Faith Story by Eveline Lee
In April of last year, I suddenly received a call from my husband’s hometown saying that his mother had been vomiting all night and needed to be rushed to the hospital. After examination, the doctor diagnosed her with a stroke, which caused such severe dizziness that she couldn’t open her eyes. The doctor said that the first three months are the most critical period for stroke patients to recover, so she needed extra careful care. After she was discharged from the hospital, my husband brought her home to take care of her.
Because I had to care for my mother-in-law, I was unable to participate in church ministries, small group gatherings, Sunday worship and even the 40-day morning prayer. What saddened me wasn’t having to care for a sick family member, but that the situation prevented me from attending meetings and serving in the church. Those who know me know how much I especially love small group gatherings; always preparing in advance, thinking about what delicious food to cook and to share with others. Even when tired, I felt happy and fulfilled doing this. I also love interacting with people and making new friends at church. The sudden loss of this left me feeling very discouraged and sad. Every day, I prayed to God, asking Him to heal my mother-in-law quickly so that I could return to my previous life.
A month later, thank the Lord, my mother-in-law’s condition improved significantly – She began to manage some basic self-care.
But just when I thought things were getting easier, my husband told me he often felt exhausted and had trouble sleeping. He went for a medical check-up and the results showed that one of his blood vessels was blocked. The doctor recommended surgery as soon as possible. Since my husband loves playing badminton—at least three times a week—any delay posed risks. So we agreed.
Even as one storm subsided, another arose. On the afternoon of the same day as the surgery, I received another urgent call from my husband’s hometown. My father-in-law had been rushed to the hospital. Due to his long-term paralysis, he was prone to lung infections. The hospital warned us to prepare mentally.
At that moment, my heart was in complete panic… What could I do? My husband’s surgery was successful, and the doctor said he would recover after a month of rest, but he was still hospitalized. My mother-in-law needed care at home, and now my father-in-law was in critical condition. I didn’t know who to turn to for help—my husband’s siblings were unable to help, citing busy work schedules. I felt utterly helpless, having no one to rely on. I asked God, “Are You playing a joke on me? Why are You making me go through so many things at once?” I asked Him to help me, and to grant me the strength and courage to face these difficulties calmly.
As I shuttled between work, the hospital, and home every day, the pressure was immense, and incredibly difficult to endure. The lack of rest and the high stress caused insomnia to flare up again. But I am grateful that I am already a Christian. When I could not sleep, I could listen to worship songs to draw closer to God; my soul found comfort. My brothers and sisters in Christ encouraged and supported me, keeping me in their prayers.
I felt the Lord’s love and His presence. Even though there was still endless work, my heart was filled with peace. Thank the Lord—by His grace, everything has now passed. I can participate in small groups, return to serving in church, and even take part in 40-day morning prayer.
I believe God has a purpose for my husband and his family. I realise that if they hadn’t fallen ill, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to care for them. Through this experience, our relationships have grown stronger. They have also felt the love of Jesus through me, and the seeds of the gospel have been planted.
I previously shared during morning prayer how God blessed my business during the pandemic and even prepared a comfortable new home for me. Now, I can freely open my home for small group gatherings.
Also, God has raised up my daughter, Jessica. Last year during morning prayer, she testified about how God led her to serve in the church. Through serving, she experienced God’s grace. Now, she is a Core-Leader in the worship team. Hallelujah!
Finally, what excites me the most is that my mother has come to the Lord and has been baptized. She loves church life and has found two like-minded sisters. I firmly believe in God’s promise: “Believe in the Lord, and you and your household will be saved.” I continue to pray steadfastly for my husband’s salvation. In the name of Jesus, I declare, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord forever.” Thank the Lord—all glory and praise to the Lord Jesus. Amen!
I would like to recite a verse to praise our God: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” — Isaiah 12:2
Eveline Lee