In the Liaozhong District of Shenyang, there is a pastor who is well-known for his charitable work. Pastor Ren Chuanyu is the proud father of 87 children and is actively involved in charitable efforts throughout China. Despite his slender build, Ren is incredibly friendly and approachable. His face lit up with joy as he shared his story of becoming the father of so many children.
“I always make sure to hold an umbrella for others, because I know what it is like to get caught in the rain myself.” Following God’s calling and guidance, Ren dedicates himself to serving the community and helping those in need. With the love of God, he and his wife care for children who have lost their parents for various reasons and are dealing with different levels of trauma, giving them a safe and loving home.
1. The Heart that Longs for a Breakthrough
Ren was born in the 1960s in the mountainous area of Gaizhou City in Yingkou, Liaoning. He grew up in a large, impoverished family with many siblings. His parents struggled with poor health, and his father had to undergo three operations due to illness. Thanks to the support of kind-hearted individuals in the community, his father’s life was saved, and their family was able to overcome their hardships.
“I cannot even begin to describe the tough times my family went through back then. But I will never forget the words my parents told me when I was young: ‘Son, always remember the people who helped us. When you grow up, make sure to lend a hand to those in need. Do not let anyone leave empty-handed when they ask for food. Help out those who are struggling, because your mom and dad only made it through with the support of kind-hearted people in our community.’”
Life was tough, and he faced different challenges every single day. At the age of 15, he was introduced to the gospel by his uncle and aunt, and he accepted Jesus into his life. From then on, he would retreat to the mountains to pray. Sitting alone at the mountain’s peak, he would cry out, “Lord, when will I be able to leave this mountainous region? When will I be strong enough? I pray for Your blessings so that I can repay my parents and the community that helped my family."
One day, Ren finally heard God’s response to his prayer, “I will lead you out of there, I will grant you peace and joy from heaven.” Whenever Ren faced difficulties in life, he always turned to God in prayer. Over time, he felt a newfound strength within him, believing that he could overcome the challenges of poverty and escape the mountains.
While in school, Ren worked a job and served at the church with great enthusiasm. Throughout it all, he remained committed to doing good deeds and giving back to society. He also developed a strong foundation in his faith and in the truth.
2. Fulfilment of the First Heart
In 1995, the Liaozhong District was hit hard by a terrible flood. Ren stepped up to lend a helping hand by making donations and volunteering on behalf of a local company and the Shaling Church. It was during this time that he learned the Liaozhong Church did not have a permanent location and had to meet in a rented space. Touched by the spirit of God and the warm welcome from the church members, Ren made the decision to stay and serve at the Liaoyang Church with his co-workers to carry out the work of the Lord.
The first challenge they faced was building a church. After Ren submitted numerous applications, the relevant departments finally approved their request to construct a church. The construction began in 1996, and that same year, the Northeast Theological Seminary started recruiting students. When Ren sent his church colleague, Elder Liu, to the seminary, Pastor Lu Zhibin, who was the president at the time, suggested that Ren should also study theology. He said, “You are young, why don’t you join your colleague and come study with us?” Even though classes had already started in September, they were specially admitted and joined the Seminary in October.
While Ren was studying at the seminary, he continued to oversee the construction of the church, traveling back and forth between the two locations. Finally, in September 1997, the church building was completed, with the entire project costing 750,000 yuan.
Shortly after the completion of the church building, Ren graduated from the seminary in 2000. His parents’ words resonated in his mind, sparking a desire to make a positive impact and contribute to society. After Ren got off the bus on his way home from the seminary one day, he saw a scruffy little boy searching for food by a trash can. The boy was barefoot, and his hands were red from the cold. Ren found out later that the child was an orphan who had lost his parents and was now staying with his brother.
Ren, with the support of his wife, decided to adopt the little boy. The pastor took him to the bathhouse, got him new clothes and shoes, and gave him a fresh haircut, making him look like a whole new kid. At that moment, Ren realized that he wanted to do more to help the children in need. He thought to himself, “If I am going to put in the effort to help one child, why not help more? I might as well go all in and start an orphanage.”
