During my high school and university years in China, I was introduced to the transformative power of love and faith through literary works such as Jane Eyre and The Resurrection. Then, I was introduced to the Bible and the Gospel—the greatest love story! A university classmate invited me to a Christian fellowship led by an American missionary couple, and I began to study the Bible. I came to personal faith, repented of my sin, and accepted Christ’s death on my behalf.

After moving to Canada, I joined a Chinese church, was baptized, and began my journey in ministry. I joined the youth choir, taught Sunday school, and am currently leading a group called Life Fellowship. I earned my early childhood educator certification and the American Montessori teaching certification. I served as a children’s program supervisor at the Pacific Immigrant Resource Society—all while working at a Montessori school. Eventually, I opened my own preschool, which gave me a great sense of accomplishment, even amidst the busyness.

A Path I Hadn’t Expected

Around 2012, I developed an unusual skin condition. When I was overworked, stressed, or sleep-deprived, my face would swell in various areas. At times, one eye would swell while the other remained normal, leaving me looking asymmetrical. Feeling self-conscious and anxious, I would often hide, overcome with frustration. I even returned to China to consult top hospitals, where I was diagnosed with angioedema, a form of vascular neuro-allergic swelling. Currently, there is no targeted cure. Doctors advised me to avoid exhaustion, and to relax and get plenty of rest. Following their guidance, I decided to close my preschool.

During that time, I was constantly plagued by questions, wondering why I had developed such a strange illness. Struggling with insomnia—or even a little stress or fatigue—would trigger symptoms. Doubts and complaints toward God overshadowed any sense of gratitude for His goodness. It was then that a friend recommended the book The Purpose Driven Life, and I began reading it during my sleepless nights. Gradually, God used it to untangle my inner conflicts, revealing my self-centeredness, and leading me to surrender and trust that God would never abandon me. This quote from the book was especially helpful to me:

“Resentment is the greatest barrier to friendship with God. Encouragingly, God’s beloved friends—like Moses, David, Abraham, and Job—also had doubts. But rather than covering up their fears with pious clichés, they honestly expressed these feelings. Sometimes, expressing doubts to God is the first step toward a closer relationship with Him.”

Helping Others, Helping Myself

One day, I came across an article discussing new advancements in medical aesthetics that could effectively alleviate facial swelling. Intrigued, I began to research the topic extensively, which eventually led me to enroll in a medical aesthetics program and obtain professional certifications. Through this training, I developed a thorough understanding of the field and found myself adopting a more positive and open perspective. During my studies, I encountered images of severe skin conditions, which deeply resonated with me. This experience sparked a strong desire within me to help others who face similar skin issues, using both my personal experience and my newfound professional knowledge.

In 2014, I opened a medical aesthetics spa. Every step of the journey—from choosing the location, designing the space, selecting equipment, to hiring staff—was bathed in prayer, seeking God’s guidance. At the spa, I use the lymphatic drainage techniques I learned to relieve swelling, both for myself and my clients. Over time, I began to appreciate the profound impact of medical aesthetics. Many people, especially women, feel self-conscious about visible skin imperfections, which can affect their self-esteem and even lead to psychological struggles. Through my work, I am able to support them in a meaningful way.

I daily ask God to use my spa as a place where I can be salt and light, to share His love and the Gospel. I also seek His help in caring for my staff and serving clients with integrity. Each person who walks through our doors is prayed for.

At this time, I was also asking God for courage to face my own skin condition. When I woke up to a swollen face, I learned to stay calm—even if customers sometimes looked at me with curiosity. I became more composed and confident, letting go of my old self and relying on God in everything. My heart truly was filled with peace and joy! About a year after opening the spa, God—in His mercy—allowed my skin condition to improve, and it eventually disappeared.

Sharing the Gospel in Conversation

In the waiting area of my spa, I have placed some Christian magazines, Bibles, and pamphlets that share the truth of the faith in both Chinese and English. When chatting with customers, I often ask, “Do you go to church on weekends?” Some clients mention that they have gone with friends or family members, and I might then ask, “Which church have you been to?” This opens the door for deeper conversations and discussion about faith.

Some clients tell me they have never been to church; and, if they are interested, I take the opportunity to introduce the Gospel to them. I also share my own faith journey—how my beliefs have shaped my life. Sharing my faith has been a valuable lesson for me, reminding me that it is less about convincing others and more about letting the changes in my own life be a testament to God’s work. I pray that God will continue to refine me, helping my life bear the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through these qualities, I hope to touch others’ lives in a genuine and meaningful way.

One of my clients enjoys chatting and often shares her thoughts on Buddhist teachings and philosophy. I listen patiently, allowing her to express herself fully, then I share my own Christian beliefs. One day, as she was discussing Buddhism, I felt a strong inner prompting by the Holy Spirit to speak to her, asking God to guide my words and work in her heart. I began sharing about how I raised my child in church and how he has grown to be a thoughtful son, who prays for himself and for our family. To my surprise, before she left, she expressed a desire to take her own children to church. I recommended a Chinese church to her, and a few days later, she sent me a message saying she had attended a service, joined a Bible study, and even made new friends, including people from her hometown. She was so joyful!

I thank God for letting me witness this miracle—a reminder that it is “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). We may plant the seed, and others may water it, but “only God makes it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:7, NOG). This experience of being led by the Spirit to open my mouth and speak of Him deeply moved me and became one of the key reasons I decided to pursue theological studies.

Renewed Values

In the spring of 2020, I began my studies at seminary, completing a Master of Arts in Christian Studies by spring 2022, and continuing to a Master of Divinity program. This journey in theology has profoundly shaped me, prompting me to be mindful of my words, actions, and thoughts, and to seek God’s guidance to illuminate my path. God has gently untangled my past emotional struggles and inner conflicts. Becoming more aware of my weaknesses, learning humility, and discovering how to accept both my own and others’ imperfections has allowed me to grow in forgiveness and compassion.

God also opened my eyes to a truth I had overlooked. I had always based my self-worth on hard work and worldly success. Yet, as Christians, our true value is found only in Christ. We are precious as God’s creation, made in His image, which leaves no room for self-boasting. I am gradually learning to place God first, to resist making work an idol, and to avoid letting it replace God as the center of my life. Scripture reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). While we are called to work diligently, we do so for the Lord. When God holds the highest place in our lives, we won’t fall into the trap of workaholism. By entrusting everything to Him, we receive His grace—grace that surpasses all and is always sufficient.

Alice Dan Xu is the founder of Peony Beauty and Medical Spa Club and the Green Olive Tree Book Club and Fellowship in Vancouver, Canada. She is currently enrolled in a PhD program in Theological Studies, with a research focus on Jürgen Moltmann's Theology of Hope in dialogue with Chinese Neo-Confucian culture and its implications for the faith practice of Chinese Christians.