
【雲彩見證】From Dentist to Pastor: My Journey of Faith (Solomon Su)
2025 Mar 15 雲彩見證
from dentist to pastor: my journey to faith
Solomon su
Looking back on my life journey, I never imagined that I would become a pastor. My original plan was to become a professional dentist, using my medical expertise to help people and lead a stable, respected life. However, God's guidance is always unexpected, and in the end, I chose to obey Him, embarking on a path filled with faith and challenges, and this is my initial calling from a medical student to a medical missionary.
While studying at Taipei Medical College (TMU) School of Dentistry, I came to know the Lord through a campus fellowship. During my university years, I joined the medical gospel team of TMU every summer, traveling to remote areas of Taiwan such as Jinguashi, Sanwan, and Nanzhuang in Miaoli. These experiences opened my eyes to the severe shortage of medical resources in Taiwan’s rural areas and the equally urgent spiritual needs of the people there. Every time we treated a patient while also comforting their soul with the gospel, I realized that medicine was not just about technical skills—it was an act of love and service.
In the summer of 1978, as a third-year student, I had a profound and undeniable calling from God during a medical mission trip. I strongly felt that God was calling me to combine medicine and missions, bringing healthcare to underserved regions. I responded, “Lord, I am willing[,](! B)[b]ut please prepare a team for me and equip me so that I can go wherever You send me!”
Serving as a Dentist: God's Equipping and Guidance
However, being called did not mean taking immediate action—God first needed to equip me. During my 16 years of practicing dentistry in Taipei, I not only improved my dental skills but also formed a fellowship group within my clinic. I led Bible studies and gatherings with my clinic assistants and young people I encountered. Through this period, I learned how to care for people and share my faith—experiences that would later become invaluable in my pastoral ministry.
In 1991, two brothers and I started a joint practice and founded the Eternal Dental Ministry. In 1995 we networked with other Christian dentists to form ZhongHua Dental Service team, that integrated professional dentistry with Christian faith. Our goal was not just to treat patients but also to collaborate with churches and mission organizations to bring the gospel to those in need. We responded to a request from Lanyu (Orchid Island) and established a charitable dental clinic, serving the community for nearly six years. Later, we also traveled to Wa State in northern Myanmar, providing free dental care to local tribes. We even trained local missionaries and their coworkers in basic dental skills so they could help each other.
But all of this was only the beginning—I never imagined that God’s plan for me went even further.
The Most Perilous Mission Trip
In May 1992, I led a mission team to Wa State in northern Myanmar. This journey turned out to be one of the most dangerous experiences of my life. Our goal was to support local missionaries and share the gospel with the Wa people. However, the political situation along the Thai-Myanmar border was unstable. When we first arrived, the checkpoint was open, but shortly afterward, the border was locked down, leaving us nearly stranded.
On our second night, we held an evangelistic meeting in a Miao village. As the missionary and I were lighting the gas lamps, we suddenly heard an explosion, followed by the sound of machine gun fire piercing through the night sky. A shell had nearly hit our light source but miraculously landed between two houses, causing some injuries but avoiding a major catastrophe.
The missionary immediately drove the wounded to a hospital, but in his haste, he lost control on the treacherous mountain roads, and the vehicle overturned. Tragically, a Miao woman’s husband and their infant, only a few months old, passed away in the accident, though the others miraculously survived.
This incident made us deeply aware of the reality of spiritual warfare. The enemy tried to hinder our mission and shake our faith. However, in our darkest moment, God’s word became our refuge. Isaiah 41:10 came to my heart:
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."
The next day, due to the previous night’s attack, the Wa army was unable to provide vehicles for us to reach our main destination—a highland mission outpost. By noon, we decided to step out in faith and hike up the mountain under the scorching sun. Given our physical endurance and limited supplies, reaching our destination seemed impossible. As one of our team members was collapsing from heatstroke, we unexpectedly arrived at a military training school. The commander, upon learning about our situation, immediately provided us with food, water, and a place to rest. By evening, he arranged for soldiers to carry our luggage, enabling us to reach our destination before nightfall.
That evening, during our evangelistic gathering, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully. Every person in attendance raised their hands and committed their lives to Christ. This experience further strengthened my faith—although serving God comes with hardships, His grace is always sufficient!
An Unexpected Calling: Becoming a Pastor
In 1999, my family and I moved to Yuli, Hualien, where we opened Eternal Life Dental Clinic. Our plan was simply to continue our medical ministry and care for the local youth. However, God had a completely different plan in store for me.
At the time, Yuli Grace Church was an independent church struggling with internal conflicts, leading to a massive loss of members. At its lowest point, only three indigenous elders and a handful of congregants remained. In September 2007, these elders came to my clinic and asked, “Would you be willing to be our church’s pastor?”
I was stunned. I had never attended seminary and had never considered becoming a pastor. My initial response was to help them find pastoral leadership, so I reached out to Meilun Baptist Church, hoping they could support Yuli Grace Church. But God had His own plan.
In 2008, not only did Meilun Baptist Church take Yuli Grace Church under its wing, but they also ordained me as a minister to lead this struggling church. They fully supported our ministry, allowing us to rebuild the congregation.
During my first year as a pastor, I was filled with fear and uncertainty, worried that I was unqualified. But over and over again, God’s guidance left me in awe. I realized that He doesn’t just use our strengths—He also works through our weaknesses, teaching us to rely on Him rather than on our own abilities.
Balancing Medicine and Ministry
Even after becoming a pastor, I never abandoned my passion for medical missions. I continued to lead medical teams to remote areas, both in Taiwan and abroad, offering free dental services while sharing the gospel. I firmly believe that medicine is a way to express love, while the church is the foundation of faith—both complementing each other.
In Yuli, we established a dental ministry team centered on personal testimony, professional service, and gospel outreach. We served not only in the clinic but also in schools, caring for students, providing dental care for the elderly, and participating in overseas medical missions. Though our resources were limited, God’s provision was always abundant. As long as we remained faithful, He fulfilled His plans.
Conclusion: Serving God—A Lifelong Calling
In 2020, I reached retirement age and passed on my pastoral responsibilities to a new minister. However, I know that serving God is not about holding a position—it is a lifelong response to His call. I continue to engage in missions and medical ministry, dedicating my life to God’s kingdom.
Looking back, I started as a dentist and eventually became a missionary and pastor. None of this was my plan—it was all God’s guidance. My greatest realization is this:
"Whether as a doctor or a pastor, I am serving God."
Our job title does not define our calling—what matters is whether we surrender ourselves fully to the Lord, allowing Him to use us to fulfill His purpose.
May everyone who reads this testimony be encouraged to dedicate their profession and life to God, following Him on the most beautiful journey of all.