AG Bollback Ministries

A GREAT BEGINNING TO 2004

With the dawning of the new year, reports on China are exciting and exceptionally encouraging. The year-end letter from Ambassadors for Christ is filled with good news. May it continue throughout the year, although you will find some items in this letter disturbing and challenges for more prayer.

Some highlights from the Ambassadors for Christ newsletter state that over 13,000 Chinese copies and over 600 English copies of the book Evolution? Degeneration? Creation? were distributed to new Chinese students in the States by churches and Bible study groups in connection with their "Meet the Creator" literature campaign! In addition over 220,000 pieces of literature in simplified Chinese script were distributed all over North America and 17 countries. Another highlight was the 170 single Chinese adults who attended the "Singles for Christ" conference in California in August, and 300 adults, youth and children who attended the "Chinese Family Conference" in Pennsylvania in July. There was also a note of praise that the needed amount of $143,000 per month for the budget was met, but as 2004 has arrived, there is the continuing need to meet the great challenges before them. Contributions may be sent directly to AFC, Box 280, Paradise, CA 17562. You can have a part in "reaching Chinese Intellectuals for Christ in this Generation."

SARS STRIKES AGAIN IN CHINA

Much prayer is needed right now as two cases of SARS have been discovered in south China. Last year many special events planned by churches and seminaries had to be cancelled because of the outbreak of this disease. Pray that there will not be a spread of the disease within China or outside of the country. The events that had to be cancelled have since been held as they were very important for the future of the work of the gospel. They were training sessions for leaders so that they will be better prepared to teach the Word. We know that Satan will use any method to thwart God's work and the advance of the gospel. That's what makes this second outbreak of SARS such a threat for this summer's work. What better way to hinder God's work than to have training sessions cancelled? The civet cat is suspected to be a carrier of the disease, and consequently, the Chinese government has ordered the elimination of upwards of 12,000 of these animals that are sold in wild animal markets in south China. Usually these animals are used as a food supply which makes them particularly dangerous at this time. Pray for the protection of God's people and many of our friends working in China.

MORE ABOUT TIBETANS

Word has been received from Dr. Bill Conrad of Gansu, Inc who leads teams of eye doctors to Gansu each summer to perform eye surgery in the region of the Tibetan border states. His grandfather, William Christie, was a pioneer in the region. There were believers in the region at that time, and especially in the cities of Hezou and Xiahe according to this report. The Conrads worship in the church in Hezou while in the region and they report that there are some old believers from families from those days. Praise the Lord for these reports that are verified by firsthand eye witnesses. Gansu, Inc will be in Hezou from June through September this year, and while there they will be visiting Xinjiang Province where they hope to begin work among the Uyghur minority people. A third pop-up camper is being equipped for cataract surgery and will be shipped in February to Xinjiang. Pray for the safe arrival of this vital equipment and the ministry to the people of this region.

ERRC PLANS SUMMER PROGRAM IN CHINA

ERRC stands for "Educational Resources and Referrals - China." It is an organization that facilitates people going to China to teach English in colleges and universities and provide summer programs for young people. Plans are underway for another summer of activities at a cost from $1,000-$1,800 per person including airfare and room. There are two opportunities open: a Language/Cultural Exchange program in northern China and a Youth English Camp in Shenzhen near the Hong Kong border. Contact ERRC: www.errchina.com or ERRC@aol.com for more information and how to participate.

ANOTHER DECEITFUL TRICK OF THE ENEMY

Satan is up to his old tricks of deceiving people. The church in China has experienced great revival and much blessing, and as one pastor in China said to me personally, "Never ask people to pray that the persecution will stop! Ask them only to pray that we will be made strong by the Lord to endure the suffering and be a powerful witness." This pastor went on to say that persecution was the very reason the church was growing, and they welcomed it. Today, however, with the new found freedoms and liberties in many places, a new and sinister form of opposition is developing called materialism and divisiveness. A leader from China Partners says: "There is a subtle threat creeping into the church. I think what happens within the church and with the government (concerning registration) is not so detrimental to the Chinese church as the growth of materialism and the desire to become rich and wealthy!" Pray! Pray! Pray that the Chinese church will be spared the curse of the western world and it's love for wealth and power.

SOUTH KOREAN PASTOR ARRESTED IN CHINA

It is reported that a Rev. Choi Bong-Il of South Korea was arrested in Yanji in Jilin Province for aiding a small group of North Korean defectors who were attempting to flee North Korea into China. Rev. Choi was charged with the crime of organizing illegal border crossings. His trial took place on December 2 in China. The court issued the verdict on its own of guilty and sentenced him to nine years in prison. His friends claim he was simply providing food and clothing to desperately needy people as an act of charity. There is a lot of activity along the border that is causing both China and Korea anxiety. Prayer has been requested for the pastor to be released. The dilemma is how to assist needy people in a politically difficulty and dangerous situation.

REJOICE WITH ME AS MY NEW BOOK GOES TO PRESS

By the next issue of China Clippings, I will have more specific information about the release of "Red Runs The River - The Story of the Persecuted Church of China." It has gone to press after about one year of writing and preparation. It is a stirring story of brave men and women who dared to live their lives for Christ in the days after the takeover by the Communists. I have started Volume 2, "Exiles of Hope" which continues the story up to the present time. Thank you for your prayers through these months and rejoice that the book should be released by Easter. You'll hear more about it before long.

PASS CHINA CLIPPINGS ON

This past month, several more people requested to be added to the mailing list. 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 also send me an e-mail requesting to be deleted.