Testimony – Dong

Dear brothers and sisters, peace and joy to you all.

My name is Dongliang Wen, and I’m Amy’s husband. Amy was baptised here at OTBC back in 2020.

It’s a mix of emotions standing here today to share my testimony. Unlike some who come to baptism full of joy and certainty, my journey of faith didn’t begin with a deep inner conviction or a sudden spiritual awakening. It began with a powerful life experience, a deep sense of responsibility for my family, and a strong love for my wife and children.

To be honest, I used to misunderstand what faith was really about. I thought life was mostly about planning, working hard, and relying on myself. I saw faith and the spiritual life as something private — something personal that I didn’t need to worry about. I was hesitant, even resistant. It felt like it challenged my identity and values.

But my wife has been a sincere Christian since she came to know Jesus many years ago. Her faith has always been her strength and joy. She often shared with me how her faith helped her through difficult seasons and how it brought her salvation. As our children grew, I became more aware of her longing for our family to walk together in faith and share in God’s blessings. Still, I felt stuck, unsure about changing, and a little anxious about what that might mean.

But over time, after much thinking, observing, and with encouragement from many of the brothers and sisters here, I’ve decided to take this step — to be baptised and become part of the church. I want to help build a shared foundation of faith for our family.

This decision hasn’t come from a dramatic moment or a sudden moving voice. I’m still praying for those experiences to come. But right now, this decision comes from something more grounded — love and responsibility. I’ve come to realise that a strong and united family sometimes requires sacrifice, humility, and letting go of our own ways. For Amy, faith is the heart of our family’s joy. And our children need a consistent and faith-filled environment to grow. So for the sake of unity, to honour Amy’s years of prayer, and to give our children the opportunity to grow up in this church family, I’ve chosen to lay aside my doubts and take this first step of faith — baptism.

Over the past month and a half, while I’ve been attending the 2pm services and the Thursday Bible study, I’ve been listening to Pastor Jane’s messages with an open and willing heart. Even though my faith was still being grounded, yet I’ve really felt the warmth, kindness, and love in this community. And seeing so many of you living out your faith made me wonder — maybe just by taking this step of obedience, my faith journey has already begun.

There’s a verse in 1 Corinthians 7:16 that says: “How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?” That verse really made me think — maybe my obedience is one way God wants to bring blessing to our family. Even if my faith is still small, like a mustard seed, this step I’m taking for the sake of my family could be the very beginning of God’s work in me.

And so today, I’m standing here at the edge of the baptismal pool. I know this water symbolises being washed clean, dying and rising with Christ. I admit my faith is not yet perfect. But with a sincere heart, I want to declare this publicly: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day. I ask Him to forgive me, lead me, and walk with me from today on. I pray that this baptism is not just a ceremony, but the true beginning of me knowing God and experiencing His grace.

I also pray that God will continue to strengthen the faith of my wife and children. And I pray He will keep working in me — that this first step of obedience will grow into a deep, genuine love and personal commitment to Christ.

From today, I will keep learning, keep showing up, and keep walking alongside you all as part of this church family. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but with God’s grace, I want to live as a loving husband and father — to lead my family in a way that honours God and reflects His love. Please pray for me — that my faith will grow and my life will reflect the calling God has given me.

Thank you, Lord. And thank you, church, for welcoming me. To Amy and our children — your love is what gave me the courage to take this step.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.