LOOK ON THE FIELDS

 The second half of 2004 has begun! "Time flies" the saying goes, and how true that is. How we use that time though is so important. These are urgent days when believers need to be tuned to God’s Word and watching for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. That being the case, we need to look at the fields that are already white unto harvest and give ourselves without reservation to completing the Great Commission.

 FOCUS ON THE 10/40 WINDOW       

 The Back to Jerusalem Movement is causing all mission-minded people to rethink the urgent need to reach the millions of people living within the 10/40 window. For those who may not have heard of this movement, it began with Chinese leaders back in the 40’s with a passion to train Chinese missionaries to plant churches from China all the way back to Jerusalem. It was interrupted by the war, but in recent years, it has been revived and is burning more intensely in the hearts of Chinese leaders especially in the house church movement in China. At the present time thousands of dedicated Chinese believers have committed themselves to be part of this movement, and at whatever cost, begin a westward migration toward Jerusalem. As they go, they will witness to the mighty power of God, and they will plant churches everywhere. However, remember that this takes them directly through the 10/40 window- the last and greatest region of unreached peoples and people of Muslim faith. Persecution and death are expected, but these believers are consumed with love for Jesus and the spread of the gospel.  Many training locations are already in operation inside China and some outside. Earnest prayer is needed for this movement as tremendous satanic attack is expected.

 CHINESE ATHEIST SEES THE LIGHT

 Mark Ellis, senior correspondent for ASSIST News Service writes on June 26 that a man identified only as Brother Paul is studying in the US in a Bible School and hopes to return to China and take part in the Back To Jerusalem Movement. Brother Paul’s mother was an orphan who was  raised in a China Inland Mission orphanage (now known as Overseas Missionary Fellowship or OMF). His parents were Christian laypersons, but during his childhood he rejected Christianity for atheism. His parents continued to witness to him and urged him to attend a newly opened seminary started by the Three-Self Patriotic Movement which is also known as the registered church. Brother Paul soon realized that he was in the wrong place because of the emphasis placed on Scripture. Although he left the school, he could not get away from the Scriptures, and eventually he began to read the Bible once again. Through reading the Bible, he grew in his knowledge of God and eventually accepted Jesus Christ as His Savior. Brother Paul is part of the house church movement and urges people to pray for persecuted leaders and Christians. Many are in prison for their faith, but the spread of the gospel continues unabated in spite of the hardships and imprisonment.

 GANSU, INC AT WORK BRINGING SIGHT TO THE BLIND
 

 Gansu, Inc that was founded by Dr. William Conrad, an eye surgeon, to work in the Gansu region of West China with the purpose of bringing physical help to those afflicted with blindness, and through love displayed through medical help, to help people also discover new sight through Jesus.  Dr. Conrad and associates organize medical teams to spend several weeks each summer on site performing surgery and assisting the local hospital and churches of the region. They have outfitted a surgical trailer that remains there year-round, but is only used by the team during the summers. Hundreds of people have had their sight restored by cataract surgery, and as a result, they have built up great rapport with the local authorities who welcome their help and presence. After several years of ministry, they have gained great respect and have many opportunities for sharing their lives and faith. Last month, evening English studies were started and continue with many enthusiastic college students in attendance, eager to learn English and to learn the important insights these doctors and nurses can share with them. To get the weekly report, contact Rachael@gansuinc.org/

 BIBLES COUNTERS THE THREAT OF CULTS

 The Bible League eNews of June 2004 reports that there is a growing threat from false cults preying on new believers.  A group called Eastern Lightning targets new believers who are not yet grounded in the Word. The Bible League and other groups are endeavoring to get Bibles into China to help with this problem. The Bible is the answer and where the Word is available, the cults cannot flourish. Without the Word the cults grow because so-called “spiritual experts” twist the Word to their own perverted doctrine or purposes such as raising funds. Pray for the printing of the Bible in China at Amity Press and for all other sources that provide Bibles to the Chinese.

 CHINA AID ASSOCIATION REPORTS ARREST OF 100 PASTORS

 Bob Fu, President of China Aid Association, reports on June 13, 2004 that more than 100 pastors of the China Gospel Fellowship in Hubei Province in Central China, were arrested while attending a retreat in the area. Police from the Public Security Bureau raided the retreat meeting, and according to an anonymous senior eye-witness, all pastors were arrested. Mr. Xing Jinfu, a 39 year old pastor, has been arrested three times and completed three years of detention in a re-education program. Pastor Shen Xianfeng, a well-known elderly pastor has been detained under house arrest after his home was thoroughly searched for Bibles and literature. This house church group was established in the 1980’s and has grown to over five million believers.  Bob Fu says he has information that a secret directive has been issued calling for action against all “illegal religious activities.” ( unregistered house churches). Let us pray that the government will understand the difference between these church groups and subversive groups they call " evil cults" and ease the pressure on the house churches and their leaders.

 NYACK COLLEGE PUBLISHES POSTER

 A poster by Anne Moore, features Chinese students who came over from China in the early days of the Missionary Training Institute, now Nyack College. They came to prepare for ministry at the school under Dr. Hart, a former missionary to China. In the December 20, 1889 issue of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Weekly on pages 329-330, it describes the work of Dr. Hart in preparing students for missionary service including practical lessons given in Chinese. Nyack College has never lost that vision, and today, under the leadership of President David Schroeder, an agreement is in place for Nyack students to teach English at Zhejiang University in their English language program, to middle school students. Pray for these students this summer as they seek to build relationships that will open doors for sharing their faith and leave an indelible impression on these young people.

 IMPACT A BOOK IS MAKING

 A letter has been received from a young woman who just finished reading my book, RED RUNS THE RIVER- The Story of China’s Persecuted Church. She writes: After reading Red Runs The River, I started having hope and understanding why God has given me the burdens He has. I started understanding that I have to put my trust in Him. I am not quite sure how I can "follow Jesus," and what I can do to have the assurance of eternal life. I would like that assurance. I know I would have great peace in my heart and mind."

 Rev. Marvin Parker Director for Disciple-making Ministries at Christian Publications, Inc wrote about the book: "While I seldom read fiction, the historical, factual story line in "Red Runs the River" captured my attention and I literally read the book from cover to cover during one cross country plane trip.  A heart moving story on what it truly costs some people in today's world to follow Jesus. A picture of true discipleship.  A worthy read."

 ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

 RED RUNS THE RIVER is a very useful tool to stir people to a new commitment to Jesus Christ and bring revival to churches. To read the Foreword by Dr. Tom Stebbins and Chapter One entitled “Signs of the Times,” go to the web site http://www.bollback.com. The book may be ordered (1) directly through my address at 1622 Calvin Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34746 for $13.50 PLUS $2.50 postage, or (2) through Amazon. com for about the same price, or (3) your local book store can order it for you through Ingram Book Distributors. One thing is sure. You will never be the same again after reading this book about the commitment of our Chinese brothers and sisters.

 FORWARD THIS REPORT TO YOUR FRIENDS

 The mailing list for CHINA CLIPPINGS continues to grow every month as friends of China pass this along to their friends. Print out copies for your church family, give one to your pastor, and encourage prayer groups to pray for this great land with ¼ of the world’s population.

 I hate to lose anyone from the mailing list, but my promise stands that anyone wishing to be deleted from the list only needs to send me the word “unsubscribe” and it will be done immediately.

 Anthony Bollback