A Life Not Wasted

Po-Wen Ching February 11, 1975-2006

There are people you meet in your lifetime who, though your time with them is brief, leave an indelible impression. Po-Wen Ching was one of those people for me.

I remember Po from my second year of Christian Youth in Action camp in Washington. You couldn’t miss him: outgoing, crazy-fun, loud, happy, on fire. That was my brother Matt’s first year at camp, and we were on a team together teaching a 5-Day Club. Our days were spent teaching kids about Jesus. Each evening we joined with other teens to give testimony and praise God.

Po was a few years older than us, and my brother idolized him. Each night after planned events finished, Po would sit on a picnic table playing worship music. He couldn’t sing to save his life, yet half the camp would gather to worship with him.

My brother tells me that watching Po that week inspired him to learn to play guitar. (“I wanted the girls to flock around me like that.”) Matt is now a worship leader. For me, it was Po’s enthusiasm for reaching people for Christ that was inspiring. He was excited about God. He was not ashamed of the gospel. He understood that life was a means, not an end.

Last night I received a call. My brother told me that Po died on February 11 — his 31st birthday. He collapsed while helping friends move. I am shocked that such a vibrant life was cut short. And yet God has a plan.

And what an example of a life not wasted. Po not only inspired countless teens through his years at Christian Youth in Action. He went on to work for Child Evangelism Fellowship, recruiting workers and missionaries, and building partnerships with other ministries. In fact, the last time I spoke to Po was last year when he called me at work and asked how we could get CEF materials into Dr. Dobson’s hands.

Po had passion. And though his life was relatively short, he used it to the full. We love you, Po. You will be missed.

Child Evangelism Fellowship has established a fund to help Overseas Summer Missions in Po's honor.

[Photo courtesy of Jemery Fo Femery]