As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ ,as Lord I am rest assured of who I am in Him, I am convinced of my eternal salvation through his grace and I am fully aware of God’s will for me that is clearly written in His Bible words. Yet, when it comes to how he guides us in every step of our life, it is at many times complicated, confusing and in most parts mysterious. It does make life adventurous, interesting but sometimes it is chaotic and frustrating. My wife Su and I were baptized together in Cleveland Ohio. We served together there at a Taiwanese Church mostly to younger generations. God has blessed us with a thriving youth ministry and a college campus ministry. However, by providence, I was forced out of my position for engaging in proselytizing activities on the job. While searching for a new job and new location I met my partner a Jewish Christian with a heart for mission and through his introduction I have been on medical missions to India, China, Nigeria and Haiti-a providence of God. While just a few days before I came to Ventura for interview of current job we met Ted Lin’s in-law at a mall in Cleveland and he introduced us to Ted. Through Ted we got to know the families of James Lin, Elder Chen and Wesley Chen. Under leadership of pastor Wu we had a small but genuine fellowship. While we first moved here the brothers and sisters at Grace Fellowship as we called it had helped Su and I with needed support of friendship and love. We were ever so grateful for the numerous helps that many have provided to ease our transition to our new life in Ventura area. Though there are other churches that we have visited and tried, we end up staying at the Taiwanese church because it feels at home. As two churches now had merged together I look forward to a new beginning as Paul says, “forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead, press on forward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ.” ( Phil. 3-13)
Church to me is:
A Home-
My recent visit to my family outside US convicted me that we are truly a pilgrim and traveler on this world. During my trip I visited Taiwan where my sister and my wife Su’s family live, I found myself stuttering speaking Chinese; while eating in a restaurant just two minutes from my old home a young waitress asked me and Su where did we come from. Visiting my parent’s home in Japan reminded me of childhood growing up in a Japanese style house but no longer is it home any more. Coming back to Camarillo I went to work and there I had to speak Spanish. Where is home I ask. I like to see the church be my home on this earth because eventually my home is in heaven and there we will spend eternity together.
A Light House-
Darkness exists only at place that has no light. The world around us is full of darkness. When we get together our deeds shall exert light and shine to the darkness around us so to attract our neighbors and point them to that ultimate light of the world Jesus Christ our Lord.
A Recharging Station-
In the battle of life we have different wars. Many of us are tired, beaten up, defeated, and depressed. I see the church to be my refuel station that I can be recharged to face the battle of the world. A place that my soul can receive nourishments, my sins and mistakes can be forgiven, my shorting coming can be accepted and my inadequacies can be embraced by the love of brothers and sisters.
May our church will reflect the love of Jesus, the truth he proclaims and shine like a star in this perverted evil time to honor our God, who is our father and savior. Amen
Humbly in Christ,
Dr. Scott Changchien
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