A LASTING INFLUENCE:
The 19-month life and legacy of John Earnest Zhang
January 17, 2023—August 21, 2024
By John Van Valin · August 2024
Published here with the author’s permission.
INTRODUCTION
Against the backdrop of our denomination’s call “Into the Neighborhood” an undeniably strong heart-tug developed with the message, “Asia, Asia, Asia.” Following serious attempts to develop meaningful friendships with four different Asian cultures, suddenly God opened doors to new Chinese friends. One such door led to late night/early morning gatherings of Chinese restaurant workers for food, fun, fellowship, and the Gospel. On one occasion 140 of them met at the church with the city Mayor from midnight to 2:30 a.m.
God opened the door for the coming of Pastor Michael Li and wife Maggie from Taiwan. Furthermore, an additional house church began among post-doc researchers and PhD candidates from CN. Through these ministries, many found the blessing of believing in Jesus Christ and following Him.
The first official church service saw 32 people leave the Aldersgate FMC English worship November 23, 2008 and make the 50-yard trek to the “old” sanctuary where a few weeks later, the First Chinese Free Methodist Church was officially birthed with 19 charter members.
The next 15 years saw ups and downs, like COVID, job changes and the normal shifts that often accompany a new church.
A BRIEF STORY BEFORE THE NEXT BIG STORY
Prior to Pastor Li’s retirement in 2022, much prayer accompanied a wide search for a new pastor. In the Free Methodist connection, believe it or not we quickly learned there actually wasn’t a long line of qualified Mandarin-speaking pastors waiting to pastor a Chinese church on Indy’s East side.
In God’s timing after 19 interviews, we were led to Paul and Sue Zhang. He was studying in Illinois following lengthy imprisonment in China for his outspoken faith. His pastoral/preaching life in numerous congregations there provided welcomed referrals for our church.
Arriving on site in May 2022, they were eager to dive into the gospel work of growing a Chinese congregation by sharing biblical truth and God’s love, with our church family and far beyond.
Oh yes, another short book could be written about securing a home, a mortgage (700 emails), replacing a dead car, ecclesiastical approval for his appointment as pastor, and a whole slew of other adjustments. But the big one was yet to come.
I’VE BEEN FEELING SICK
Following 22 years of marriage and many medical consultations, Paul’s and Sue’s “nest” is empty--no bubbly, happy child to hug and nurture.
During a weekly staff meeting early in the days of their ministry here, Sue casually lets us know she’s not been feeling well lately. For some unknown reason, I pop out with a rather forward question that surprises myself and I think everyone, including Ann: “Do you think you’re pregnant.”
Quite flustered, Sue replies, “I don’t know.” Following an explanation of PG tests and that one could be purchased at the CVS across the street, when the meeting ended this couple promptly crosses the street and buys one of those “kits.” I can’t imagine the conversation and thoughts as they made this purchase and drove home.
After this life-changing expenditure, Sue fasts and prays for three days before taking the test. Upon reading the quick results, Paul sends Ann a self-explanatory picture with an exclamatory “Two Bars!!!”
Thus begins an incredible story of God’s unfolding providence in the lives of these parents-to-be as well as in the entire congregation.
A new baby is on the way. Everyone is excited for many reasons, including the coming of the first child in the parsonage since the church began.
POPULATION GROWS BY ONE
January 17, 2023 John Earnest Zhang enters this world as a “preemie” and ends up staying in the hospital 40 days under the watchful love and care of an amazingly skilled staff coupled with a close vigil by one or both parents.
Soon the staff requests an official name for the baby. Paul says to me, “Can we name him after you?” Talk about being set back on my heels, I experience both deep honor and shock. This childless 80-yearold man is speechless. I feel a bit like Zechariah before John the Baptist was born.
This conversation brought about a whole new level of reflection. Chinese parents attach great significance to naming their child, even hiring “experts” and paying hefty sums of money, to come up with an appropriate name.
