Testimonials

I have known over the years that evangelism is aided by testimony. Wherever the gospel goes, testimonies follow. God is Good confirms a belief I’ve held for more than five years. In this book, Margaret Liu writes about her testimonies while explaining how to hear God in this noisy and distracting world. She discussed how to be a good steward of money and how being filled with the Holy Spirit can help us be better stewards of the resources that God has blessed us with, as well as how he can assist us in dealing with abusive relationships.

Margaret Liu Collins explained all this in a 299-page book. God is Good has three parts and nine chapters in all. In these chapters, we were able to read her testimonies and learn how we can also experience the same thing in our lives. And as a believer, the book helps to solidify my faith even further. She explained how she had been running from God’s promptings to share these testimonies with people, but because English is not her primary language and also because she is not a natural writer, she had to run. But now that she has decided to heed God’s calling, you wouldn’t even know she is not a writer and English is not her primary language, as I rarely found errors in this work.

Margaret is not just a writer but also a teacher. I liked how she explained the three levels of faith. I believe reading this book at this time is not a mere coincidence but God teaching me how to grow my faith, as it has been my prayer over the years. Also, I find the concept of hearing from God and remaining in his will impressive. This book felt like an instruction manual for me, like how I need to handle the wealth he is about to hand over to me. I never felt like reading this book was a coincidence in any way.

I liked how she pointed out how to identify spiritual warfare: when we feel things that are outside of God’s presence. How do you know this? Check this book out. I also liked how she related earning and spending money to the respiratory process of the body (exhaling carbon dioxide and inhaling oxygen). This illustration is so apt in explaining how we need to manage our resources, especially money.

One thing I have learned is to be a good steward of what God has given us. And it prompted me to keep asking myself if I had been a good steward. Margaret offers a soulful account of living a life of faith and trust based on her own experiences. She gives a powerful example of the Christian life that is both ferociously honest and tenaciously hopeful. Even if it doesn’t match their own experiences, the mindful reader will benefit from this powerful witness. I am sure this book is my burning bush; God has spoken to me through this book.

Is there anything I don’t like about this book? Is it “A Joyful ‘Toon” by Mike Waters that gives a short and perfect explanation to her discussion? Or how she laid out the lessons she wanted to teach in each part before diving into them? Or the helpful resources like sermons and worship songs that have helped her grow spiritually over time? I enjoyed every bit of this book.

There is nothing to dislike in this book. I found a few errors while reading this text, which made it seem professionally edited. I will rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The message was delivered fluently and without any ambiguity. There were helpful materials to help the readers grow in their spiritual lives. I recommend this book to Christians who need to learn how to hear from God and follow his instructions all through their earthly journey. I will also recommend it for those who do not mind reading Christian materials; it will minister to their souls.

Good stewardship is not about how much we have but how well we manage our resources. (Margaret Liu Collins, God is Good, Page 257)

Margaret Liu Collins was born in the turbulent 1940s in the Chinese city of Chongqing. Later, her father’s assignment led them to the United States, where she spent most of her life. She felt loved and safe with her parents until her brother was born when she was eight years old. Following ancient Chinese customs, her brother received all of the love and affection, while she became instantly invisible. She did receive a decent education and married a suitor of her choice. But her dream of a beautiful future was cut short soon after she got married.

She realized that her husband was dissatisfied with all she did for him and that she would never be able to meet his standards of her as the ideal housewife. While she lived with him, she and her two small children were subjected to physical and psychological abuse. The Chinese culture and conventions raised her to be seen and not heard. She had accepted Christianity at the age of thirteen but had been skeptical. There is a belief that we grow closer to God during difficult times rather than joyful ones. Her submission, along with sincere requests for direction and redemption from every crisis, encouraged her to become more confident in her approach to prayer, religion, and God.

