Testimony –Serena

Kia ora everyone!

My name is Serena, and I’ve been in Christchurch for about four months. Not long after arriving in New Zealand, I was blessed to come across OTBC and join the free English classes here. Through this opportunity, I met many warm-hearted teachers, brothers, and sisters from the church. At a time when I really needed help, they showed me such love and support. Today, I stand before you with a grateful heart to share my testimony of faith and to be baptised in the name of our Lord.

Looking back on my journey, I believe there has always been a quiet connection between God and me. Back at university, I started asking the question, “Who am I—my true self?” One day, in a conversation with Brother Raymond, he shared that human beings are made up of three parts: body, spirit, and soul. He explained that our “true self” resides in the soul. That insight brought me such clarity. A question that had puzzled me for years had already been answered in the Bible.

In 2019, during my studies in Michigan, USA, I experienced the warmth of a church community and God’s beautiful provision. As an international student, loneliness was a regular part of life—but the church became like family to me. Through Bible studies with the brothers and sisters, I began to realise that the Bible isn’t just a book of childhood stories—it’s a book of divine wisdom, a guide for the soul, and a precious gift from God that shapes the direction of our lives.

I also experienced what felt like small miracles. One time, I lost my student ID the very day I got it—but the next day it was returned to the Confucius Institute. Another time, I misplaced my dormitory key, and that same evening I received an email from the rental office saying someone had handed it in. These might seem like coincidences, but to me, they were signs of God’s care and protection.

After arriving in Christchurch, things didn’t always go smoothly. On the third day of my clinical placement, I had a serious fall while riding my electric scooter—due to insomnia the night before. I fractured both my face and my dominant arm, which made daily life incredibly difficult. Being alone in another country, I thought I’d have to face it all on my own. But to my surprise, the church surrounded me with incredible love and support. Alongside my husband’s care, brothers and sisters from church brought me meals and soup. That kind of unconditional love and care moved me deeply.

It was during those difficult days that I made the decision to be baptised and return fully to the Lord. Brother Raymond once said, “Through baptism, we’re united with the death and resurrection of Christ, and become children of God. When we fully trust and obey Him, He will definitely hear our prayers and guide us.” At that moment, I knew I was ready to place my life in the Lord’s hands.

I often consider myself quite a utilitarian person, and my social interactions have usually been purpose-driven. But through the church, I’ve discovered a different kind of relationship—one that comes from God. It’s built on selfless love and unwavering support. It’s not based on what you give or get; it’s unconditional. That, to me, is a powerful spiritual testimony.

As for why I chose to be baptised here at OTBC—it’s because I have truly felt the presence of the Lord through every meeting here. In one conversation, our dear Pastor Jane gently pointed out that I seemed to carry a deep sense of insecurity. As I reflected, I realised she was right. That has been something I’ve wrestled with for a long time. I now long to find true peace and security in God’s love, and to become someone who loves more freely and accepts others more deeply—so I can build genuine, meaningful connections with those around me.

Finally, I want to thank the Lord for all He has done in my life—for guiding me when I was lost, comforting me when I was lonely, and strengthening me when I was weak. I commit to trusting Him, obeying Him, and growing together with all of you here in this church family, as we walk the path that pleases the Lord.

To God be all the glory!

Amen.