AG Bollback Ministries

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL

This is the last issue of CHINA CLIPPINGS for 2003! Where have the 12 months of 2003 gone? That brings me to a very serious thought. There are millions of people all over the world who have never heard the name of Jesus. They know nothing of His wonderful peace that assures them of eternal life. In China, with more than a billion people, there are multitudes of people who are outside of the fold of Jesus Christ. When you think of sending greetings to your friends, remember half the world that still waits to hear of Jesus and His birth. They have no one to send them greetings! As we enter 2004 in a few more weeks, let us all commit ourselves to a renewed intercession for the unreached peoples of the world. And, for those of you who faithfully pray for China, remember one fourth of the world's population is waiting to hear. The good news is that when they hear, they respond to the love of Jesus. One friend of mine said after returning from a trip to China that everyone he spoke to about Jesus wanted to pray to receive Him!

LAST MONTH'S TIBETAN REPORT WAS NOT QUITE ACCURATE

In the report on Tibet last month, the statement was made that up until 1950 there were no known believers among Tibetans. The ink was hardly dry until I had a response from a dear friend and missionary colleague, Bob Carlson, who grew up along the Tibetan border and actually lived within Tibet. He reminded me of his parents, Ed and Carol Carlson who lived and worked in Tibet for many years. Although converts were few in number, there were Tibetans who believed. Ed and Carol were able to lead four Tibetans to Christ. Bob writes, "While it may be true that there were no known Christians in inner Tibet, the small area shown as Tibet on the Chinese-approved maps, it is certainly not true that there were no Tibetan Christians. Tibetans made up most of the population of Chinghai, parts of Gansu, large parts of Szechuan, and the whole of the province of Sikiang, which was in existence for only a few years. There were missionaries in all of these areas, though few in number."

SOME NEWS BRIEFS

Voice of the Martyrs reports that Xiao Bi-guang, an advocate for house church Christians in China, has been released from prison and returned to his home in Beijing. His wife revealed that he had not been beaten or physically abused during his imprisonment. The family believes that the widely known fact of his imprisonment helped in bringing about his release. They give thanks and praise to God that he has been set free. Pray for him as he continues his work among the house churches as that could bring about further opposition.

It is also reported from official church records that there are 1,300 ordained pastors within the registered church, known as The Three Self Patriotic Movement. They are responsible for 13.3 million members within these churches all across the land. The TSMP also operate about 20 official seminaries in various parts of the country. The sad fact is that they cannot supply enough pastors for the growing number of churches. In addition, there are many house churches and they also operate many Bible schools, but these churches and schools very frequently come under stiff persecution for failing to register with the government. Although students are being trained for ministry, there are not enough schools available for all who would like to attend. Praise the Lord for that, but pray that more and more opportunities will be made available to China's youth who are committed to serving Jesus Christ regardless of the cost.

UNBOUNDED JOY ON A VISIT IN SOUTH CHINA

A firsthand eyewitness account reports an unusually happy visit to a Hmong church in one of the remote mountainous regions of southern China. This party bounced along in a small matchbox sized van that was no match for some of the steep climbs. They averaged about 11 miles an hour, and at the steepest places, passengers had to walk in order for the van to make it to the top! As they arrived at the little red brick church, a choir of 40 voices lined the path and with clapping and singing the praises of Jesus, they welcomed the party of visitors. Then with singing of choruses and hymns, they concluded their musical presentation in the service with the singing of The Hallelujah Chorus! These folks reported that in 40 years of ministry they had never experienced anything as exhilarating and worshipful. And it happened in China!

3,000 CHRISTIANS WITHOUT A PLACE TO WORSHIP!

The WorldNetDaily.com reported on November 21st that 3,000 Christians have been deprived of their places of worship in a continuing crackdown on unregistered house churches. Since July, the government has sealed off 125 house churches in Jiangsu Province, north of Shanghai. The Chinese government considers all churches outside of the Three Self Patriotic Movement to be subversive and subject to stringent restrictions. The vast majority of Protestant believers belong to house churches or underground churches as they are sometimes called. However, the people are not subversive and except for resisting government regulations regarding their places of worship, they are committed Christians and loyal Chinese citizens. Earnest prayer is requested for many people who are incarcerated in slave labor camps and prisons for their faith. Some government officials reported that the leaders who have been imprisoned do not have a criminal problem. They have a mind problem. They are subverting the socialist plans of the Chinese government.

MY CHILDREN'S BOOKS ON HONG KONG

The Jack and Jenny Mystery Series for boys and girls ages 9-14 have touched many thousands of children since I published the first one in 1997. Through a special arrangement with my publisher, I can now offer the books at a 33% discount on the original price. All five books are available at $5.00 each plus postage. If your church or home is still without these books that teach children great spiritual truths through exciting stories that take place in Hong Kong, then please order now while I can make this offer. They make wonderful gifts for children or grandchildren, and those stories will remain with them for years to come. I recently heard from a teenager who made a commitment to serve the Lord a few years ago through the reading of these books. That was my purpose in writing the stories, and as the Lord enables, I will continue. A sixth manuscript is ready called Hijacked, and hopefully it will get into print early next year. Postage on the books is as follows: 1-2 books = $2.00; 3-5 books = $3.50. Please add that to the price of the books and start your children or grandchildren on an exciting journey.

The titles available are:

Smugglers in Hong Kong

Capture of the Twin Dragon

The Mystery of the Counterfeit Money

Rescue at Cripple Creek

The Tiger Shark Strikes Again.

Please order by name and send to 1622 Calvin Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

PASS CHINA CLIPPINGS ON

This past month, 12 new readers requested to be added to the mailing list that continues to increase from month by month. Thank you, everyone, for passing this on to your friends and raising up new prayer partners for China. Simply inform people to send me an e-mail to be added to the list. On the other hand, anyone wishing to be deleted from the mailing, may send me an e-mail requesting to be deleted.