After stumbling for words to adequately express my feelings, I ask, “first and middle, or just first name.” Without hesitation Paul replies “both.”
Well, I’m compelled to explain the two spellings of my middle name: Ernest and the other a variant English “earnest.” Ernest: my father’s given name. Earnest: an adjective with characteristics of: sincere, honest, secure, trustworthy, persevering. Paul quickly says: “E a r n e s t” and I think, “this man is setting a powerful expectation for his son in the choice of the longer middle name rather than the culturally normal Ernest.”
Baby John’s beginning days in this world were filled with challenges. Not until recent days in the hospital do we learn that 27 months earlier, at six months gestation, the parents learned for the first time, that their baby would carry the challenge of an extra Chromosome 21—Downs Syndrome. Their response reveals a bedrock foundation of faith in the goodness of a sovereign God in these seven words, “This baby is God’s gift to us.”
If anyone has any doubts about the parents’ solid faith in God who always does things well, those seven clear words erase them all.
QUESTIONS AND CONSTERNATION
With the dawning of a fact seldom faced in Chinese culture (or American) the host of friends and church attenders struggle with how to act with this newborn. He’s unlike any they have seen or held before. “How do we cuddle a baby that doesn’t easily cuddle back?” Ann and I receive carefully worded questions about baby John, the nature of his problem and how to relate to him and his parents. We know his condition but feel it’s not our place to reveal any diagnosis, so we refer them to parents Paul and Sue.
Gradually, the church family absorbs a tiny bit of the reality and challenge this new “gift from God” brings. But father Paul and mother Sue again use these famous seven words to describe their acceptance, always coupled with obvious joy.
LEARNING TO LOVE
Suddenly it dawns on us like the sunrise, we’re on the cusp of a whole new experience in life: a big lesson in learning to love unconditionally. Having never been called on before, individually or as a congregation, to express love so openly, this seems a daunting task. But with several obvious examples, in no time at all, everyone jumps in on this new indescribable journey. Holy jealousy surrounds the gathered family of God as people almost stand in line for an opportunity to hold and love this gem of a child. We watch this with deepening love, week by week as we gather for worship, fellowship and our Chinese customary love feast meal.
Our phones click and click as picture albums fill with creative poses, laughter, and all ages holding this precious baby. What a thrill to watch so many people (even adults, and teens) who’ve never held a baby, and see their hearts totally captured by this bundle of love. It’s a slice of the first December 25th.
These captured memories consistently showing two proud parents who gladly and freely shared their tender child with a huge host of his fans. Everyone smiles with deep love and appreciation for baby John’s willingness to receive our love. Though mainly expressed only by eye contact, we’re totally convinced of his love for us as well. It’s so much more than magical or unusual. It’s simply holy.
BONDING 101
Over the course of weeks and months, repeated hugs, pictures and hundreds of one-way conversations with this adorable child, we sense a growing attachment. Each Sunday, on entering the sanctuary, many attendees make a beeline to the front left of the room, to greet baby John and maybe have a chance to hold him before the worship service begins. The same was oh so true after church and during the fellowship meal.
Ladies in the church jockey for position to take care of baby John while Sue plays the piano and Pastor Paul leads the worship service. What a privilege when I get to do that one Sunday. WOW! Precious.
PARENTING 202
As time passes, we notice a distinct absence, rather two. First, even in more quiet settings like worship and bible study, “no crying he makes.” Ann and I remark about him being such a compliant, quiet baby, (even though Dad and Mom might disagree).
Secondly, we think, at least as far as Americans are concerned, we know Paul and Sue quite well. But in our many interactions and conversations, we never, ever hear the slightest word of complaint or an attitude of “poor us.” Contrary to what many in similar circumstances might indicate, “Why?” or “Why us?” We never hear the slightest murmur. Just deep, silent, visible, unconditional love.
We can’t help but notice numerous signs from parents doing everything in their power to assist this special-needs child. From religiously following patterns of care and exercise set by specialist trainers who come to the home each Wednesday, to providing special toys to encourage the learning curve, they spare no effort.
