A Good and Faithful Servant
On a typical Sunday, Rachel Yonghua He works at her church from 7 a.m. to after 7 p.m. without resting or eating until the end of the day. She is one of 17 pastors serving a church in Beijing, China with more than 8,000 people attending every week.
Yonghua He has said goodbye to her church and her family, including her 20-month-old daughter, for a year to study at Wesley. “It is very hard to be away from my family and church, but I am very grateful for the opportunity to study at this seminary,” she says.
Yonghua He’s time of study and spiritual formation at Wesley will bear fruit in her ministry for decades. Given the growth in the Christian church in China, her education has the potential to shape tens of thousands of people.
The total number of self-professed Christians is now the largest of any Asian nation. With this expedited growth, the church has struggled to train and provide leaders.
A Generosity That Will Bear Fruit
Yonghua He is able to dedicate this year to studying because of the generosity of others. One church in Korea contributed half of the scholarship, with many Korean-American churches providing the other half. All of the seminary’s international scholarships are possible only because of generous gifts from alumni and friends.
“I want say to those who gave money to Wesley for scholarships for students like me that their gift is a gift from God,” she said. “This scholarship has made a big difference for me. I don’t have to worry about so many things because of their generosity. Their gifts will be multiplied through what I am learning.”
A Faithful Ministry for a Faithful Pastor
Yonghua He knows she is called by God to ministry. Her faith and life reflect her dedication to living God’s call that began even before she was born.
Yonghua He’s mother fell and was badly injured when seven months pregnant. She asked the local church to pray for the baby. When the baby was born without any complications, Yonghua He’s parents promised their new child to God.
As a teenager Yonghua He chose for herself to commit her life to God. She attended the seminary in China and then went to work at the Haidian Christian Church. After serving a few years in ministry, she is seeking to be replenished through worship, study and being imbedded in the Wesley community.
