THE AMAZING OLYMPICS

The world was dazzled by the military precision of 2008 drummers on the opening night in Beijing of the Olympic Games on the eighth month and the 8^th day August 8, 2008 at exactly 8:08 Beijing time. This auspicious moment will go down in history of a nation obsessed with making a world impression of its superiority, yet relying on auspicious dates centered in the Chinese superstitions of fortune tellers and mythology.

All who watched the perfect synchronization of the 2,008 drummers were mesmerized by their perfection, and perhaps felt a little creepy wondering what else can this awakening dragon do to achieve world domination. This fantastic demonstration revealed the total conquest of the masses over individuality.

THE COST OF WINNING

This truly amazing country showed the world what ruthless discipline can do. The drummers spent long, weary hours in practice that did not tolerate rest breaks regardless of the consequences. So obsessed were they with perfection and impressions that they even swapped the adorable little girl who performed “Ode to the Motherland” for the real singer. The girl we saw mimed the song because the one with the real voice had chubby cheeks and crooked teeth and therefore was “not suitable” for display,” officials said. Most of their athletes are separated from parents at three or four years of age and taught to perform like machines.  Many see their parents only once a year.

AN UNFORGETTABLE IMPRESSION

Watching the closing ceremony featuring hundreds of dancers moving in perfect synchronization and forming the Olympic circles, left everyone with the impression that this nation can accomplish anything they set out to do, but at tremendous personal cost. One could not help think of the Church of China that has withstood horrible persecution for decades and yet survived with glorious triumph to become a church that will have the largest missionary in the world willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus. Personal cost will be set aside for the one purpose of bringing glory to Jesus.

GANSU BIBLE COLLEGE A GOOD EXAMPLE

A worker visited the Gansu Bible College and sent the following report. The group I was leading wanted to see where the teacher’s lived at Gansu Bible College, but the teachers did not want the overseas guests to go inside.  Since I had been there before, I knew that each room was 12 x 15 feet in size with 2 cots, 2 desks, 2 study chairs and a small wooden closet all sitting on a dirt floor! The average salary of a teach is US $100,00 a month. When these seminary graduates were asked why they served here rather than in a more comfortable and better salary school they replied, “We want to serve God in a place that is in need. We believe God will work a miracle here and establish a new Bible School that will meet the need of the church in Gansu. We don’t mind the sacrifice as long as we see God at work!”  Remember the Olympic athletes?  Now you may be able to understand the heart of these dedicated teachers. GBI needs assistance for student scholarships, teacher salaries, and a new building. Pray that all of these needs will be met. Perhaps God is speaking to you about your part in bringing this to pass for these committed teachers and students.  At the end of this letter, there will be a place to get involved financially and in prayer.

FOLLOW UP ON THE SICHUAN EARTHQUAKE

Several churches were destroyed in the Sichuan earthquake. One church where 200 normally worship was demolished, but the following Sunday, 500 people gathered in the church yard and worshipped among the rubble. Today, a new church is being planned to rise out of the rubble and seat 1,000 people. Many people have contributes to the earthquake relief and those funds are hard at work bring hope and encouragement to the destroyed villages and cities. You can have a part in providing a new church in these stricken areas by your earnest prayers and sacrificial giving. Sichuan used to be the Province that was least responsive to the Gospel. Today there is a new spirit in the communities of tent dwellers.

AFTERMATH OF THE OLYMPICS

Strange as it may seem, the Chinese government seems to be planning further crackdowns on the house churches proliferating throughout the country.  There is evidence of funds being allocated to pursue house church closings and the imprisonment of leaders. The activity seems to have started, but committed believers are standing firm. And the congregations are growing. History proves that no king or government has ever been able to wipe out Christianity.  Persecution only fans the flames of the fire and it sweeps across the land.

SONG OF THE WANDERER

Ambassadors for Christ, Inc. report an amazing response to a booklet written by  Dr. Li Cheng, Ph D who struggled with the idea of accepting Christ. He takes the reader step-by-step through the evidence for Christianity and relates it to his own journey of faith.  Yulan Tong was invited by a friend to a New Year’s gathering where she received a copy of the book.  She was still reading at 3 a.m. and exclaimed to Christian friends, “It’s so wonderful!” More than 870,000 copies have been distributed.  Another 500,000 is planned. Pray for this great project..

CHINA OUTREACH MINISTRIES

COM held a Chinese scholars’ Retreat in Pennsylvania over the Labor Day weekend. Last year over 300 top scholars joined this gathering. At this writing, no report has been received of the response to Rev. Daniel Su’s emphasis on “Pressing on Toward the Goal.” Although the conference has ended, many are struggling with the claims of Christ.  You can set them free with your prayers of deliverance. Pray for the coming New Year conference that is already in the planning stage.

DR. RAY PRITCHARD'S CHINA MINISTRY

Many have heard of Dr. Ray Pritchard's great preaching ministry, but perhaps are unaware of his extensive China outreach. His weekly sermon that is available on "Keep On Believing" web site is translated into Chinese by a house church pastor named Peter. He has learned to preach by using the sermons and now is seeking ways to get them publicized in Chinese on the web. Pray for Peter who is placing himself in a dangerous position, but whose heart is burning with compassion for his countrymen world-wide.