MISSING HER FOR HER GENUINE AFFECTION AND LOVE FOR OTHERS (Yvonne—My One and Only Beloved)
By: Hing Seto
Translator: Agnes K Y Tai
I met Rev. and Mrs Lai while taking part in the CCM Canada Cancer Care volunteer work from 2006 to 2010. Rev Lai was the Counseling Pastor of our group. The couple came to every one of our monthly seminars. In each session Rev. Lai delivered thought-provoking short talks as Mrs. Lai supported him with a smile from her wheelchair. At any time, in any occasion and under any circumstance, her smile was always on her virtuous face, much like rays of sunshine, instantly brightening us all with warmth and pleasantness. Her attractiveness was deeply felt. This is one of the unique qualities of Christians, and the will of God as set for us and made available in Christ Jesus: “Rejoice always.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
The smile on Mrs. Lai’s face displayed the joy that came from the bottom of her heart, perfectly natural and sweet, and so much so that her battle with a harsh illness for over a decade could not be perceived. Radiating from her smile were banners of triumph and songs of victory in Our Lord. What a gallant and elite soldier of Christ!
\Also among the multitude of Mrs. Lai’s virtues, I will never forget and will miss forever her genuine affection and love for others, her purity and her humility. I have always respected her since we met nine years ago at CCM. I abruptly heard of Mrs. Lai’s cancer affliction early last winter, and was moved to see her responding with steadfast faith in our loving Father God. He favored her with His astonishing Peace, enabling her to personally experience the precious Promise of our Lord: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. “ (Philippians 4:6) By the Lord’s Grace, she has completely attained that Promise.
We often had deep heart-to-heart talks and prayed over the phone together. Although she was seriously ill, she always cared for our family meticulously and prayed fervently for us and that really touched me. Every time I called, I would hear her affectionate greeting: “Sister Hing (Qing).” When I first heard her greet me this way I replied: “Truly I don’t deserve it!” as I thought she was a couple of years younger than I was and also that her spiritual credentials far, far exceeded mine. With her pure goodness, affection in the Lord and utmost sincerity, I inevitably smiled happily each time when I heard her call me ” Sister Hing (Qing) ” – enjoying the sweetness and glee bestowed by our merciful Lord upon the fellowship we enjoy as part of the Body of Christ. She left me with yet another deep impression – more of Christ’s unique qualities – authenticity, goodness and beauty.
Mrs. Lai was a believer since very young and has followed the Lord with total trust and submission to Him all of her life. Our gracious Lord selected and gave His faithful servant Rev. Paul Lai as her companion and together with hearts united they devotedly served our Glorious, Redeeming Lord. Although tormented by illness physically, her spiritual life proved to hold fast, staying vibrant and strong; she remained unshakeable. So filled to overflowing was she with Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ that her life has given off a beautiful fragrance that will linger with us forever.