On May 4th, the CCCGW’s English Worship Service featured a special testimony from Jenny and WaiKit Man, a couple invited by Pastor David Rim to share about their recent journey of faith, service, and discovery. Following their retirement, the couple embarked on a unique trip—not only to explore the world, but to seek God’s presence in both familiar and unfamiliar places, and to serve wherever He led them.

A Journey Begins

In late February 2023, Jenny and WaiKit retired and began what they described as an “exploratory mission trip.” Their journey led them through several Southeast Asian countries, with a special focus on Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—Jenny’s birthplace and the city where she spent her early years.

From the beginning, the couple was intentional about finding a local church wherever they traveled. WaiKit shared practical tips on how to locate a church while abroad. Thanks to modern search engines—so much easier than flipping through the yellow pages as in the past—they were able to identify nearby churches with relative ease. He even introduced the congregation to several useful Vietnamese phrases related to churches, making the process more approachable and engaging.

Their search led them to attend both Vietnamese and Chinese-speaking congregations. Eventually, they found a spiritual home at the largest Chinese church in Ho Chi Minh City, where they chose to stay and serve.

A Church with Deep Roots

Jenny then introduced the church they had chosen to settle into—a church with a long history that had just celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. For Jenny, this church held deep personal significance: it was where she had been baptized in 1977. She joyfully shared a photo of her baptism and reflected on the church’s enduring legacy of faithful ministry.

Their time at the church was about more than simply attending services—it was about serving and building relationships. The deacon board warmly welcomed them and invited them to join the church choir. Alongside fellow members, they sang, practiced, and shared in the joyful rhythm of worship and fellowship.

Jenny and WaiKit also formed meaningful relationships with the church’s young adults. Every Saturday afternoon, they led an “English Corner,” helping students improve their conversational English while reading and discussing Scripture. This weekly outreach became one of the highlights of their stay. Teaching and mentoring were not only rewarding but also brought joy, mutual encouragement, and spiritual growth.

On Tuesdays, they participated in the church’s visitation ministry. Together with local members, they visited those in need—the sick, the disabled, and families living in poverty. Through these visits, they learned the value of listening with compassion, praying with humility, and simply offering a ministry of presence.

Their service extended to the younger generation as well. On Sunday afternoons, they assisted with the children’s choir, helping with rehearsals and singing alongside the kids, planting seeds of faith through music, joy, and shared moments.

One cultural detail that especially stood out to Jenny was the church’s practice of holding outdoor services on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter. On those days, the congregation would move their worship into the parking lot—right beside a busy street—as a way to reach out to the broader community. It was their way of “bringing the church outside” and making the gospel visible to all who passed by.

Sharing Life

During their stay, Jenny and WaiKit were fully immersed in the life of the church. They attended a joyful wedding and, not long after, a somber funeral, experiencing both the highs and lows of a faith community. As they learned a new language, adapted to a new culture, and made new friends, their hearts were deeply touched by the hospitality and warmth of fellow believers. The photos they shared captured not just moments, but memories of ministry, connection, and grace.

“Stepping out of your comfort zone to serve God can be a very frightening experience,” Jenny reflected. “But as long as we are willing, God is faithful, and He will take care of us wherever we go.” She concluded her sharing with the words of 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God gave us a spirit, not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

A Global Perspective

WaiKit also shared a sobering reality: religious activity in Vietnam is closely monitored. Unauthorized evangelistic meetings—even those held in private homes—are prohibited. All churches, particularly during major holidays, are under governmental scrutiny. And yet, despite these restrictions, God is clearly at work.

He recounted how the church celebrated Easter with special programs and performances. After the pastor's message, he gave an altar call, and many came forward to receive Christ—a powerful moment that left a lasting impression. Moments like this reflect the very purpose of Jenny and WaiKit’s trip: to visit different churches and witness how God is at work all around the world.

In closing, WaiKit shared a story from a previous visit to a Chinese church in Barcelona, where he heard an announcement that 11 brothers and sisters would be baptized the following week. “It was fantastic,” he said. “God isn’t just working here—He’s moving everywhere we go.” He encouraged the congregation to take every opportunity to explore the world and witness how God is working across nations and cultures. “You’ll be blown away,” he added with conviction.