By Natalie Rummel
The angels were rejoicing November 18, 2007, when Wai Moi, an 83-year-old Chinese man, received Christ as his Savior at the Grace Church of Town Center in Marietta, Ga. (Jim Laird, pastor). A few months later, it was the congregation’s turn to rejoice as they shared in Wai Moi’s baptism.
“This is the oldest person I have ever baptized,” said Dean Fetterhoff, associate pastor to seniors at the church. “The staid Brethren about turned into shouting Pentecostals!”
The story begins as Wai Moi’s daughter and son-in-law Robert and Virginia Bach began attending Grace Church more than five years ago. Wai Moi lived with them.
While the Bachs became involved in ministry through Awana, music, and working with the sound system, Wai Moi attended the church only occasionally and came on work days.
“About two years ago, the Lord laid a burden on my heart for this man,” said Fetterhoff. He located a Chinese (Cantonese) Bible since Wai Moi does not speak English. He gave it to Wai Moi, along with The Four Spiritual Laws with both Chinese and English translations.
“I used this to witness to Wai Moi,” he said. “I went through this on several occasions to make sure he understood, but he would not receive Christ.”
Fetterhoff recalls that Wai Moi seemed to have a love and respect for the pastor and his wife, but he still hadn’t come to realize his need to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior.
The story turns as the Bruce Jackson family came to sing at the church in November. Fetterhoff remembers the family had traveled to China to minister because of their family emphasis.
At the Saturday night rehearsal, Fetterhoff mentioned Wai Moi to the Jacksons.
“The Jacksons’ teenage son commented that they had a copy of their program in Chinese,” Fetterhoff said. “They gave it to the Bachs, so Wai Moi would have it in his hands during the program Sunday morning.”
The next morning, the Jacksons gave an invitation for salvation at the end of the service. Wai Moi stepped into the aisle and came forward to receive Christ as his Savior.
“In succeeding weeks many people of the church commented on the change in his countenance and friendliness,” Fetterhoff said. The pastor has been discipling Wai Moi using Chinese and English materials from Campus Crusade for Christ.
At the February 24, 2008, baptism, Wai Moi’s daughter and son-in-law were also triune immersed.
Natalie Rummel was an editorial intern with the Brethren Missionary Herald Company during the spring 2008 semester. A native of Nappanee, Ind., she is a senior at Grace College, majoring in journalism and biblical studies.