Looking back on my life, I am deeply moved by how God’s hand has guided me, shaping me into a vessel for His use. From my roots in Malaysia to my life in the United States, and finally to answering the call to serve at Chinese Christian Mission (CCM) in Petaluma, California, my journey has taught me one enduring truth: God’s arrangements far surpass human plans. He has refined my faith through trials and allowed His grace to shine through my weaknesses.

A Providential Turn of Events

I was born and raised in Malaysia at a time when the country had only one university. Admittance was strictly limited, and quotas for Chinese students were incredibly slim. Most graduates who had the means chose to go abroad, some to the UK or Commonwealth nations, others to Taiwan. After high school, I was accepted into the electrical engineering department at National Taiwan University. However, a teacher encouraged me to take a leap of faith and try for the United States, even helping me with the applications.

For a long time, there was only silence from the U.S. schools. I proceeded with my medical exams and preparations for Taiwan, fully expecting that to be my path. Unexpectedly, an acceptance letter from an American university arrived via sea mail—it had been traveling for months. To finalize my visa, I had to fly to the U.S. Consulate in Kuala Lumpur twice. Even though I was on the verge of leaving for Taiwan, a sudden, inexplicable urge led me to choose the distant, unfamiliar shores of America. I burned my bridges and committed to the U.S. visa process, which went much smoother than I ever imagined. At the time, I didn’t realize that this was no accident; it was God paving the way, opening a different door at the very last moment.

Early life in America was a struggle of culture shock and language barriers. Yet, the change in environment afforded me more time and space to think freely. I met several classmates from Hong Kong, one of whom was a Christian. Through him, I was exposed to the gospel for the first time, beginning to seriously contemplate faith and the meaning of life.

Later, three close friends and I transferred to the University of Texas. There, I met more Christian peers and joined a campus Bible study. The turning point came during a winter conference in my junior year. For the first time, the gospel became clear: I recognized my own brokenness and my need for a Savior. That night, I prayed sincerely and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord.

Reflecting on those years, I see that if God hadn’t miraculously brought me to America, I might have spent my entire life missing the gospel, wandering further down a path toward destruction. As Isaiah 55:8 says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.” I have lived this truth; His ways truly are higher than mine.

Answering the Call to CCM

After coming to faith, I began serving in Bible studies and the local church, pondering my future direction. During a student winter conference, I heard speakers from CCM—including Rev. Wally Yew—share their calling. Rev. Yew spoke of setting aside worldly ambitions to focus solely on the Lord, living a simple life filled with profound joy. His testimony stirred something deep within me. He became the primary influence leading me toward CCM.

For a period, my heart could not find rest. A single question echoed in my mind: “Are you willing to be used by God?” I wondered if God was calling me. For months, I prayed through this persistent internal conviction.

The struggle was real. I wondered, “What use does God have for an engineer?” I worried about my parents. They had sent me to America for a “bright future,” and it was only natural for them to hope for my professional success. I even worried about the practicalities: if I were to start a family, could I survive on the notoriously low income of a ministry worker? These fears made me hesitate.

Yet, God did not let me go. During a time of devotion, I read 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It felt as if those words were written specifically for me. I realized God wasn’t asking for my ability; He was asking for my obedience. Since He called me, He would be the one responsible for me.

I shared this with my pastor and spiritual mentors, who prayed with me and confirmed the calling. Finally, I laid down my burdens and committed to the path of full-time ministry. Joining CCM was a rigorous process—I had to write a detailed testimony of my salvation and calling, provide pastoral recommendations, and undergo a three-month trial period. It was a daunting challenge for a young man just starting out, but it taught me to lean entirely on God.

Humble Obedience and Abundant Grace

In the 1970s, CCM was a small operation with few staff and modest equipment, yet its ministry was diverse. Because of the labor shortage, I was immediately assigned to the audiocassette ministry. We had no professional studio or equipment; I had to learn everything from scratch. I knew nothing about recording, editing, or post-production, but God grew my skills step by step. Eventually, I became responsible for slide shows, videography, editing, translation, and even the development of computer systems and IT platforms. My engineering background proved to be a blessing, making it easier to adapt to these emerging technologies.

Financially, life at CCM was a lesson in faith. Salaries were modest and not always on time—a condition we were informed of before joining. We lived by faith, bringing our needs to God in prayer. But beyond our personal needs, the entirety of CCM’s ministry relied on God’s provision. His grace was always sufficient; we never lacked the essentials. I experienced the reality of Deuteronomy 29:5: “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.”

Most importantly, service taught me humility. CCM is not a church, but it functions like a spiritual family. Senior coworkers often reminded us: do not form cliques, do not chase vanity, and respect one another. Philippians 2:3 became a guiding light: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” I learned that ministry is not about seeking fame, but about faithfully completing the work God entrusts to us.

Decades have passed. I have seen CCM’s work expand from cassette tapes to multimedia, and from print publications to global digital platforms. I have seen seekers find the Lord and believers find encouragement. Every small task is a channel for God’s blessing. Whether I am tuning audio in a studio, writing a manuscript, or developing a webpage, it is all service rendered to Him. Colossians 3:23–24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters....It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This has been the anthem of my life.

Conclusion

From Malaysia to America, from my first prayer to decades of service at CCM, my life is a witness to one thing: God’s hand was guiding me long before I knew Him. His plans always exceed our own. Though I am but a fragile clay jar, weak and limited, in His hands I can be used to carry His grace and blessings.

May my testimony encourage you: do not look down on yourself, and do not fear the future. If you are willing to obey and entrust yourself to the Lord, He will use you to achieve things beyond your imagination. We are but jars of clay, but we hold a treasure within “to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Brother Hon-Kwong Chung faithfully served at Chinese Christian Mission for decades and has recently gone to be with the Lord.