Shu-Hsin Bredthauer’s Testimony 05/08/2009
Life before my conversion:
I was born and raised in Taiwan and was taught of a variety of religions of Asia – Taoism, Chinese philosophy, and Buddhism. However, religion was pretty much an irrational and impractical concept to me, and I was the one that is responsible for and in-control of my life.
I came to the US for college 5 years ago to pursue the “American Dream.” I thought my dreams would come true if I go to parties, get drunk, or get involved with some guy…. But I only felt disgusted by myself when I do those “cool” or “popular” things that everyone else is doing. I thought this was all that life can get, which was tolerable but boring and sickening.
What did God use to begin to open my eyes:
After 1.5 years into college, I became friends with Lance, who is now my husband, and he invited me to go hang out with him and his friends, who are Christians. Despite my reluctance to be friends with “religious people”, I noticed that there was something different about these “Christians”. Seeing their honorable living, I saw my life was full of darkness and without meaning. I started to take interests in the Bible and other Christian books. I read the book Purpose Driven Life, and realized that my self-centered pursuit of life would only lead to something that is shallow and humanistic. Only by having God as a part of my life can bring honor and joy to my life. I wanted to live in the light like other Christians, so I prayed the sinner’s prayer in the Summer of 2004 and thought I had begun my “sanctification process.” However, I still did not understand my sinful state and my need for a Savior.
After that, I stopped doing things I thought that were not pleasing to God, and I was diligent in reading my Bible and learning more about God. I could say great things about being a Christian, quote the Bible, and even preach “the Christian Life” to others. I thought I was living a fruitful life for God and being a good Christian example to others, so of course He should let me into heaven. My righteousness was built upon my own work and good deeds, instead of the foundation of Christ.
Not until the Spring of 2007 (after thinking that I am a full-grown Christian), I was encountered of the question: If I die right now, why should God let me go to heaven. I answered: “I am a Christian. I am a good person. I read the Bible and go to Bible study...etc. ” I knew the Sunday school answer is having Jesus as my Savior, but I don’t understand why I have to say “that answer.” I was frustrated and confused after that. I knew something was wrong with my faith. I couldn’t understand the Apostles’ passion and the urgency about the Gospel. I tried to give myself challenges or read more Christian books, but my efforts were in vain and only brought more frustration to myself. Finally, I had to give up the control of my faith and trust that God would reveal Himself to me in His way and His timing.
What brought me to understand the real meaning of Salvation and my response to the Gospel:
That Summer I went back to Taiwan, and I got the courage to share Christ with my mom one evening. I told my mom the great things that I have learned about God and that she should read some Christian book to check out what Christianity really is. I felt I was doing something useful for God and was proud of myself. But then after my talk with my mom, we decided to go shopping for boots together. We found two pairs of boots that fit me – one was $300 and the other was $30. My mom decided to buy me the $30 boots instead of the $300 one, and I was bitter about it for the rest of the night. Regardless how much money she has already spent on me that summer, I was being sarcastic and bitter to her about buying me the cheaper pair of boots. I felt something was wrong with me… I was supposed to be the good Christian, but why was I so stubbornly greedy and prideful???
One or two days after that, I was again sharing Christianity with another friend of mine. I came home excitedly, and was proud of myself again for doing something for God. Then, I started watching this movie, which was full of drugs, sex, and godless plots. Even though I could preach about the great things about the Christian life, I was still drawn to these impure ideas. I finished the movie, and I was so ashamed of myself. Two hours ago I was just preaching about being holy and godly, and two hours later I was immediately drawn to things that are definitely not holy nor godly. The verse from Isaiah rang in my mind: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” I ran back to my room and fell down to my knees and asked God to forgive me of my sins. I now understand how important is Jesus to my life. No matter how great of a Christian or person I try to make myself to be, I am still a sinner that can only be bought by the perfect blood of Jesus Christ. (I was baptized immediately after that Summer through Riverdale Baptist Church in Flint Township.)
How has Jesus Christ changed my life?
It’s really difficult to account all the changes that the Lord Jesus has done in my life, because His Sovereignty is beyond my observation. First, the Holy Spirit definitely opened my eyes to the Gospel messages that is written throughout the Bible, which I have never understood before when I was living the Christian life without a Savior. The Bible is not just some folk legends and good principals/philosophies, but rather the Living Word of God.
I am also now married to the most amazing man in my life, who loves me like how Christ loves me. Through this marriage, I have learned so much of how the Lord Jesus Christ loves me unconditionally even more so than my dearest husband. And through this marriage, I continue to see myself as the undeserving sinner that will always need God’s Grace in my life, but the Lord is always patiently and unchangingly waiting for me to come back to Him.
My Baptism by Immersion
I got baptized immediately after I returned from Taiwan in the Fall of 2007. I was then attending Riverdale Baptist Church in Flint Township. Even though I thought I have became a Christian after praying the sinner’s prayer in 2004, I felt I was not prepared to be baptized. After the Lord changed my heart that Summer, I was sure about my faith in the Cross. I went through the Baptism class at Riverdale and got baptized on November 3rd 2007.
