A Tribute to My Ahia

When I think of Ahia, I think of quiet excellence.

I grew up hearing stories of him—how Mama, a devoted teacher, guided him early, how Papa and Mama once stood first and second in their class, and how they hoped he would carry that legacy forward. He did. And Achie celebrated him with unmistakable pride.

In a family of ten, moments can be few and fleeting. Mine with him were small—but powerful.

He would pause when he saw me doing something in my simple, childlike way. He wouldn’t scold. He wouldn’t dismiss. He would simply remind me:

“There’s always a better way.”

Not to criticize—but to stretch me.

Not to discourage—but to shape me.

He taught me to think again.

To try again.

To do better.

Even now, in quiet moments of challenge, I still hear that gentle nudge.

Ahia’s influence did not come through grand speeches or dramatic gestures.

It came through expectation. Through belief. Through the steady conviction that I could be more.

And because of him, I always try to be.  

Heartfelt condolences for the loss of our dear brother in Christ, Peter Li !

To me, Peter was a passionate and faithful Christian who gave me so much to remember. 

The deepest impression :

Decades of dedicated service as a Choir conductor, leading the whole congregation to worship our Almighty Lord every Sunday morning;

Enthusiastically helping some brothers in poor health to renovate their floors;

He treated everyone friendly and respectful and always kept his warm smiling face …

He set up a role model for us . 

RIP , Brother Peter Li !   🙏

You’re deeply missed ! 

Dear Leanne, Lynette, Laura, and Timmy,

I was saddened to hear of Peter’s home going. I have many fond memories of him leading the choir at CBC. To this day, I still remember some of the songs and cantatas he directed when I was in the choir as a teenager and young adult.

His and Leanne’s love of music was clearly passed down to the three of you — you are all so musically gifted.

I pray the Lord will bring you peace and comfort in the coming days. What a comfort it is to know that one day we will be reunited in our Heavenly home.

In His Love,   Joe Chan

copy and pasted from an email to Laura Li-Barbour: 

Laura, i just confirmed with an old friend tonight who was a long term volunteer at the madison senior center that it was indeed your father whom I met that time while playing ping pong.

I hope to be able to speak a bit about this at the memorial but in case there’s no chance, i just want to tell you that this was back in 2017 and I was in really bad health and on social security for severe disabilities. I would try very hard to do things but only made it to volunteer only once. Your father was extremely sweet and inviting. I felt very loved. It made an impression on . I think God was really trying to seek me out. I was still pretty distant from the Lord at the time and did not attend church.

In any case I’m pretty sure your father prayed for me. He was sad to see me leave that day and I felt bad I never came back to play ping pong again with him. But I’m glad that even in his condition, he blessed me and the Lord arranged for him and I to meet again through you. 

When uncle Peter and auntie Leanne were still leaving in MI, there was a period of time, we were in a small prayer group  at auntie Vivien’s house. That was a memorable period of time, as the time spent with the beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Every time I talked with uncle Peter, he always had the big smile. I heard he shared his lovely memories with his family and siblings, and I know he loves them. 

I visited uncle Peter and auntie Leanne twice after they moved to WI. One time with Alice and the other time with auntie Vivien. During one of the visits, auntie Lily was also in town. Many lovely memories with them - uncle Peter and auntie Leanne brought me to try several local restaurants; I joint the Sunday service at their local church; we explored a local farmer market; uncle Peter walked me around his neighborhood, he still loved to play ping p : D. I appreciate their  hospitality. Very warm memories. 

I am not sure if there are ping pong tables in heaven but I have the assurance that you are happiest ever now with the Lord. Miss you. 

周冉

Dear Leanne and Family.  It was sad to know that Peter passed on 2/13/26. Through our friend, Florence Teh, we got to know you since 1999.  Not to mention that Peter’s talent in many ways, he is also a helpful person.  He helped us put in the hard wood floor in the study room before Hao got home from stayed in the hospital and rehab for 11 months.  We will always remember him.  Please take care of yourself and be strong.  May our Lord comfort you with all His strength, love and mercy during this difficult time.

With sympathy 

Hao and Cindy Jiang 

Peter 是一個很認真的人。對上帝認真，對人認真，對事認真，對事奉認真。我沒有在詩班服事過，但他讓我知道什麼是詩班服事。我沒有和他打過什麼球，但他和我的兒子打過球。在中華聖經教會中的各種聚會，他總是和Leanne 早早出現，是我們的榜樣也是我們的安定丸。從我還是一個慕道友的三十多年前到如今，他們就是這樣，一直不變。我們何等榮幸，可以有他們這樣的見證人在我們中間。感謝上帝！

書堤、岳青