After working closely with multiple organizations and submitting applications to different departments, Ren was finally granted permission to establish his own orphanage. As he took in more and more orphans, he ended up renting six flats and eventually purchasing a 700-square-meter house to serve as the orphanage. These adopted children came from various towns and villages, and some became orphans because their parents were sentenced or divorced.
3. Real Dependence on God
Ren moved his detergent factory to the Liaozhong District and used the profits to support the orphanage.
“We have never sought assistance from the public or requested funds from the Civil Affairs Bureau, the Finance Bureau, or the community. We rely on God’s blessings and our determination to keep this project going,” Ren said gratefully. Even though Ren does not actively seek donations, many kind-hearted individuals still offer help to these children.
Currently, Ren is the father of 87 children. A total of 27 of them are pursuing higher education at universities, nine have enlisted in the army, and a few have chosen to attend seminary school.
Throughout the journey of raising these children, Ren has encountered various challenges and learned valuable lessons along the way. One thing Ren is extremely thankful for is that none of the children have experienced any serious accidents, and all the orphans are supported by the country’s subsistence allowance program.
Throughout the years of running the orphanage, Ren has faced numerous misunderstandings. He expressed with emotion, “It is only with the support of our Lord Jesus Christ, our faith in the Holy Spirit, and the blessings from God that we have come this far. This is not just on me, Ren Chuanyu, it is a responsibility for the whole community as well as the Liaozhong District. I am willing to endure any amount of pressure, criticism, or sarcasm in order to glorify God and spread His message.”
4. Love Is Shown Through Action
It has been more than 20 years since Ren adopted his first orphan, and he is still actively involved in charitable work. He strongly believes that as Christians in today’s world, we should demonstrate our love for the Lord through our actions and good deeds. “Jesus Christ not only sacrificed himself for us but also showed compassion to those in need during His time on Earth. He healed the blind and the lame, cleansed the lepers, restored those who were demon-possessed, and showed kindness to orphans and widows. He fed the hungry by performing the miracle of the five loaves and two fish and even turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana when the wine ran out. Jesus was all about spreading love and kindness, and as followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to follow His teachings and spread love wherever we go. That is what our faith is all about.”
Ren emphasized that our faith is about growing our inner selves, which shows in our actions. One way to start building our Christian faith is by showing kindness to those around us and assisting those in need.
