Simple presence

Reflecting on how God has touched the Chinese people through my humble presence here

By Cynthia Chu
November/December 2008

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Today another school year begins. This will mark the ninth anniversary of my teaching in China. Anniversaries are times of reflection. My recent visit in Beijing with my former students is a timely reminder of how God has touched the Chinese people through my humble presence here. Apart from catching up on news, we reminisced, recalling words and actions of bygone years, and chatting on current issues. We discussed attitudes toward work and life in general. Though God and religion were not mentioned, the exchanges dealt with morals and spirituality. There were no fireworks or sparkles, just quiet conversations.

Scarboro missionary Cynthia Chu enjoys a visit with her students. This is Cynthia’s ninth year in China, teaching English at the university level.

This litany of simple presence is my daily reality for the past nine years. It can be unnerving or even discouraging at times, especially when reading day in and day out about news of the glamorous works of others who heal or tend the sick, build houses or schools for the poor, fight for the right of the disenfranchised, and so on. Reading Matthew’s Gospel (25:14-28) at such moments, it’s hard not to ask if I might be the one-talent person in the parable. Yet God, who faithfully sustains me with encouragement and reassurance, knows just the right moments to prop me up to stay on course.

At one such low moments, a student asked to go to mass with me. She joined me not once, but twice.

In large gatherings, I pray quietly before dinner. Only in small private meals do I say inclusive prayers and invite others to do the same. Now, before I even begin, students will clasp their hands and come to expect a non-denominational prayer.

Just when I begin to feel tied down by my job as lector coordinator for the English mass, beautiful things happen. When I asked a newcomer, an American, if she would like to do a reading, her eyes lit up and next came words of gratitude. She said that in her wildest dreams she never expected to be a lector in China and couldn’t wait to tell her family about it. A young man from Mexico who I approached to do a reading told me after mass that he and his wife were new to China and were delighted to be able to make friends at church. Another young man from Mexico longed to serve on the altar. I approached the priest for him and his dream was realized.

God calls people to do different things. Some are called to do great things and others, small and simple things. I belong to the latter group and am content. Throughout the 90 years of Scarboro Missions’ history, God has been calling people to respond. I am one of those who responded and for that I am thankful.

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