THESE 40 YEARS.

by Gloria P. Woo, 1996.

Praise the Lord for His abundant grace,

For He called me before my teenage days.

Hearing of His coming again some day,

"Come into my heart", I did humbly say.

Many obstacles I encountered in those early days.

Being the only believer, I experienced lonely ways.

Glad to know in Hephzibah there's a Pastor Woo,

Quickly asked him to tell me what to do.

Like a gentle father he said tenderly,

Answering all my questions quickly,

Guiding me with the Heavenly light,

A new life for me was surely in sight.

Those were indeed good old days.

Pastor Woo gave me a spiritual home I gladly say;

Enlightening me always without delay,

Teaching, edifying, praying for me in many ways.

Soon it was time for summer camp.

With great excitement we all went.

The beautiful scenic campus at Stanley

Attracted all of us instantly.

The themes for the camps spoke loud and clear,

"Set apart for honorable use" with no fear.

The camp was filled with God's presence.

From the world we pledged our severance.

There used to be weekly Bible study every Tuesday.

With great thirst I went without delay,

To hear Pastor Woo's Bible exposition

On Numbers and Leviticus with great concentration.

Sitting in the pews silently,

I drank and ate eagerly;

My thirst was quenched, hunger fed.

It's just like finding a spiritual dad.

My heart was burdened with Ah Yee.

She's still outside God's sheepfold indeed.

Thankfully there was a special meeting on Thursday,

Witnessing to her she accepted Christ one day.

There was great change in her then,

After praying great peace from above was sent.

I was asked to be the song leader,

Singing, sharing with all those seekers.

Leaving Hong Kong for the States I went,

Facing so many difficult adjustments my spirit was bent.

Living abroad as aliens,

Burdens and frustrations were quite common.

Leaning on each other as a couple with no other help,

Our faith was challenged, our strength was sapped.

Carrying our beloved little Celest,

With no experience we had to ask for help.

Staying late at night willingly

We tenderly raised her up eagerly.

Thirty years of marriage had quickly gone by.

Many a storm in life had passed by our side.

Often during unpredicted crises,

Pa and Mom's prayers enabled us to get by.

In wee hours when there's no one at all,

My long time spiritual father I often called.

In these forty years by and by

Grateful for all your help by my side.

Wishing you and Mom more grace from above,

Giving you still more joy, good health, and abiding love.