Remembering Elina

In the past ten years or so, Elina was a constant, bright presence in our lives. She was the heart of the Lok Ling fellowship, always the one planning the next activity, making sure there were snacks for everyone, or picking up members who didn't have a way to get to church. She didn't just serve; she served with her whole heart—whether she was leading a Bible study or standing at the front of the church to pray for the offering.

Later, when I joined the Wednesday Bible study group, I got to see her "co-worker" spirit firsthand. Elina had this beautiful, deep concern for people who hadn't found their faith yet. She was steadfast. She never missed a chance to share her belief with others, and she did it with a kindness that invited people in.

When the news of her cancer diagnosis came, we were all shaken, but Elina’s reaction was something I’ll never forget. Even through the exhaustion of chemotherapy, she stayed positive. She didn't just endure her treatments; she used that time to share her faith with the nurses and doctors who were caring for her. It was so uplifting to hear her tell those stories.

The most humbling part of her journey was her selflessness. Our church was praying constantly for her recovery, but she would often turn it around and ask, "How can I pray for you?" Seeing her reach out to support us while she was in the middle of her own suffering strengthened our faith in a way words can’t describe.

There is a real void in our hearts now that she’s gone. But we find peace knowing that she is finally in a better place—free from pain, free from the battle, and resting at home with our Father in heaven. She has finished her race, and we are all better for having run it alongside her.

Elina and I knew each other before we were even born. She was just a few months older than I. Our fathers were war time colleagues fighting the Japanese in south west China near Laos and Vietnam. The two families stayed tight after the war through unbelievably tough times after the war in Hong Kong!! Where could we go in this tiny island with the Pacific to the south and commies in the north. We learned to endure!

Elina was a determined to make it girl, working 9 hours a day in a Kowloon electronic plant then studied English in a night school. She had dinner only after school. that might explain why she was so trim most of her life, ha,ha! I still remember that slim girl in mini skirt!

Life makes turns and curves as arranged by God. We both landed in  North America. Me in cold north and she in warm south. Raised family and matured. She did a very good job as mother! Just look at Stephanie and Eric!

Elina's life was well lived. But sadly she had to answer to a rather premature recall. 

We pray she is resting in peace in heaven!!

Denny and Xu