From Atheism to Knowing God
By Editorial Staff
Published April 2008
By Dr. Yiang An-Dong
I was invited to a Bible study group soon after arriving in the States. We were reading how God created the heaven and the earth and how He created Adam, the father of man, with the dust of the ground. I thought it ridiculous that science was greatly advanced and yet there were still people teaching such hilarious stories.
After I got used to the time difference and the initial adjustment, I began experiencing powerful, constant and overwhelming culture shock. I was greatly puzzled by America, the melting pot. I was beginning to feel unstable and lost. I was bothered by the cultural differences; I worried about my study, life and future; I felt uneasy about future problems such as my visa and passport extension; and I was greatly concerned about the family in Mainland China, who were struggling with rising inflation and the increasingly immoral society.
I carried a heavy burden every day as if I were trying to keep my head just above the water in a turbulent sea. Daytime at school in front of people I had to cheer myself up to look like a strong man. At night alone in my room I complained to myself about the difficulties of life, and I did not know what to do with the uncertainty of the future. I was filled with worries and concerns, but had no one to turn to. My friends, sympathetic as they might be, were unable to do anything about it.
In the beginning I went to church, Bible study, and evangelistic meetings with an opposing and critical attitude. But gradually I came to realize some fundamental differences. Those Christians came voluntarily and willingly, not just for show. I was surprised to see that they were really serious about things concerning God and life, trying their best to apply biblical teachings to their daily lives. So I adjusted my perspective. I made an effort to study the Bible and related books, attended evangelistic meetings, talked with Christians, and kept my mind busy thinking about Christianity. As a result, my questions were answered one after another.
I realized I could not keep rejecting Christianity until I knew everything about the Bible because the knowledge of mine and this world combined was still little compared to the wisdom of the Creator of the universe. How could a finite being like me be compared with the infinite God?
As I learned in the Bible study, reflected in my mind, and spent time with mature Christians, I had some breakthroughs in dealing with my questions. I found that it is more accurate to say that Christianity is a “relationship” between God and man rather than saying that it is one of the religions. What the Bible shows is the relationship between the Creator and His creation.
Since I came to believe in the Lord, through my doubts and denials I have been coming closer to Him. Each experience has brought me closer challenges and difficulties, but I am confident that I will triumph over them all because God has changed me. I know that the Almighty God is taking care of me, leading and directing me, and I know where I am going and where my eternal home is.
My personal experiences have convinced me that the Jesus I trust is true, loving, and eternally living. He is more than what I can possibly tell.
Dr. Yiang An-Dong is a medical doctor and Ph.D. candidate studying in Louisiana. Reprinted from Mainland Chinese in America … An Emerging Kinship, Edwin Su, editor, published by Ambassadors for Christ, PO Box 280, Paradise, PA 17562; (717) 687-8564 telephone, (717) 687-8891 fax
Forerunner - Home » The Mandate Newspaper » The Mandate - Volume 2, Number 1
Your comments are welcome!
Visit The Forerunner's Discussion Forum!
Abortion Clinic 911 Calls
Exposes the Dangers of Abortion to Women!
These shocking eyewitness accounts expose the dangers of abortion not only to unborn children, but to the health and lives women as well. An antidote to the smokescreens of the liberal media, these six short clips show what really happens in and around abortion clinics.
Although the content is emotionally gut-wrenching, these videos have been used in church seminars and small groups to educate Christians on the abortion issue and to lead people toward a pro-life position.
Watch these pro-life videos on-line.
“These videos helped change my mind from pro-choice to pro-life. Your videos are what did it for me. I will be walking in next year’s March For Life in San Francisco.” — A. Jackson, California
“I was going to have an abortion until I saw your video. Praise Jesus!”
— M. Drew, YouTube Commenter
$9.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
Martin Luther (DVD) 1953 Classic
Niall MacGinnis – Digitally Remastered
The dramatic classic film of Martin Luther’s life was released in theaters worldwide in the 1950s and was nominated for two Oscars. A magnificent depiction of Luther and the forces at work in the surrounding society that resulted in his historic reforming efforts, this film traces Luther’s life from a guilt-burdened monk to his eventual break with the Roman Catholic Church.
In spite of its age, this film continues to be a popular resource to introduce Luther’s life. This historical epic captures the life and times of the greatest figure of the Protestant Reformation with depth and clarity, while giving a glimpse at the private man in the eye of the storm. Luther’s protest against the established order of the Church gave birth to one of the largest religious and cultural movements history and serves as a prime example of how one man’s spiritual convictions can change the course of human events.
Running Time: 105 minutes
$9.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
The Four Keys to the Millennium (Book)
Foundations in Biblical Eschatology
By Jay Rogers, Larry Waugh, Rodney Stortz, Joseph Meiring. High quality paperback, 167 pages.
All Christians believe that their great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will one day return. Although we cannot know the exact time of His return, what exactly did Jesus mean when he spoke of the “sign of His coming” (Mat. 24)? How are we to interpret the prophecies in Isaiah regarding the time when “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isa. 11:19)? Should we expect a time of great tribulation or reformation and revival before the Lord returns? Is the devil bound now, and are the saints reigning with Christ? Did you know that there are four hermeneutical approaches to the book of Daniel and Revelation? These, and more questions, are dealt with by four authors as they present the four views on the millennium. Each view is then critiqued by the other three authors.
$9.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
Massacre of Innocence (DVD)
Exposing The Occult Roots of Abortion
This presentation looks at the spiritual roots of abortion and exposes the myths surrounding child killing. Little known historical facts about abortion and how they relate to modern feminism are presented logically and accurately. Has been effective in converting many to a pro-life position.
Massacre of Innocence goes where no pro-life presentation has gone before in “tearing the lid off abortion” to reveal the spiritual realities we must battle if we will bring an end to this crime. The presentation is absorbing, fast-paced, informative and incredibly devastating to any attempt to justify abortion.
“… an extraordinary statement … a powerfully articulate presentation about what abortion really means, and why a great and moral nation like the United States must not allow the slaughter to continue.”
— Congressman Robert K. Dornan
Running time: 85 minutes
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
The Beast of Revelation: Identified (DVD)
Who is the dreaded beast of Revelation?
Now at last, a plausible candidate for this personification of evil incarnate has been identified (or re-identified). Ken Gentry’s insightful analysis of scripture and history is likely to revolutionize your understanding of the book of Revelation — and even more importantly — amplify and energize your entire Christian worldview!
Historical footage and other graphics are used to illustrate the lecture Dr. Gentry presented at the 1999 Ligonier Conference in Orlando, Florida. It is followed by a one-hour question and answer session addressing the key concerns and objections typically raised in response to his position. This presentation also features an introduction that touches on not only the confusion and controversy surrounding this issue — but just why it may well be one of the most significant issues facing the Church today.
Ideal for group meetings, personal Bible study — for anyone who wants to understand the historical context of John’s famous letter “… to the seven churches which are in Asia.” (Revelation 1:4)
Running Time: 145 minutes
$17.95 — ORDER NOW!





