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June 2000 |
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MOMENTOUS EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN CHINA As I write this month’s report on events in China affecting the church and religious activity there, I am reminded that this vast country with one fourth of the world’s population is facing immense challenges. Perhaps there has not been a time when China was confronted with such a maze of complex problems. This report concerns itself primarily with religious activity inside and outside of China, but we must realize that political decisions have profound effects on the country as a whole. CHINA PRAISES U.S. TRADE VOTE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A Reuters news report from Beijing on May 25 states that China hailed the decision of the House of Representatives granting it permanent trade relations as "a wise" decision. At the same time, China was indignant over legislative provisions setting up a commission empowered to monitor China’s human rights record. Hu Cusheng, reporting in a Xinhua news agency article, states that attaching human rights conditions in the vote is "unacceptable to the Chinese government" and is considered interference in China’s internal affairs. The bill passed by a vote of 237 to 197 vote and did so mainly because of the provision for human rights. Let us hope and pray that by normalizing trade with China, human rights and religious freedom will become more normal within the country. NOTES OF PRAISE A Taiwan Christian worker reports that more than 40 are attending a three month training program in music in Nanning, Guang Xi Province. The training center has been given quite a few Yamaha electronic keyboards which students are learning to play in order to enhance the musical quality of the churches. The same report states that 34 people are attending a year-long training program in Ti Chang (Hu Bei Province). Many of these students have left family at home in order to concentrate on their training as lay pastors. Some students were turned away because their churches were unable to pay the $24 per month for their training. Anyone interested in helping to support a student may contact me for further information. Praise God for the liberty these believers are enjoying, and continue to pray that these registered churches will be a powerful light in the darkness bringing hope and peace to thousands. EIGHTY CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL CLASSICS TRANSLATED The Newsletter of Educational Resources and Referrals - China (ERRC) reported in the Spring issue 2000 that Dr. Liu-Xiao-feng of the Institute of Sino-Christian Studies in Hong Kong has completed the translation of 80 Christian theological classics for Chinese intellectuals. More than 30 have already been published in China and are available in Chinese bookstores. Dr. Liu has been on a sabbatical leave. He and his wife have been living in Berkeley, California where he has interacted with ERRC and churches of the area. At a Campus Evangelical Fellowship at the University of California, Dr. Liu described why and how Chinese intellectuals in mainland China are interested in studying Christianity as an academic subject. We must pray that these intellectuals will find the truth of the Word of God in their studies of these classics. Hundreds of Chinese have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the academic study of Christianity in the past. Now they will have this opportunity to be exposed to the best through Dr. Liu’s commitment. Anyone interested in reviewing the classics available through the Institute in Hong Kong may do so by visiting their web-site: www.iscs.org.hk PRAYER CONCERNS FOR THE CHURCH IN CHINA Associated Press writer Elaine Kurtenbach wrote on May 17, 2000 thattightening controls on unauthorized religious activities has brought about the closure of house churches and the arrest of at least 10 underground Christian leaders. The state-run newspaper GuangMing Daily stated on the front page in May, "As we face our nation’s entry into the World Trade Organization, opening up to the outside on many levels, we confront pervasive infiltration and separatist activities by foreign and domestic enemies." An official of the Guangdong Religious Affairs Bureau confirmed that unauthorized or illegal groups may be punished according to the relevant regulations, China’s constitution guarantees religious freedom but the government requires that public worship be confined to state-sanctioned or registered organizations. Christian Solidarity Worldwide, based in Surrey, England, reports that arrests have been made in Guangdong Province. One leader has been arrested 14 times, and at one point his ankles and wrists were chained together, forcing him into a stooped position for five days! This man has since been released and warned about his "illegal" activities. The crackdown coincides with a campaign against the Falun Gong movement. China’s leaders fear such popular groups could threaten their hold on power. The house church movement is seen in that same light. Pray that those in prison or threatened will be strengthened to endure under great pressure. Pray that there will be understanding in government circles which will result in a relaxation of the tightening controls in some areas. HONG KONG CONTINUES WITH UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH AND FREEDOM From the South China Morning Post of May 28 comes the report that Hong Kong is enjoying the strongest first quarter economic growth in 13 years! The gross domestic product grew 14.3 per cent in the first quarter of the year 2000. Hong Kong expects the House of Representative vote will bring even greater prosperity to this special economic region of China. A flourishing Hong Kong is very important in keeping China on track asChina is able to gauge world response through this unique window . Pray that the freedoms enjoyed will continue and that China will not interfere. CHINA GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY In the January-March bulletin of the seminary, the president, Wilson W. Chow unveils plans for an expanded seminary campus which will cost $5 million dollars! This seminary in the heart of Hong Kong is dedicated to preparing young people for world-wide ministry among Chinese as well as cross-culturally. President Chow says, "Not only will this money build a building, but also build the lives of spiritual leaders who are, in turn, committed to building the lives of others." Almost 1,000 graduates have been taught the Word of God and many lives have been transformed. There are presently close to 300 students enrolled. Praise God for the opportunity to continue ministry in Hong Kong without interference from government and for the freedom which enables the seminaries of Hong Kong to prepare many hundreds annually for work in China and around the world. AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, INC Here in America, another organization which I have mentioned a few times, carries on an extensive literature ministry which provides Bibles, tracts, and other important religious books and articles. The material is prepared for people to use in China with intellectuals, students and others. They even provide lesson materials for those going to China as teachers or tent makers to acquaint them with the language and customs. Pray that organizations such as Ambassadors for Christ will be effective in helping to spread the Word in China and among the millions dispersed throughout the world. FAMILY NEWS Our youngest son, Jonathan and his wife Julia and two children, return from Dalat School on June 4 where he has been serving as chaplain for the past two years. These last months have been most productive as young people have made decisions to follow the Lord. Four baptismal services have had to be scheduled in May for which everyone is praising the Lord. Julia has been especially happy that 2 young Buddhist students from business families and one other student, prayed to receive Christ and one was baptized this month. Your prayers for them will be appreciated as they seek to relocate in ministry here in the States. You can look in on activities of our son Jim and his wife Alice as they serve at the Kowloon Tong International Church as senior pastor. Visit their site at: http://www.bollback.freeservers.com We praise God for a growing congregation of about 325 Chinese people who are making great strides in their Christian walk. PASS THIS REPORT ON, PLEASE Every month I am asked whether or not this report can be passed on to someone else, and can others subscribe to it. The answer is a resounding "yes." My purpose in writing this report is to help the church in America maintain a balanced approach to news from China. Not all the news is bad and about persecution, as some groups and individuals would have us believe. Much blessing and freedom is being enjoyed in the registered church and we must be fully aware of that. One thing is certain; these are unprecedented days for proclaiming the Good News of Salvation in China. Let us rejoice at the movement of the Holy Spirit and the great open door for the church. Please pass this report on to your friends. Those who wish to be on the mailing list should simply send me an e-mail requesting to be included. Provide name and e-mail address. Until next month, let us pray that each day will be filled with thrilling opportunities to make Christ known, both here in America as well as China. Please pass this website report on to others or send me e-mail addresses you wish included. GOD IS IN THE BUSINESS OF DOING GREAT THINGS ALL
OVER THE WORLD BECAUSE HE IS A GREAT GOD. |