When Shelina was baptized 16 years ago in the London campus ministry she had big dreams of making a difference with her life. Her family did not see it that way though…
Shelina is from Hong Kong. She was in London to pursue her university studies. In 2001 she got married to Kelvin, also from Hong Kong, and they decided to follow their dream. They moved back to Hong Kong to train in the full time ministry.
Shelina’s family were very upset. Shelina’s dream was different from their dream for her. For the next several years they proceeded to persecute her. It was very hard for Shelina as she tried to make her family understand she loved them very much. Shelina desperately wanted her parents and siblings to come to Christ.
At times Shelina was tempted to move back to England as she got so discouraged. She kept persevering and praying though. After 16 years of persistent love and intercession with God by Shelina her mother started studying the Bible. Six months later, at the beginning of March 2012, she was baptized.
The amazing thing is that Shelina’s mom is totally different from what she had been over the last 16 years. She has radically changed! This is what Shelina writes about her mother, Regina:
“My mum is an incredible woman! She is brave, direct and determined! She reads her Bible and prays every day even though her eyesight is not so good. She invited her friends and relatives to church and she brought 15 friends and relatives to her baptism. I was so touched to see them that day! God is a God of miracles and has his timing for everything. I had dinner with my mum before she got baptized and we shared her favorite scriptures and I just cried in the middle of it as I couldn’t believe my mum was going to get baptized after 16 years of prayers. Dreams come true! She is my mum, my sister and my discipler! I am overjoyed to know that my mum will spend her eternity with God no matter what happens in the future!”
It can be so discouraging for disciples when their parents, relatives, or friends do not understand their commitment, yet miracles happen. Sometimes the most fervent persecutors turn out to be the most zealous converts later. Their zeal may have been misplaced but they certainly have passion. Shelina’s mom is a perfect example of this. Shelina loved her mom and God enough to never give up. 16 years feels like a long time but in the end what matters is that Regina made it! We look forward to the impact her zeal will have on others!