She has gone on to live a satisfying and rewarding life, both personally and professionally. She continues to consistently pursue God’s guidance in His service too. Margaret Liu Collins wrote the book God is Good. She talks of her son’s accident that left him comatose, her violent marriage, her transition from teaching to real estate, her other relationships in life, food, money, spending motives, and her service to God. It is not a typical memoir of her challenges and triumphs. She humbly requests that the reader interpret it as a series of examples that merely include her to illustrate the empowerment she gained as a result of her close relationship with God.

The book’s straightforward writing style and layout were appealing to me. The author takes the reader through every stage of her life and shares her innermost beliefs, making the book relatable. I agree that one may feel constrained by societal influences and, at times, the erroneous teachings of the church. The book offers countless insights. I concur when she wants us to reject any abuse as an act of love. I also agree with the author’s view that God has our best interests at heart, and we should seek guidance for small and big things and trust him, even when our prayers remain unanswered. Above all, we should strive to perform all our actions in His service. These are just a few of the valuable lessons the book has to offer.

In addition to sharing her journey towards Christianity, the author also provides additional sources of inspiration. Don’t miss the delightful Joyful Toons by Mike Waters; they were a pleasant surprise. Overall, there is nothing negative that I can say about this book. However, while reading, I did come across a few errors. Although they did not detract from my reading experience, I would recommend getting a professional re-edit to ensure an error-free book. Therefore, I give this book a rating of five out of five stars.

This book is a great source of inspiration for spiritual seekers of all ages. It’s also helpful for those who are already on their spiritual journey. If you have any doubts or skepticism, this book will guide you and help you connect with the divine and receive His blessings. For those who are already strong believers, it will reinforce your faith and make it even stronger.

I was gifted this book recently, and it has been one of the most important Christian experiences that I have ever had. To begin with, it has been lovingly printed with beautiful red scriptures, and full-color, faith-filled cartoons that you just have to see to believe. Personally, I have never seen this done in any book that I have previously read, and I just love it.

Mrs. Collins is so intelligent, yet so simple in her faith and obviously blessed with amazing organizational skills, that anyone from 10 to 100 years old can read this book, and completely understand it. She talks throughout about her personal relationship with the Holy Spirit; how He teaches her, leads her and protects her. But, you soon come to see that her life, although fully blessed today in every way, was not always so. She, unlike so many other ministers, who only reveal the ups and victory in their lives, shares transparently how sometimes she has missed it. This is the key to her life, to face and admit that no-one’s life is perfect but if we keep hearing from God in prayer and faith, He will lead us into victory.

This book has been decades in the writing. It is filled with illustrations, examples, truths, scriptures, life-lessons, and more. You cannot buy a better and more positive book on life. In fact, I think that every new Christian should be given this book to read. It would make 90% of the confusion and heartaches through a lack of knowledge of the successful Christian life, be avoided. This should be foundational teaching at churches, Bible studies, group meetings and in individual study. Basically, life changing. I will be doing many of my future sermons after having re-studied this book. It is on top of my references now.

Practical, insightful steps to a deep walk with God, from a very successful business woman. Rarely do we get to peek into the private and spiritual life of a real estate and business magnate. She shares how God led her into a life of success through trust and faith, in a way that leaves you with a practical blueprint for the abundant life.

A profound telling of how following God’s guidance resulted in transformation of a miserable life to success, abundance and happiness

I enjoyed reading about Margaret’s life and how she responded to adversity. I thought I knew Margaret but this book explains a lot about how she conducts her life. When I think about good people – and I mean pure goodness – Margaret comes to mind. Perhaps, it was God who made her good or, perhaps, it was through her own hard-earned work and wisdom. She thinks positively and treats everyone with goodness. It is excruciating for her to utter a negative word about anything or anyone. Although she’s weathered horrible hardships, she simply worked harder to escape the trap of being/staying a victim. Margaret is an inspiration to me.

Margaret Liu Collins doesn’t preach. She shares her Christian faith with the reader and uses her own experiences to illuminate how it enriches her life.

