July 2008

OBSERVING CHINESE TRADITION

The government has chosen to open the Olympics 2008 Games on a very auspicious moment known as 8-8-8 or on the 8^th month at 8 o’clock and 8 minutes past the hour. For centuries Chinese people have determined the right moment to begin historic events such as marriage, naming of children, opening a building, and in this instance, beginning the most spectacular Olympic Games in memory. This is one event you will not want to miss, and perhaps record as I will, as China struggles to enter the world body of nations with respectability and pomp.

The big problem is that many recent events have tarnished China’s image.

· The violent uprising of Tibetans a few months ago revealed that China has not changed its repressive methods of keeping a freedom-loving people suppressed.

· Air pollution has become a major problem for Beijing as factories all over the country spew out air pollution in unprecedented fashion as the country attempts to leap into the 21^st century to challenge the USA for world supremacy.

· Human rights issues continue to erupt all over the country for House Churches who are feeling the brunt of oppression, arrests and imprisonment as the government attempts to prevent any demonstrations from occurring during the Games. The fact is that China is listed as the tenth most oppressive country in the world by Open Doors, Inc, and Bob Fu of China Aid Association claims that more persecution occurred in 2008 than the previous year.

· Several months ago, China was quick to suppress the story that athletes would not have access to Bibles in the Olympic Village even for personal use. Realizing the negative impact this was having among many nations, they quickly changed the policy to allow Bibles in the Village and hotels during the Games.  In fact, athletes, officials, spectators and tourists can pick up Bibles or New Testaments in six cities with Olympic venues. Rev. Xu Xiaohong, an official of the Shanghai-based China Christian Council in charge of publishing says 50,000 bi-lingual Bibles have been printed through  June by Amity Press, the only official printing press in the country. The Olympic logo will appear on the cover.  

· The spot light has been turned on China’s one child holocaust of the last 30 years which has produced some 40 million abortions of unwanted girls and 70 million children being sold every year according to a documentary shown on HBO entitled “China’s Stolen Children” and narrated by Ben Kingsley. The film was made by filmmakers posing as tourists who recorded the personal stories of people struggling with the world’s largest social engineering experiment in history.

· And then came the Sichuan earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands of people including several thousand children in their schools. China was quick to accept humanitarian aid from many countries and religious organizations. The image of China reeling under this tragedy flashed repeatedly on the world’s TV screens. Building codes had been neglected or were non-existent and contributed to the deaths and suffering of the people.

BUT PROBLEMS ALSO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES

Corrie ten Boom, the famous Dutch lady of World War II used to say, “Problems are the building blocks God uses to make a miracle.”  China’s horrendous problems are also the building blocks God is using to make miracles...

For example:

· The Tibetan uprising has once again brought them to our attention for prayer. There are more Tibetan Christians today than ever before, and more will be won as each of us adds Tibet to our prayer list. Don’t just say you will pray. Do it regularly!

· The persecution of House Church pastors and leaders are often overlooked in our prayer ministry.  These men and women refuse to compromise their faith, and willingly lay down their lives for Jesus. Pray for them  in this hour of  suffering, and follow their example.

· The imprisonment of pastors and leaders has not slowed the growth of the church!  Some estimate that at least 10,000 people a day are coming to Christ. The example of pastors and leaders willing to suffer joyfully for Jesus encourages more and more people to come to Him. Some testify that they have never seen such peace and joy in suffering people as they see in the believers.  Pray earnestly for courage, strength to endure, many to come to Christ,and  the church to grow stronger because of the suffering.

· Even though the 50,000 Bibles are for athletes, officials and tourists, rejoice that many of these bi-lingual Bibles will be intentionally left in China or given away to Chinese people. Pray that these Bibles will touch the lives of multitudes of people with the transforming power of Jesus, and both Chinese and foreigners will be blessed by the government yielding to world-wide pressure to allow Bibles in to the country.

· China’s horrible one-child per couple policy is producing millions of abortions annually,  But it is driving people to God in their time of great grief and loss.  Pray that in light of the increasing social problems these abortions have caused, that people will turn to God for help and hope.

· As the result of the earthquake, it is reported that thousands of people in the Province of Sichuan which has been one of the least responsive provinces, are turning to Jesus as they meet loving, dedicated Christians administering aid to the suffering. Pray that all Christian workers will be wise in how and where they share their faith so the government will not become antagonized and expel them from the country as has been happening in a few cases.

SPREADING THE WORD ALL THE WAY TO JERUSALEM

Day by day and month by month, in many places students are being trained to take the Gospel back toward Jerusalem. Many students have graduated already and are on site in their new countries planting churches and changing lives. These unnamed Chinese believers in unnamed limited access countries need your earnest support in prayer and gifts. Some are waiting on visas to be granted, one trainee is expecting her first child this month and accepting whatever God sends them joyfully, another couple is planning on 

getting married this summer before leaving for a Muslim-dominated mission field. Pray that they will keep focused on Jesus and not the problem., Pray that their support will be met month by month or jobs found to support their ministry.

HOW TO SUPPORT PEOPLE AND PROJECTS IN CHINA

Last month you were invited to help provide funds for earthquake victims. The response was unusual. If you do not have a way to transmit funds to China through your church, you may send them to me at 1622 Calvin Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34746 with your check made out to First Alliance Church Orlando. All gifts are tax exempt and 100% of your gift goes directly to the designated purpose.

GIFTS MAY BE DESIGNATED:

·                     EARTHQUAKE RELIEF - $450.00 has already been sent.

·                     BOSNIAN TRANSLATION OF JACK & JENNY BOOKS - $3,000.00 sent.

·                     CHURCH CONSTRUCTION - $200.00 sent.

·                     CHINESE RADIO MINISTRY - $100.00 sent.

·                     OPERATION OUTREACH – This is the general fund to help pay expenses of the web site,

postage, travel, etc. This fund makes all the others possible. $400.00 contributed.

·                     BACK TO JERUSALEM - $200.00 sent

·                     EMERGENCY TRAVEL FOR MISSIONARIES (Gas reaching $7-9 a gallon)

Anthony Bollback with his wife Evelyn who he describes as 'a true partner in the ministry'