Ren not only takes care of orphans, but he also helps the elderly, supports people living in poverty, and assists individuals with disabilities. When asked about the numerous honors he has received, Ren humbly stated, “I am not the one raising these orphans; I am simply a vessel of God in this time. As Christians, we are here to show the love of Jesus Christ to those around us.”
- Translated by Joyce Leung
在沈阳辽中地区，有一位牧师因为做善事而广为人知，他就是拥有87个孩子的中国公益事业爱心大使任传宇牧师。他瘦削精干，平易近人。谈及孩子们，他满脸欣慰地和我们分享了他收养孤儿的经历。
“因为自己淋过雨，所以总想替别人撑把伞。”因着神的呼召和带领，他把服务社会，帮助有需要的人当作自己的使命。这些孩子因为各种原因失去父母，或多或少都有心里的创伤。他和妻子用神的爱无微不至地照顾着这些孩子，让他们再次拥有温暖的家。
一、立定心志，走出大山
任牧师出生于上世纪60年代，家在辽宁省营口市盖州的一个山区，家里孩子多，加上父母的身体都不是很好，当时生活特别贫困。他父亲因为疾病做过三次手术，多亏社会上很多的爱心人士，挽救了他父亲的生命，也挽救了他的家庭。
“当时我家里的困境是难以用语言表达的，但我幼小的心里深深记住父母对我说的话：‘孩子，等你长大了，不要忘记这些帮助过我们的人，谁要有困难，你一定要主动上前去帮助。来要饭的人，你不能让他空嘴走，有需要帮助的人，你一定去帮助，因为你的爸妈都是社会上有爱心的人帮助过来的人。’”
随着时间的流逝，他在这艰苦的环境中也一天天长大。15岁左右，因为家里叔叔婶婶的影响，他认识了福音，接受耶稣作为自己生命的救主，他开始去山上呼求祷告。他经常独自坐在山头上向天呼喊：“我的神，什么时候我能走出大山，你祝福我，什么时候能出息成人，我好能孝敬回报我的父母，回报帮助我家和我父母的社会。”
终于有一天，在祷告中他得到上帝的回应：“我一定会让你走出去，并且让你永远享受属天的平安和快乐。”在生活中，他一遇见困难，就坚持来到上帝面前祷告。他内心开始拥有一种力量，坚信自己一定能走出大山沟，一定能脱贫。
他边上学，边工作，也在教会热心侍奉，就这样带着多做善事，回报社会的信念逐渐长大了，在信仰上也有了确据，在真理方面扎建了根基。
二、践行初心，收养孤儿
1995年辽中发大水，他以当地公司和沙岭教会两方面的名义来奉献爱心。在这过程中，他了解到当时辽中教会没有固定的场所，是租的房子。因着上帝的感动和弟兄姊妹的邀请，他决定留下来在辽阳教会服事，和当时教会的同工搭配为主做工。
首先要解决的是建教堂的问题，经过他多次奔波申请，相关部门终于同意了他们建教堂的请求。教堂是1996年开始建设，同年东北神学院招生，他去送教会同工刘长老读神学时，当时神学院院长吕志彬牧师说：“你这么年轻怎么不读神学，你俩一起来上学吧。”神学院9月份开学，他们去的时候已经10月了，他们两个就被这样特殊录取了。
这边建教堂，那边去上学，他就这样经常来回奔波。1997年9月，教堂竣工，整个建堂工程共花75万。
教堂建好之后，任牧师2000年神学毕业，他心里再次想到曾经父母说的话，做善事、回报社会的火苗开始燃烧。有次从神学院回家，恰恰在他下车后路过的一个垃圾箱旁，遇见了一个孤儿光着脚正在那捡东西吃。孩子衣衫褴褛，黢黑的小手冻得通红。后面得知这个孩子是个孤儿，失去了父母，在哥哥家里住。
任牧师决定要收养这个孩子，妻子也同意了。牧师把孩子领到浴池给他洗澡，给他买新衣服和鞋子，又理了发，从头到脚焕然一新。那时，他做了一个决定：“既然一个羊也当放，两个羊也当放，就干脆一不做二不休，我就开孤儿院。”
经过多方协调，数次向相关部门申请，终于同意他以个人名义建立孤儿院。之后，收养的孤儿越来越多，他就租了6间房子，后来买了一个700多平方米的房子用作孤儿院。收养的孩子有的来自于各乡镇、村庄，有的是因为父母被判刑或者离异而成为了孤儿。
三、乘风破浪，靠主前行
当时。任牧师将创办的一个洗涤剂厂搬到辽中区，通过企业的盈利来运营孤儿院。
“我们从来没向社会去伸手，也没去过民政局、财政局、社区要过一分钱。因为上帝眷顾我们，我们要靠神的祝福，也靠个人的力量来做爱心工程。”他感恩地说。虽然任牧师没有主动外出募捐，但仍有许多爱心人士一同向这些孩子们伸出了援手。
目前，他已是87个孩子的爸爸，其中有27个孩子考上了大学，9人入伍，也有人到神学院就读。
在培养孩子成长的过程中，有很多环境和功课需要去经历，任牧师最感谢的是这些孩子没有遭受过大的意外伤害，而且所有的孤儿都办了低保。
孤儿院走过的这些年，任牧师也遭受到不少的误解，他感慨地说道：“如果没有主耶稣基督激励我们，没有属灵的托付和神的祝福，我们是走不下来的。这不是我任传宇一个人的责任，是社会责任，是整个辽中地区的责任。为了荣耀神，传扬主，即使有千斤万斤的压力，什么语言刺激，打压讽刺我都不在乎。”
四、正信正行，爱主爱人
从他收养第一个孤儿开始，20多年过去了，他依然在坚持做公益慈善。他认为在这个时代基督徒应该广行善事，荣耀基督。“因为耶稣基督为我们舍命，他走遍了各县各城，看到瘫痪的就可怜，瞎眼的、瘸腿的就医治，长大麻风的也给洁净，被鬼附的也去救，孤儿寡妇也怜悯，没有吃的，五饼二鱼就祝谢、掰开递给他们，在迦拿婚宴上没有酒了，他使水变成酒，这足以证明主耶稣是非常有爱心的人。我们遵照神的教导，也要去行爱心，这是信仰的宗旨。”
他强调，信主是关乎内在的生命，做善事是外在行为的彰显。基督徒的信心可以从怜悯、帮助身边有需要的人开始。
除了收养孤儿，任牧师在养老、助困、助残等方面也付出了很多。谈及他所获得的众多荣誉，任牧师说道：“不是我在养孤儿，是神在这个时代使用我。基督徒存在的价值就是要传递耶稣基督的爱。”
【专访】记爱做善事的任传宇牧师
In the Liaozhong District of Shenyang, there is a pastor who is well-known for his charitable work. Pastor Ren Chuanyu is the proud father of 87 children and is actively involved in charitable efforts throughout China. Despite his slender build, Ren is incredibly friendly and approachable. His face lit up with joy as he shared his story of becoming the father of so many children.