I was at the lowest ebb of my life and did not see how I could carry on. My husband had simply just walked out of our 18-year marriage without a word in September, 2017. I could only see darkness ahead. Then a friend told me that she knew of a lady who could pray very effectively for people. And there I was, being brought to see Margaret…

Margaret prayed for me in words and in tongues. She sent me books and videos on accessing God’s words and how to get closer to Him. She was always there for me when I needed her, and gave me loads of useful advice. She invited me to join the Bible study sessions which she held in her apartment.

In just months, I felt a lot better. I started to shift my focus from mourning over my broken marriage to actively searching for God. I began to understand what Margaret said about what is most important in life: being able to live in God’s grace and His love, for He will provide us in abundance both spiritually and in all different areas. I feel empowered to live a new life, drawing strengths from God’s love through Margaret ‘s counsel and guidance.

During the short time that I have known Margaret, I’ve witnessed that she never stops helping anyone who comes to her for prayers or who wants to know more about God through her. I can see in her what loving God is about; I can see how she glorifies God through the way she lives!

I am so thankful to Margaret. She is a great facilitator in my faith journey. She is truly amazing, and one of God’s biggest blessings to me!

Studying with the group lead by Margaret has been a blessing to me personally in the following ways:

1. Margaret’s love for the Lord is contagious.Her vision of “Heaven on Earth” taught me to be thankful for where I am right now (at retirement) and to be constantly reminded of how blessed I am, with no worries, since the Lord provides for all my needs.

2. Margaret finds dynamic speakers on all kinds of interesting topics to share with us. I receive emails with attachments from her almost every day (sometimes even more than 2-3 times a day). It’s such a blessing, to be guided by the Holy Spirit through Margaret, and to have a close walk with the Lord!

3. Margaret is very generous in allowing our group to meet at her home regularly to study God’s Word. She often hosts us for lunch at restaurants close by or in her beautiful home in Kenwood, as well as in San Francisco.

4. Margaret is genuine, honest, sincere, and transparent with all of us studying together. She shares our joy and our sadness. She is always ready to pray for us and heal us. She and the group laid their hands on me in attempting to heal my hearing loss in my left ear. I am so touched by and grateful for their love, and I feel the blessings among us. I thank God every day for having Margaret and my other sisters in Christ in my life.

My spiritual life hit rock bottom three years ago because of many challenging and difficult family issues. One of my friends told me that when she prayed, God had a warning for me: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” (Revelation‬ ‭2:45‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

I knew it was my fault.Immediately,I repented and asked for God’s forgiveness, and for Him to help me to get back to my first love – for Him.

Our God is so gracious to me. Soon after, I met Margaret at BSF Bible study class. When Margaret invited me to join her Bible study at her house, my spirit was so joyful, and I thanked God for giving me a chance to restore and rebuild my first love for Jesus. Since then, my spiritual life have been lifted up. I am walking with Holy Spirit daily. My family issues had been solved miraculously! Praise the Lord!

Margaret has the heart of a mother. She knows the needs of each of her Bible study group members, and gives us guidance and encouragement individually.

She painstakingly, patiently, and steadfastly teaches us and intercedes for us urgently. Whenever she has some pertinent spiritual information that is relevant to us, she is more than willing to share with us. Her heart is filled with the love of the Father and the obedience and humility of the Father. Each of us came to participate in the Bible study at her home with a bunch of unsolvable and unresolved problems. Through Margaret’s patient and loving teaching, guidance, and constant intercession, everyone experienced the supernatural power of God. Now, everyone who attends the weekly Bible study group is no longer ruled by pain, sorrow, anxiety, hopelessness, helplessness, or fear. They are now filled with courage, joy, peace, hope, and faith. They are experiencing the supernatural power of God. Their problems are resolved one by one. The most important thing is that everyone is more connected and aligned with God. Daily, they experience the favor and the supernatural power of God.

May God expand Margaret’s territory for gospel outreach, to make more people become children of God. Glory be to God, our heavenly Father who loves us so.

