Philip & Amy Yan - Our Home as a Ministry Base: A Twenty-Year Journey

Our Home as a Ministry Base: A Twenty-Year Journey of Life Sharing and the Unanticipated Joy of Hospitality

How can a life shared be transformative and become a channel of blessing? This may not sound like a deep question, yet in our situation, it took time to truly see the divine connection in unanticipated ways. Life with Grandma (Popo) was truly an inspiration.

When Popo moved in with us just before her 90th birthday, we thought we were simply doing the right thing. The original living arrangement for her fell through, so we decided to take her in. This move would become a twenty-plus-year journey of our shared life and a gift in cross-generational hospitality—one that would slowly reshape our lifestyle.

When Life Sharing Became a Partnership in Ministry

Advancing in age was never an excuse for Popo to retreat into passive church attendance. She faithfully engaged in worship, learning, Scripture memorisation, prayer, and carried a deep concern for those who did not know Jesus. Over time, her quiet devotion became a consistent partner in our young adult ministry.

For years, our home had already been a regular meeting place for young adults. Meals, prayers, Bible studies, celebrations, and conversations about faith filled our place. Popo joined in with us for meals and chatting times with our young friends in her cheerful way. She kept a prayer book with their names and prayer items—family members who were not yet Christians, or those seeking work. Popo was our resident prayer warrior.

Where Memorable Joy Took Root in Love and Surprise

We shared many special moments with Popo—road trips to cities in Canada and the U.S., and weekly dim sum and food sampling at Costco were delightful.

Popo was so at ease at our annual young adult Christmas celebration that she decided to contribute in her own way. After dinner, Popo offered to sing for us—parts of traditional hymns she carefully wove together into a story of Jesus and praise. While our young friends may not have fully understood the lyrics, they sensed the spirit behind them and were deeply touched. Popo then gently encouraged the young adults to remain rooted in their faith. Clearly, she had prayed over this moment with them in mind.

Deep Learning from Grandma’s Faith

At 109 years old, Popo fell and later moved into a nursing home, where she spent her final three years. In her last days, she gathered her strength and spoke with remarkable clarity, “I am very happy.” She concluded her journey on earth with reminders to pray for all churches and for more people to believe in Jesus. Even on her deathbed, Popo remained deeply mindful of God’s heart for those who do not yet know Him.

God shows us that intentional hospitality can be busy but deeply grace-filled. It takes generosity, just as God has been generous to us. We are simply tools in His hands. In practising hospitality, there is nothing to fear and nothing to boast about except Christ in us. A life of hospitality is an outflow of God’s blessing to others.

We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).