Reflections from Pastor John Cao is a series of poetry and writings from the recently released Chinese Christian prisoner of conscience exclusively published by ChinaAid. The pieces below were written on April 4, 2024 and has been minimally edited for clarity. To read more of Pastor John Cao’s poetry, one can purchase the collection written while he was imprisoned, Living Lyrics: Poems from Prison.
Mudslides
Watching the news, I learned that an area was suffering from mudslides. This reminded me of the mudslides in Myanmar, where several Chinese volunteer missionary teachers marched upstream bravely against the oncoming rocks and mud. The mudslides also symbolize persecution. Moved by this, I composed the following poem:
Barren Burmese mountains, mudslides and rockfalls,
Several volunteer teachers march upstream bravely.
Genuine faith brings forth great love[1],
Willing to fill the ravines with their bones.
Annotations:
- (1 Timothy 1:5): The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
The Bible: Simple words, profound meaning
Simple and easy, yet profoundly meaningful, focusing on the subtle[1],
With biases, we interpret the truth in our own way.
Countless threads of law, all tied to Christ[2],
Amidst the chaos, the confusion dissipates, and the one’s being returns.
Annotations:
- Focusing on the subtle: putting effort into the smallest details.
- See (Romans 10:4): Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Strength Renewed
It is not easy to do the same thing for seven years every single day. Many brothers and sisters have been doing exactly this, praying for me every single day. This kind of great love is truly rare. I composed the following poem to express my gratitude.
In a remote corner, I celebrate the approaching end of the year alone,
Missing the place where my family live, the daily thoughts renew my strength.
Not worried about the length of my imprisonment,
But concerned about my time being wasted.
By the rivers of Babylon, we hung our harps on the willows[1],
The chosen people silently sing as the cold wind invades.
Breaking free from worldly pursuits, returning to the original creation,
In the Garden of Eden, one can follow their heart’s desire.
Annotations:
- See (Psalm 137:2-4): There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?
Grace Amidst the Cold
The cold wind is pressing, and legs and joints ache. But after prayer, the power of endurance emerges, and the pain surprisingly diminishes. This inspired me to compose the following poem:
The cold penetrates the walls, grinding the joints,
In pain, there is abundant grace, not thin.
Looking up, I praise the vastness of the shining stars,
Beside me, the worthy encourage me through the great desert[1].
Every word and action should be cautious,
Servants bravely wrestle with the sea winds and waves.
The battered body, offered as a sacrifice, is accepted by Heaven,
Turning into ashes without retreat.
Annotations:
- Worthy: fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Great desert: symbolize life in prison.
Insomnia
When I suffer from insomnia, I sing ‘Amazing Grace,’ and I immediately fall asleep. It’s truly a spiritual gain. This inspired me to compose the following poem.
Distant worries and near anxieties disturb the night’s sleep,
Singing An amazing melody, a sweet and pleasant dream comes.
Pitiful, the guest in Handan who borrows a pillow[1],
Unaware of the joy descending upon the world[2].
Annotations:
- The guest in Handan: Lu Sheng, a guest at an inn in Handan, sighs about his misfortune. A Taoist lends him a pillow, and he lies down to dream, enjoying all the glory and wealth, only to wake up before the millet is fully cooked.
- If the people of the world (Lu Sheng) knew the joy that comes from Jesus, they would not pursue illusory dreams.
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