Cross-cultural outreach centers around diaspora (people group) connections, through which immigrants who have joined WELS congregations in North America are able to take the gospel back to friends and family in their home countries.
I am Wei Nadine Li from Hong Kong, originally from mainland East Asia. I am a non-traditional student studying elementary education at Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn. For many years, I was a happy full-time mother until an unexpected journey brought me to the United States in the summer of 2022. During that time, Pastor Titus, from our home church in Hong Kong, strongly encouraged me to visit MLC for my son Ben’s future college application. I listened and that visit changed my life.
Wei Nadine Li (right) spends time at Oak Hill Living Center with the Anchor Club at MLC
After Ben transferred to East Asia Rising Eagles School, I joined Mrs. Hannah Boughton/Zhang’s mom’s group. Ben was taught religion by Mr. Philip Scriver, a former Friends Network teacher. Soon after, our family of three was baptized together in front of the East Asia WELS church congregation and Friends Network ministry workers.
Now, nine years later, I am a student teacher receiving training in Mr. Scriver’s classroom at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in New Ulm, Minn. How amazing is that? God is almighty! I am also thankful for my husband, Steve. Without his strong support, I could not have completed this life-changing chance.
I cannot count the times I have cried tears of gratitude. Many times, I wondered how I could survive even a week without all the kind help I have received from so many people. But I know that God remembers every single name. The love shown to me has been the picture of true Christian faith. I feel loved every day, and I often think about how I can repay that love.
My previous advisor, Prof. Tingting Schwartz, once told me, “Do not think of rewarding those who helped you, but reward others.” Through her words, I realized that I owe everything to God himself. His love pours into me through the many Christians I’ve met. They fill my heart, and the love of Jesus wants to flow through me to anyone who needs him, especially those in East Asia.
I love to share my experiences with my friends back in East Asia. My Christian friends and I thank God and marvel that such a place like New Ulm exists in the world. They are encouraged by the Christians I have met there. Even my non-Christian friends are often surprised by the blessings God has given me and say with amazement, “Your God is so good!” Each time, I can’t help but smile and reply, “Jesus is not only my God, he is yours as well.” Those words often lead to long talks. I admit I am not always able to give the perfect Bible passage, but I know my mission as a Christian is to spread God’s Word with all people in all places. With Jesus leading me, I am on the right path.
Now graduation is coming soon, and I continue to ask myself how I can thank him. My prayer is simple: “Send me, send me, my Lord. Here am I.”
Written by Wei Nadine Li
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