“I always make sure to hold an umbrella for others, because I know what it is like to get caught in the rain myself.” Following God’s calling and guidance, Ren dedicates himself to serving the community and helping those in need. With the love of God, he and his wife care for children who have lost their parents for various reasons and are dealing with different levels of trauma, giving them a safe and loving home.
1. The Heart that Longs for a Breakthrough
Ren was born in the 1960s in the mountainous area of Gaizhou City in Yingkou, Liaoning. He grew up in a large, impoverished family with many siblings. His parents struggled with poor health, and his father had to undergo three operations due to illness. Thanks to the support of kind-hearted individuals in the community, his father’s life was saved, and their family was able to overcome their hardships.
“I cannot even begin to describe the tough times my family went through back then. But I will never forget the words my parents told me when I was young: ‘Son, always remember the people who helped us. When you grow up, make sure to lend a hand to those in need. Do not let anyone leave empty-handed when they ask for food. Help out those who are struggling, because your mom and dad only made it through with the support of kind-hearted people in our community.’”
Life was tough, and he faced different challenges every single day. At the age of 15, he was introduced to the gospel by his uncle and aunt, and he accepted Jesus into his life. From then on, he would retreat to the mountains to pray. Sitting alone at the mountain’s peak, he would cry out, “Lord, when will I be able to leave this mountainous region? When will I be strong enough? I pray for Your blessings so that I can repay my parents and the community that helped my family."
One day, Ren finally heard God’s response to his prayer, “I will lead you out of there, I will grant you peace and joy from heaven.” Whenever Ren faced difficulties in life, he always turned to God in prayer. Over time, he felt a newfound strength within him, believing that he could overcome the challenges of poverty and escape the mountains.
While in school, Ren worked a job and served at the church with great enthusiasm. Throughout it all, he remained committed to doing good deeds and giving back to society. He also developed a strong foundation in his faith and in the truth.
2. Fulfilment of the First Heart
In 1995, the Liaozhong District was hit hard by a terrible flood. Ren stepped up to lend a helping hand by making donations and volunteering on behalf of a local company and the Shaling Church. It was during this time that he learned the Liaozhong Church did not have a permanent location and had to meet in a rented space. Touched by the spirit of God and the warm welcome from the church members, Ren made the decision to stay and serve at the Liaoyang Church with his co-workers to carry out the work of the Lord.
