Larry Hsu's Tribute

I praise our Heavenly Father for my earthly father. My father was over 6' tall, but in my eyes he was 60'. In his prime he was over 200 pounds, full of muscle, and full of strength. And all I saw was my father's wonderful hands. Those large hands, that worked so hard for us. Those hands that supplied all of our needs.

I'm reminded that one day, in 1966, my father raised his hand when Rev. Shen came for Bible Study. He raised his hand, stood up and spoke, and shared the vision that he wanted a Chinese church in Seattle. God was gracious to us and with Pastor Shen and others, the Evangelical Chinese Church of Seattle was started. Through ECC lives have been changed, and people have come to the Lord. The name of Jesus Christ has been exalted not only to the Chinese people, but to the community around here. I praise the Lord for my father raising his hand and sharing that vision with Pastor Shen. On a personal note, I thank my father, which I never did. If Pastor Shen did not stay in Seattle, did not start this church, I never would have met his wonderful daughter, who became my wife. Many of you who met your spouse, or maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend here at ECC, praise the Lord together for ECC. My father's hands.

In the last few hours when I was holding his hand and felt his pulse going away, I was reminded of how much he did for me. And what he did for my whole family, and for my mother. I was reminded of our Heavenly Father again. An awesome God who has given us everything in this world. His whole hands control the world. And all that you and I enjoy comes from our Heavenly Father.

I was reminded of a story of a little child who went into a candy store with his mother. A 7-year-old, very adorable, walked into the mother. The manager ran over with a big candy jar and said, "Here little boy! Grab all the candy you want." And the child became very bashful and did not want to take the candy. So this big, burly manager grabbed a bunch of candy and thrust it in front of the candy. As the child left the store with the mother, she said, "What's going on? You're never shy like this." This 7-year-old, young, albeit wise, looked up to the mother and said, "Because his hands are bigger than mine." Our Heavenly Father's hands are bigger than ours. He has given us the best that we'd ever want. He gave me the best father. And I thank our Lord for that.

Now I'd like to address our mother. Niang, thank you for taking care of father. For 63 years, you faithfully stood next to him, took care of him, encouraged him, and loved him. Father really loved you. His last gesture before departing was to call out to you. Father is now in glory, where there's no more pain and suffering, no more tears. Our father is with God. I truly believe that father wants to tell you something. You need to take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep well, and take care of yourself. Because all the children and grandchildren need you. Care for yourself. Mother, thank you.