I am extremely close with my mother. She raised me; my father was very irresponsible & was not a good provider. He passed away over 30 yrs ago. I have a very little family. My husband & I do not have to have any children.I have 3 half-sisters who I do not have any relationship with.

As far as I am concerned, I am the only child.

My mom was concerned that after she passes, I will get lonely. As a result, she encouraged me to get baptized. That way, after she dies, I can talk to God & not be so lonely…

Mom & I were baptized together in 2011. At the time, I was just a regular Christian, who only attended church once a year. I did not pray; I did not have a relationship with God at all.

I ran into Margaret about 18 months ago. She invited me to her Bible study group. Since then, I have been transformed from a worry bug into a confident person. I am much more connected to the Lord. I have learned to pray in tongues. I have also gained valuable friendships. My Bible study group has become my extended family.

I learned there that worry is actually a sin. We must have faith. Faith-filled prayers. All things are possible with God. When we trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding, He will make our path straight. ​​ My mom is 94 years old. She had a stroke a year ago, and Alzheimer’s is setting in. We can no longer carry on a conversation; we cannot go out & have fun like we used to. This has been a very difficult period for me. My mom has always been my best friend. My Bible study with Margaret has helped me tremendously in coping with this situation. I know that God is taking care of my mom. If she passes, she will be in heaven. She will be happy & safe.

Margaret has taught us how to pray. Being in Margaret’s Bible study group has been an amazing journey. My husband, mom, & I are blessed every day. I know that the best is yet to come!​​God Bless,

“He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the Lord!” Psalms 113:9 On Sunday, February 1, 2015, right after service at Epic Church in San Francisco, Don and I met with a Bible study group to introduce ourselves and prepare for the weekly meetings (we had signed up several weeks prior). In the church lobby as the group gathered, we were told that Mrs. Margaret Collins will host us “upstairs” and we were led to a condo high up at the Four Seasons on Market Street. Soon we found ourselves seated around a large table, nine of us all together.

As we went around the table introducing ourselves and talking about why we joined the group, it became clear that Mrs. Collins was just as curious about us as we were about her. Time went by quickly and the group dispersed, joyfully looking forward to our first official meeting the next Sunday. As the two of us were about to leave, Mrs. Collins invited us to see the view from her condo; she also showed us some of the framed pictures, telling us about her family. Then she asked us if we had any children. The answer was: “No, we don’t. We just had a miscarriage a few days ago.” Our answer must have been as unexpected as her question. With deep sympathy she offered to pray for us. She even asked if she could pray for Don to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The tears were streaming down my face by now, and as she prayed over us in the Spirit, we poured out our sorrow to the Lord. Mrs. Collins looked at us and matter-of-factly told us that the Lord will give us children and grandchildren of our own. She explained that sometimes the Lord downloads information to her. I did not doubt that God could speak through her. What surprised me most was that Mrs. Collins specifically mentioned “your own.” She had no idea that we had already spent several years and tens of thousands of dollars on medical procedures and that we were advised by a medical director at Stanford to consider saving up for adoption. Having children of our own seamed as impossible—then in our early forties—as Abraham and Sarah having a son in their nineties.

It was now past noon and Mrs. Collins graciously invited us to lunch at a nearby restaurant. She shared with us how God had answered many of her prayers over the years and we also shared our faith stories. With renewed faith and hope we parted ways.

In March we were in a service at another church and the Lord spoke through a prophet that God will heal my heart and my life will have a new start. My sister, upon hearing about it, immediately said: God will give you a baby.

In late July we got some promising news from the Stanford clinic—lab results were looking great! By late November the clinic confirmed that we were expecting! The next February, a year after meeting Mrs. Collins, we were ready to share the good news with family and friends. Everyone was thankful to God for His great gift.

On July 23, 2016 we were blessed with a healthy and lively baby boy! Today Timmy is an ordinary preschooler with an extraordinary story. He knows that God created him in answer to many prayers. Don and I now fully understand how God’s word can become flesh: what was only a word on February 1, 2015, is now a little boy, full of life and curiosity.