My Brother
My Co-worker, My Fellow Soldier
Brother Paul Wu was an admirable peer, the most respected companion in Christ; I always remember that he was only twenty-three days older than I. Over the past forty years, he labored tirelessly for the Lord's recovery and for this ministry—this needs no elaboration. What was embodied in him was the apostle Paul's sacrificing spirit, which has been an inspiration to me in the past and will continue to be. In Romans 16, Paul mentions two of his co-workers: "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life have risked their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles." I can say with certainty that Brother Wu served not only his own Taiwan; the churches in all places, especially the churches in North America, have benefited from the service he poured out over the past several decades.
Brother Yucheng had many characteristics. He cared for the churches, tirelessly spread the ministry publications, and greatly received grace in supporting many local churches in purchasing meeting halls. Besides this, he had one more characteristic that proved his faithfulness to the Lord's recovery and to Brother Lee's burden. I am referring to his participation, never interrupted over the past twenty-two years, in the seven conferences and trainings each year. Because of his pattern, the co-workers, the responsible brothers, and the saints in Taiwan all followed. Many times during the conferences and trainings, it was actually when his body was weaker. In the co-workers' fellowship and in the public meetings, he was often quiet, yet his presence resoundingly declared: "We brothers are one; the Lord's recovery in the East and in the West is still one!" Because of the pattern of the co-workers in Taiwan, the churches in Asia quickly caught up. If we say that being one accord is the master key that opens the divine blessing, then Brother Yucheng, for the benefit of us all, never stopped using this key. In this respect, Brother Yucheng's manner of life was worthy of the calling with which the believers were called, that is, to "be diligent to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace." That the Lord's recovery is actually blended together today is mainly through our brother's steadfast and continual effort over the years.
For the Lord's recovery, this ministry, the churches, and the saints, Yucheng truly laid down his life. He never stopped; he was always approachable and practical. He often visited the churches, shepherding them with all-inclusive cherishing. After his kidney transplant surgery, he again began to receive dialysis treatment. Later he also had a stroke, but he never slowed down because of it. Until the very afternoon he was taken by the Lord, he was still serving. Many of us brothers urged him to slow down, but to no avail.
I remember a few years ago, Yucheng personally drove me from the blending center in central Taiwan to Taoyuan Airport. That was the last day of the conference with the co-workers and responsible brothers. I was sick at the time, and Yucheng resolutely drove me to the airport. All the way, my head ached terribly and drowsiness kept coming over me, yet he kept telling me, in vivid detail, the process of his kidney transplant. At that time I thought in my heart, "What kind of superman is this?" At close range, I witnessed with my own eyes his persevering, tenacious character. No matter what his own physical condition was, or how harsh the environment, he always buffeted his body and never left time for himself. In order to let me catch the flight, he was willing to spend a whole day generously being my driver. His character was firm and strong, fearless, resolute and decisive, enduring, and without complaint…; many of the phrases used to describe the apostle Paul could be used to describe Brother Yucheng. The Lord not only measured this special portion of the ministry to Brother Yucheng but also specially endowed and built up in him the human qualities he needed to complete His commission, just as Paul said, "But I consider my life of no account as if precious to myself, in order that I may finish my course and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to solemnly testify of the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).
When facing any challenge, Brother Yucheng's attitude was always bright, positive, and optimistic; this cannot be attributed merely to his personality. Through the Spirit, he was strong in faith, broad in heart, positive and aggressive, resourceful and flexible, and always prepared. When brothers faced difficulties and fellowshipped with him, he always said, "No problem!" This helped many brothers. His boldness was by no means rashness, and his courage was by no means ignorance; rather, it was because, like Caleb, he had a different spirit. What he cared for and was filled with was the Lord's interests. His heart was wholly possessed by the Father's affairs. When Christ comes again to settle accounts with His slaves, it is highly likely that Brother Yucheng will hear: "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matt. 25:21). He has truly fought the good fight and finished the course he should run!
I am reminded of Epaphroditus, whom Paul called "my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your apostle and minister to my need" (Phil. 2:25). This is Brother Paul Wu—he was my brother, my co-worker, my fellow soldier, one who was sent, a serving one supplying the ministry of the age. Not only the churches in Taiwan and the churches in Asia remember him; the churches in America and the churches throughout the earth all remember him. I too would like to be among them, and say, "Brother Yucheng, thank you for your sacrifice. We remember it in our hearts!"