Dear Kweiyin and family,
When we heard of Yinkann’s passing, a mixture of emotions welled up: Sad, regret, envy and glad.
We are sad that he is no longer in our midst, especially no longer by your side. Having lost our son to muscular dystrophy six years ago, we know how you must be grieving now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the Lord tightly embrace you with His love, strength, comfort and, yes, even joy.
We have known you both since the mid-1970s; our paths crossed frequently but, alas, always so brief. We were members of the same church, the Chinese Christian Church of Baltimore. You were there when the church began for the first time and were among the first group to be baptized there. Soon after, you and Yinkann helped the church to establish its finance and accounting system. But you had moved to the DC area shortly before we joined the church. We regret not having the blessing of knowing you more closely. We did have times of fellowship when you came back to CCCB (回娘家) frequently to visit and also at conferences (e.g., Ambassadors for Christ’s family conference and mission conferences). You both knew my parents Peter and Ruth Lee well when you attended the Bible study fellowship at their home in College Park. As a matter of fact, just today I read an entry of my father’s 1984 diary (the year before he passed away) saying that Yinkann had telephoned them after returning from China (Shanghai and Beijing.) Yinkann’s warmth and being easily approachable (平易近人) gave us a sense of closeness despite brief encounters.
We are envious of the fact that in Yinkann’s final days, he was to hear the Lord Jesus’ comforting words of welcome. Oh, that we should also hear those gentle words when our time comes to meet the Lord face to face.
We are glad because though he is physically no longer with us, his legacy to you, your children and the world will continue. The impact of his ministry is immeasurable; it can always be recalled through his written words (e.g., Ambassadors Magazine, Kingdom Resources for Christ), spoken words and courses, workshops and seminars he had conducted. They will continue to speak to us.
Recently, at the height of the Coronavirus, God put an unfamiliar hymn in my heart which later I realized Cathy and I had known it but have not sung for several decades. The words so fittingly describe Yinkann’s life and ministry.
These are the words of the first verse to the hymn “In Times Like These”
In times like these you need a Savior,
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Just as these words appeal to the listeners, Yinkann’s ministry appealed to his audience to seek the Savior and to possess the Anchor.
Also came to mind is the song “I Know Where I’m Going,” by George Beverly Shea. It, too, so appropriately speaks to Yinkann’s assurance and confidence about his destination, actually where he is now.
I know where I’m going,
And I know who’s going with me.
I know why there’s music in the quiet summer morning.
I found a wealth untold, and silver have I plenty.
I found the Light to guide me when my way gets dark and stormy.
I know where I’m going.
But where are you going?
Yinkann’s earthly ministry was about being faithful financial stewards, about gold and silver and wealth. Yes, he knew where he was going when, in the early 1970s, he found the Light to guide him during dark and stormy days. May the same Light continue to guide you and your family from this day on and give you peace that is beyond understanding.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” – Psalm 116:15.
In Christian love,
Joseph & Cathy Lee
李潔心，鍾琪玲
