|
|
|
|
June 2001 |
|
WUHAN CHURCH PROJECT REPORT Since I wrote the last issue of CHINA CLIPPINGS, another $1,000 has been sent off to China for the elevator project. Just in case you are new to this China report, the Church of Wuhan, located on property we used to live on, is building a new eight-story church for multi-purposes to serve the entire county. Government regulations require an elevator or the occupancy permit will not be granted. With no funds for this project, we felt burdened last October to attempt to help the church with this project. People with a heart for China's millions have responded and thus far a total of $4,050 has been sent to the church. The last report states that the materials have now been purchased and are on the property. Work has begun on this $8,000 project with completion done in time for the dedication in September. Praise the Lord, for the part so many have had in helping this church to open its doors for the preaching of the gospel. A NOTE OF CONCERN It is reliably reported that some believers from the area have sold all their possessions and have moved to the mountains to wait for the coming of the Lord. This has aroused the suspicion of the government, which has always been concerned about cults and their impact on government. Pray earnestly for the Church of Wuhan that nothing will interfere with the progress of the building and the clear preaching of the Word of God. SEVEN ALLIANCE STUDENTS TO WUHAN A report from a Taiwan friend states that seven Alliance young people will be part of a team going to Wuhan next month from July 5-30 for the purpose of teaching English in the university. Please pray for the arrangements to be completed and suitable accommodations provided. Summer in Wuhan AT NIGHT gets down to the low 90's! That part of the country has earned the title of the "Furnace of China." Pray that air-conditioned accommodations can be found to help them endure the heat. (Oh, how we remember the hot summer days of Wuhan! Nothing has changed since our days temperature wise.) PRAY! IT'S NOT A PICNIC Did you ever have a day when everything seemed to go wrong? Well, Gregg and Cherie Orr in Taiwan reported recently that "it's been a season of everything breaking down." Their 13-year old van just quit one day. It usually stops several times a day, but this is different! Their computer has been having hardware problems, and they have been waging a losing battle with mildew in every closet and shelf. To top it all off, the indispensable cell phone broke down. How's that for one day? Gregg continued on a high note of praise by saying, "One thing that helps is finding something to be thankful for. We're all healthy, we're fed, we're clothed, God is at work here. God is still faithful and getting stuff fix provides an opportunity to make new friends!" How about some special prayer for the Orrs. THE ORIENTAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY OMS or Oriental Missionary Society had its beginning in 1907 in Korea from where the Cowmans compiled and wrote the famous "Streams In The Desert." The work grew extensively and included China, Taiwan and Hong Kong as well as many other countries. An interesting fact is that Madam Chinag Kai-shek, wife of the former President of China, provided "Streams in the Desert" in Chinese to every soldier in the ROC army during evangelistic campaigns there with Dick Hillis back in the 50's. Much work continues throughout the region, but not everything can be told. The important thing is that the Word goes forth in many ways. Amity Printing Press in China has topped the 25 millionth Bible printed at the rate of one every second day after day. More than 13,000 registered churches are open, and an estimated 50,000 house churches are scattered throughout the country. Hundreds of young people are in Bible seminaries and schools preparing for ministry in China. . GANSU, INC The grandson of William Cristie, pioneer missionary of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in China, assists thousands of Chinese every summer through surgery for cataracts and glaucoma. Several other doctors join him to form teams to work in the Lanzhou area of west China to bring relief and sight to many people. Both Chinese and American doctors join together in this very special project that has earned high praise from the Chinese government. Pray that this summer the teams will be kept well physically, be able to work under difficult hospital situations, and be able to touch the lives of many people with the love of Jesus. The team worshipped in the Lanzhou Church with an estimated 2,000 people in attendance. Fifty years ago, there was only a struggling group of believers in this city. They describe the awe they felt as the entire congregation, in typical Chinese style, ALL prayed at the same time in an act of personal worship. This was followed by the congregation singing in Chinese the hymn, "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior." Although they could not understand the Chinese, they understood the tune and the familiar message, "hear my humble cry, while on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by." Pray for the teams as they come and go throughout the summer that they will be given strength for the difficult tasks and a full measure of the love of God. INNER MONGOLIA ROUND UP OF CHRISTIANS According to Intercessors Network, an item dated Beijing May 30, states that police have detained 15 followers who could face up to three years in a labor camp. A Hong Kong human rights group reported this incident. When the police raid took place, 35 people were arrested, but 20 were released the next day after paying a fine of 200 yuan ($24). Wang Yulan and Li Haihe remain in police custody on charges of violating China's religious laws. Wang's husband is currently serving three years of "re-education through labor" for illegal religious activities. There is urgent need to pray for those from the house church movement who have been detained as they face extremely difficult circumstances daily. Pray that all churches, whether registered or not, will be given wisdom to minister in uncertain circumstances. CHINESE CHURCHES SPRINGING UP EVERYWHERE It is a well-known fact that Chinese people have migrated to every country in the world. Perhaps you are not aware that Chinese churches are springing up everywhere also. In the USA in Melbourne, Florida the Melbourne Chinese Alliance Church opened its doors some time ago and is ministering to Chinese students who in turn are returning to China to share their faith with family members. In Budapest, Hungry, 10,000 Chinese are hearing the gospel through the ministry of Rev Hwang who has seen the church grow to 150 people. They also have a church planters school with 21 students being trained as cell group leaders. He says, "We train them as cell group leaders because the Chinese are so spread out in Eastern Europe." In Paris, France, the Chinese church is growing as in Central and South America. God is doing a very special thing among the Chinese scattered everywhere. Pray for a great harvest and many new workers to reach these scattered millions throughout the world. EVANGELISM EXPLOSION The amazing work being done by Evangelism Explosion International is attracting attention in many countries. Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China, and Mongolia are places where active training is taking place. The results of Chinese using EE are phenomenal as they consider this one of the best ways of sharing one’s faith. EE needs adequate funding to carry on this productive ministry. THE KOWLOON TONG CHURCH CONTINUES TO GROW Our oldest son, James, continues to experience growth in all areas of their church in Kowloon. The predominant Chinese group keeps focused on outreach ministries and is willing to go beyond ethnic Chinese in their outreach. The church recently called a Filipino pastor to assist them with the growing Filipino ministry and now they are considering the next step to reach the Vietnamese group attending. They already are assisting in the support of their first missionary to Africa and by so doing they are setting an example for any church desiring to be a Great Commission church. GIANTS WALKED AMONG US This is the title of my next book to be published by Christian Publications, Inc in the Jaffray series. Many of you have been praying for me as I have been writing this book on my dear friends Paul and Ina Bartel. It will be released early next year. The second proofreading task has been done and good progress is being made. Please continue to uphold me in prayer as I have started Book #6 of The Jack and Jenny Mystery Series with its setting in Hong Kong. For those interested in any of these books, please check out my web site or write for more information. As I look at what is being accomplished through these books, I can only say it is all through the grace and blessing of the Lord. THANKS AND WELCOME TO MANY NEW FRIENDS Many of you sent in new names for CHINA CLIPPINGS this past month. Thank you, and keep it up as this opens the door to more Chinese people hearing the Good News.
|