CHALLENGES 303
Since these incredibly devoted parents seem to take everything in stride, we tend to think everything is going along just fine. But on further reflection I think: many medical issues occupy much time, weight gains of this chubby fellow require stronger muscles, walking seems quite a way off, pastoral calls made by this threesome, of course carries with it added effort. Repeatedly, we pray for a special portion of God’s grace to be given to these loving parents. We consistently witness them receiving that grace. And oh yes, we receive it too. Mysterious but real, we find our lives bonded to parents, and to child. This grace from above obviously helps them through days that must be greatly challenging, about which we understand so little.
MAJOR ILLNESS – FRONT STAGE/CENTER
It’s August 9th. Ann and I are leaving the house simultaneously in different vehicles for two separate locations. Suddenly, Ann excitedly shares a picture posted on WeChat showing Sue holding baby John, in their home, with 911 EMTs in the background. Quick decision! “I’ll go to their home, and you go to medical appointment. Let’s keep touch.” Off we go. Prayerful concern and haste are the operative words here.
No one is at home. A phone call reveals the family is in ER, so I pick Ann up and we rush to Riley Children’s Hospital, downtown Indy. This has happened so quickly, surely this is serious, and then there’s the picture. On arriving, even as a pastor, I am not permitted to go into the ER but in a brief phone conversation with the hospital chaplain we learn baby John’s condition is between “grave and serious.” Our earlier suspicions are confirmed.
We’re ushered to the waiting area for P. I.C.U. (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) at Riley Hospital for Children where we find Paul and Sue waiting while their young son gets transferred and settled into his spacious room directly across from the nurses’ station. Upon entering the waiting area, we instantly form a tight circle of tears, prayer, love and support. We’ll need each other and so much more, in the coming hours and days. Somehow, we instinctively know that’s true, though unspoken.
After many tests, a lingering BP of 44/22, blood work not encouraging, a lengthy EEG, and a full-court press of medical professional and nursing staff, I hear the words “Noro virus….condition…more grave than serious.”
Our hearts break, hot tears flow, church folks begin to gather, and prayer is frequent and spontaneous around the miniature hospital bedside of this baby fighting for his life. Gown up, sterilize hands, enter, show love, pray, stay, leave, sterilize hands. Repeat often for 13 days.
Over the coming days, more people, more prayers, more tears, more tests, more procedures, more long nights of prayer and loving vigil. More “we’re doing all we can,” more nourishing Chinese food brought by brothers and sisters, more waiting, more free parking garage passes, and more—so many more isolation gowns used by those coming and going, (100+ / day), more loving support, and more distant peace at the edges, while hoping against all hopes for healing. All the time, this incredible hospital staff exhibits a superlative level of care, professionalism and faithfulness to the task, the likes of which I’d not seen in six decades of ministry.
AN UNFORGETTABLE DEPARTURE
Wednesday the 21st, it seems like the end is near, tears, and prayers along with singing waft into the hall outside this vigil of love.
More singing. “God will take care of you” while Paul holds his son in arms of love. Reflecting their faithful contributions to the music ministry in the church, Paul and Sue lead the way with any others who know this song in Chinese or English, or learn it on the spot…and oh yes, we hear them singing “Let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich for what the Lord has done for us”, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer” and more.
AND THEN … “Is he with Jesus?”......the doctor is called, instantly enters, listens carefully--his stethoscope glued to his trained ears for what seemed like an eternity, and then, oh so softly lifts his head, looks at the parents and says “He’s gone.”…and THEN, through tears we sing, on request minutes earlier by phone from Paul’s mother in China, yes we sing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below, praise Him above ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen”
With more than 20 people in the choir in that room…all dressed in our yellow isolation room gowns, we own our grief but also praise God for the hope we have…. all because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his grave.
A holy, holy sight the memory of which brings tears to my eyes as I type. It’s never to be forgotten by anyone there!
Never! Ever!
