Email from CJ

From: “dc”
Date sent: 2008-07-22 13:17:35
To: “yb”
Subject: Fw: Fetus is healthy, preparing for delivery

Dear brothers and sisters,

My child is expected to be born in about 50 days. The fetus is moving and healthy. Thank you all for your prayers, and may God’s Spirit protect.

Every time I read about Eli’s two sons or Samuel’s sons, I get worried, so I need your prayers:)

May this child (confirmed not to be twins) rely on the Lord, living a life that pleases Him.

Eli’s sons and Samuel’s sons seem to have had loving brothers and sisters around them at first, but without being on guard. Later, as they grew worse, it was too late to save them! Please pray diligently and early. People harbor evil thoughts from a young age!

For co-workers’ kids, start material discipline from the fetus. Let’s work together not to spoil them:) HG urges me to prepare everything necessary so no one feels compelled to see our lack and give us gifts out of pity. Don’t start the habit of giving the child things easily from the source. Jim Bakker, a formerly famous American TV evangelist, recalled after prison how he was overweight as a child because kind uncles and aunties at church kept buying him treats, which had a big impact on his life; his son grew up shielded in the church and later found it very painful to adapt to society. Please ensure that love doesn’t lead to a child’s downfall and pray diligently, but don’t give us material gifts.

Below is a list, part of the baby supplies we’ve already prepared. Our goal is to buy all necessary goods to eliminate any possibility of gift-giving, wiping out any imagination, forcing everyone to focus on the child’s spiritual growth. Some items aren’t listed, like mosquito nets, children’s medicines, strange devices like nasal aspirators, the toilet training needed later, some toys and books, etc. This doesn’t mean we haven’t prepared them! Let everyone know not to give us things!

Here’s what’s prepared:

Baby Supplies

1. Feeding Supplies

   • Baby bottles
   • Nipples
   • Bottle brush
   • Bottle warmer
   • Straw sippy cup
   • Breast pump
   • Breast pads
   • Baby bowl and spoon
   • Formula (chosen a brand but plan to breastfeed)

2. Bathing Supplies

   • Bath tub
   • Bath bed
   • Water thermometer (Bath lotion: Baby Jinshui; dislike brands like Johnson, Pigeon, Xido for chemical content)
   • Shampoo, soap: Dove
   • Laundry detergent: Green Umbrella
   • Baby powder: Homemade with pearl powder, no talcum
   • Skin oil: Avoid mineral oil; chosen a highly praised Yu Mejing
   • Towels: Pure cotton gauze of various sizes

3. Bedding and Other Supplies

   • Baby crib and cradle prepared
   • Cradle prepared
   • Crib mobile toys prepared
   • Blankets: High-quality cotton, homemade, prepared
   • Mattress prepared
   • Towel blankets, sheets in various patterns, prepared by grandma
   • Waterproof mattress pad prepared
   • Pillow prepared
   • Baby carrier of various types available
   • Stroller capable of 180-degree recline with reversible wheels prepared

4. Baby Clothing (Front-opening) and Other Supplies

   • Undergarments: Over 5 sets, pure cotton, prepared by grandma. Aprons.
   • Cloth diapers prepared
   • Disposable diapers: More than enough, especially NB and S sizes, enough for two kids
   • Swaddles, bibs prepared
   • Hats prepared
   • Cotton clothes: Six pairs of pants, four jackets, homemade by grandma
   • Cloak, cape prepared
   • Wet wipes prepared

Mom’s Necessities: Nutritional supplements, loungewear, shapewear band, shapewear undergarments, cosmetics also prepared. Not listed in detail.

Thank you for your concern, and please pray for us. The most crucial part of a child’s growth needs your prayers.

This is our personal way, not some virtue, and it doesn’t mean giving gifts to other kids is wrong:)

CJ

Seeing this email was deeply moving. Perhaps such emotions only come after having your own child. I have to say, CJ is truly a wise woman. Ha ha. My wife has learned a lot.

Also, sharing the last chapter of Proverbs:

‘Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night and giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands, she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength and strengtheneth her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household is clothed with scarlet.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen and selleth it and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.’

(Adapted from Proverbs 31)