The first challenge they faced was building a church. After Ren submitted numerous applications, the relevant departments finally approved their request to construct a church. The construction began in 1996, and that same year, the Northeast Theological Seminary started recruiting students. When Ren sent his church colleague, Elder Liu, to the seminary, Pastor Lu Zhibin, who was the president at the time, suggested that Ren should also study theology. He said, “You are young, why don’t you join your colleague and come study with us?” Even though classes had already started in September, they were specially admitted and joined the Seminary in October.
While Ren was studying at the seminary, he continued to oversee the construction of the church, traveling back and forth between the two locations. Finally, in September 1997, the church building was completed, with the entire project costing 750,000 yuan.
Shortly after the completion of the church building, Ren graduated from the seminary in 2000. His parents’ words resonated in his mind, sparking a desire to make a positive impact and contribute to society. After Ren got off the bus on his way home from the seminary one day, he saw a scruffy little boy searching for food by a trash can. The boy was barefoot, and his hands were red from the cold. Ren found out later that the child was an orphan who had lost his parents and was now staying with his brother.
Ren, with the support of his wife, decided to adopt the little boy. The pastor took him to the bathhouse, got him new clothes and shoes, and gave him a fresh haircut, making him look like a whole new kid. At that moment, Ren realized that he wanted to do more to help the children in need. He thought to himself, “If I am going to put in the effort to help one child, why not help more? I might as well go all in and start an orphanage.”
After working closely with multiple organizations and submitting applications to different departments, Ren was finally granted permission to establish his own orphanage. As he took in more and more orphans, he ended up renting six flats and eventually purchasing a 700-square-meter house to serve as the orphanage. These adopted children came from various towns and villages, and some became orphans because their parents were sentenced or divorced.
3. Real Dependence on God
Ren moved his detergent factory to the Liaozhong District and used the profits to support the orphanage.
“We have never sought assistance from the public or requested funds from the Civil Affairs Bureau, the Finance Bureau, or the community. We rely on God’s blessings and our determination to keep this project going,” Ren said gratefully. Even though Ren does not actively seek donations, many kind-hearted individuals still offer help to these children.
Currently, Ren is the father of 87 children. A total of 27 of them are pursuing higher education at universities, nine have enlisted in the army, and a few have chosen to attend seminary school.
Throughout the journey of raising these children, Ren has encountered various challenges and learned valuable lessons along the way. One thing Ren is extremely thankful for is that none of the children have experienced any serious accidents, and all the orphans are supported by the country’s subsistence allowance program.
Throughout the years of running the orphanage, Ren has faced numerous misunderstandings. He expressed with emotion, “It is only with the support of our Lord Jesus Christ, our faith in the Holy Spirit, and the blessings from God that we have come this far. This is not just on me, Ren Chuanyu, it is a responsibility for the whole community as well as the Liaozhong District. I am willing to endure any amount of pressure, criticism, or sarcasm in order to glorify God and spread His message.”
4. Love Is Shown Through Action
It has been more than 20 years since Ren adopted his first orphan, and he is still actively involved in charitable work. He strongly believes that as Christians in today’s world, we should demonstrate our love for the Lord through our actions and good deeds. “Jesus Christ not only sacrificed himself for us but also showed compassion to those in need during His time on Earth. He healed the blind and the lame, cleansed the lepers, restored those who were demon-possessed, and showed kindness to orphans and widows. He fed the hungry by performing the miracle of the five loaves and two fish and even turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana when the wine ran out. Jesus was all about spreading love and kindness, and as followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to follow His teachings and spread love wherever we go. That is what our faith is all about.”
Ren emphasized that our faith is about growing our inner selves, which shows in our actions. One way to start building our Christian faith is by showing kindness to those around us and assisting those in need.
Ren not only takes care of orphans, but he also helps the elderly, supports people living in poverty, and assists individuals with disabilities. When asked about the numerous honors he has received, Ren humbly stated, “I am not the one raising these orphans; I am simply a vessel of God in this time. As Christians, we are here to show the love of Jesus Christ to those around us.”
- Translated by Joyce Leung
Interview With Pastor Ren Chuanyu: 'Father of 87 Children'