SOME REFLECTIONS ABOUT TEARS
There are buckets of them: on baby John’s little hospital bed and sheets, steering wheels, in waiting rooms, on each other’s shoulders, on pillows, hankies and tissues.
Through this, and the days following, we are learning about tears. They soften hearts, clarify vision (amazing how they do), rearrange priorities, change values, views of life and death, bind us together, increase abilities to listen to God’s comforting words, remove clutter, toss junk, isolate the eternal from the temporal, sensitize our compassion for those who suffer loss and pain, draw us closer to God, and reveal deep lessons about Jesus’ sacrificial love for each of us, and the world beyond.
Result? A deep, inexpressible peace, whispers of joy, and hope.
SURROUNDED BY LOVE
We find the depth of love around this whole event and even in the room and among staff, unbelievable, present… through food, singing, prayer, WeChat posts of support and profoundly written prayers.
The loving staff at Riley Hospital for Children serves as a witness to the fact that we’re all created in the image of God. We see it in so many lives and faces there.
When asked why she’s a nurse, M replies, “It’s my calling.” The follow-up “Where’d you go to nursing school” is followed by …University, a strong Christian university not far away. She tops it off by saying, “My desire is for Jesus to be seen in all I do in here.” Another behind-the-scenes moment, orchestrated only by a God of comfort.
REMARKABLE RENEWAL…IN PROGRESS
The First Chinese Free Methodist Congregation has learned more in the last 19 months, and particularly the last several weeks, about the meaning of John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
What was written about the early church in A.D. 197, by early church father Tertullian, can be said during these days, at FCFMC, “Behold how they love one another.” Testimonies both in public and private, now give proof to that growing reality among us.
Many decades ago, thousands of churches in America, including the one I grew up in, would host annual or bi-annual “revivals” with a speaker from some distance preaching every evening for a week, accompanied by special music locally or from visiting musical groups. If in the judgment of the local pastor and the speaker, the first week was just the beginning of better things to come an announcement would be made on the final Sunday, that this effort would be extended another week—an “extended revival.”
Advance the calendar 70 years. The two weeks of Baby John’s illness and hospitalization, proved to be such an “extended revival.” This time the evangelist was 19 months old, had never preached in a church, never chose a text nor gave an old fashioned “altar call” with people responding in prayer and repentance.
The effectiveness of this young evangelist was God’s power of unconditional love which everyone knew the Lord had for this specially chosen vessel. Through heartache, pain and agony, both on the part of the young messenger and those who stood round his bed at all hours of day and night, the bonds of love for the helpless patient and for each other grew at the speed of time-lapse photography.
It was palpable in, the hospital room, conversations in the waiting areas, at church services and in on-line posts.
The tears shed, cleared our vision, consoled our aching hearts, rearranged priorities, adjusted values, bonded friends for life, focused on God, brought joy even in mourning, and brought a whole fresh awareness of God’s presence. For many, this was the first time ever to experience this deep sense of the presence of a living God.
My hope and prayer is that everyone who is on the Jesus journey of faith, will always pursue the daily reality of surrendering everything to God as experienced in relationship with Christ. This valley was in many ways, a mountain top experience of closeness to God who changes death into life through faith in Jesus.
UP THE CHURCH
As of this writing (August 30, 2024), both the mother congregation (Aldersgate Free Methodist Church) and the First Chinese Free Methodist Church of Indianapolis, may soon be looking for another worship site, either separately or together. Due to many factors, the AFMC congregation has voted to sell the property and relocate/plant another church.
With the Chinese growing church sensing the need after 17 years, to leave the nest and follow God’s leadership, sometime in the not-to-distant future, the FCFMC will face new challenges and opportunities in a new location.
Surely, the experiences of these past months and weeks will not be lost on this Chinese congregation in their love for God, each other and the world. Could it be that God will use what has happened, to ignite a new passion for the lost and a revival of desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with more and more people? I believe it will.
