the Lord
Fifty people crammed into Cai’s house. As he worshiped God alongside them, he knew his dream for his community was being realized. More people in his village were finding Christ’s love—the same love that had changed his own life. He hoped even more people would experience transformation and spiritual growth as they gathered regularly. But space in Cai’s house was running out. How would more people join them without a proper place to meet?
A Question Leads to New Life
Twenty years ago, Cai couldn’t have imagined this would one day be his dream. He had grown up in a high social class and had once envisioned becoming a priest in his traditional religion.
But one question lingered in Cai’s mind: Who is the only true God? His search for the answer intensified after his wife became suddenly sick with dizziness, swelling and headaches. Though priests performed rituals for her healing, her health didn’t improve.
Then one day, someone handed him a Christian pamphlet, and later, a pastor offered him a Bible. Hungry to learn more, Cai finished reading God’s Word in 14 months. Through Scripture, a seed of faith germinated in Cai’s heart. Then he met GFA pastor Burle, who offered clarity on the question that had haunted Cai’s mind. He also prayed for the healing of Cai’s wife. Cai and his family soon placed their trust in Christ.
A Passion for Growth
A new passion consumed Cai. He and his family opened their home for Pastor Burle to use for gatherings. He eagerly told friends and co-workers about the hope Christ had given him. Cai spent most of his free time serving the church and sharing Christ’s love with people. Gradually, his home fellowship grew. After several years, he became ordained as a deacon to lead the gathering of believers.
Meanwhile, as their numbers grew, it became more and more difficult to gather in Cai’s home, especially for special meetings or weddings. And the community didn’t fully recognize the congregation as a church. In Cai’s culture, many people do not respect a religious faith if its followers don’t worship in a set-apart building.
“Without a church building, I feel like we are coming to attend a cottage prayer meeting,” one believer explained. “The place is very congested for regular gathering. It is my prayer that we will have our own church building as soon as possible.”
So Cai and the believers prayed for God to provide a church building. But prayer wasn’t enough for Cai. His dream of seeing the congregation thrive led him to make a significant sacrifice: Even though he relied on farming for income, he donated part of his own land for the future church building. Then, earlier this year, God answered the congregation’s prayers, and construction finally began.
“I always prayed for a church building, and the Lord heard our prayers on time,” Cai said.
“Now we are very happy to begin the construction work of the church building. I am thankful to the Almighty God.”
Cai and his congregation look forward to having a more visible presence in their community so people can find a place of hope, a place to learn about Christ. Even as the building remains under construction, more people are joining the church.
Cai rejoices that he had the opportunity to give his own land to bless his congregation with their own building. As the church grows, so does the scope of Cai’s vision. He not only ministers to people in his own village but also travels to share God’s love in surrounding communities. One day, perhaps even more church buildings will be needed!