This event, coupled with growing discipleship training by Pastor Paul four mornings each week on Zoom with 15-20 people, and an extended prayer meeting Saturday mornings from 8-9:30 a.m., will help prepare our church to receive God’s lead as we seek to fulfill His commission.
We have caught a glimpse of the Apostle Paul’s words to the church at Corinth, “you are the aroma of Christ.” Our aroma of Christ is like that of the lady who broke the container of incredibly expensive Nard perfume, and anointed Jesus before his death. (Mark 14:8) Some of this costly sacrifice surely splashed on her, so wherever she went, can we not easily imagine people asking, “Where have you been? That’s some expensive stuff you’ve got on.” “Oh, I’ve been with Jesus.”
May the aroma of Christ’s love that has spilled over on us all during these days, characterize our witness in this tottering, hungry and hurting world.
EPILOGUE
The Israelites’ manna recorded in the book of Exodus, could not be stored for future nourishment. So, with renewal, it’s for the immediate benefit of the church and believers. Its results will be tested in the fires of witnessing about Jesus, the ridicule of unbelievers and the attacks of Satan. But as God’s renewing love and grace are used, He will faithfully replenish them in the lives of obedient and faithful followers of His Son, Jesus.
The end of this “Lasting Influence” actually, will never appear in print, only in heavenly records revealed on the day of Christ’s coming in glory. But the ripple effects will continue through the lives of those who use these memories in their walk with Jesus.
PERSONAL
Among so many, many events are embedded in my mind aided by ample endorphins. But in closing I highlight two that are far more intensely personal than corporate ones.
First, the staff asked all of us to vacate the room, while they disconnected everything and gave baby John his last bath. After we returned to the room, the funeral home was contacted. They gave about a 30-minute arrival time to transport the body of baby John. Soon a rather slight, young lady arrived to carry this precious gift to the funeral home. She would carry his body on her shoulder.
Family and friends were again asked to exit the room while the lady wrapped baby John in a small blanket. I was last in line to leave the room with the others but just before walking out, the young lady said, “Would you like to stay?”
Not knowing quite why, I agreed. Then realized since this lady did not appear particularly strong, she might be asking for some help wrapping and lifting this precious baby, placing him on her shoulder.
The wrapping portion completed, I simply stood there, holding him for several long and holy moments. Words cannot express the surreal nature of that event, frozen in time and space. It’s a memory I will carry to my grave. I then placed wrapped baby John on her shoulder. I pulled the curtain back, opened the door, she exited the room, walked down the hall and left the P. I. C. U, escorted by two security guards…all in a sort of holy silence.
As the escort group turned the corner in the hall and disappeared into the staff elevator, Sue remarked, “that was his favorite position, on my shoulder.”
Secondly, the next day at the funeral home, the director announced they could offer no child-sized casket and couldn’t have one shipped for several days. Option 1? Just place baby John on an adult casket gurney and cover the body waist down, with a child’s blanket. Frankly, there wasn’t much enthusiasm among the four others of us gathered there. Unacceptable.
Option 2! Without hesitation I said, “my friend and I can build a coffin by tomorrow noon. “Really?’ “Of course. No problem.” A quick email to Steve, “need your help building baby John’s coffin…meet me at my house at 3:00” did the trick. By working late Thursday night and early Friday morning, baby John’s coffin was completed to our and others’ satisfaction and appreciation.
Woodworking has been my life-long hobby, but this project was indeed the capstone of hundreds of projects from houses to crosses to cutting boards.
As a couple without children, Ann and I have totally enjoyed the titles “Grandpa and Grandma” in our relationship with baby John and Paul and Sue. So, we also naturally wept our share of tears in grief. And we also join in inexpressible gratitude for God’s peace and, the anticipation of a great reunion with our “adoptive” grandson--healed completely and part of the heavenly host singing “Glory to God in the Highest.”
And we wonder, just wonder, if there’s one there, might baby John just be playing a piano, a glorified version of the one he used to play while here?
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John Van Valin
August 2024