Dr. John Bechtel, former colleague in Hong Kong, and Executive Director of The DeMoss Foundation writes"

In a day when the children of our nation are being inundated with material totally alien to the claims of Christ, it is refreshing and uplifting to read a story of hope and love based on the extensive mission field experience of the author. His writing not only captures the imagination, it promotes a knowledge of God as real and present in people. It will build character. I recommend that you use this book with your children and make it available to young people in your sphere of influence. I intend to do so."

Dr. Edwin Kilbourne, Vice President at large, OMS International states:

The author, with sensitivity and skill, tells the story of how the church [in China] has survived in triumph. The reader will be deeply moved with this account. Though of necessity fiction, it is exciting and historically factual. Read it and weep-- and laugh-- and rejoice."

SEE THE END OF THE LETTER ON HOW TO ORDER

CHINA JOINS THE TOP TEN IN HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

For the third straight year, the isolated communist nation of North Korea remains atop the Open Doors "World Watch List" of countries where Christians are persecuted. The annual list ranks countries according to the intensity of persecution Christians face for actively pursuing their faith. Saudi Arabia retains the second spot followed by Laos, Vietnam, Iran, Turkmenistan, Maldives, Bhutan, Myanmar and in tenth place, China which moved up from #11 last year. 

AMAZINGLY, THERE IS GREAT BLESSING TO REPORT IN CHINA

The South Central Seminary in Wuhan, Hubei Province, was able to conduct a first time retreat for faculty and staff. At the end of March, another first time retreat will be held. for women coworkers also called Bible Women who carry extensive responsibility in China's growing church. Book of Acts reports continue to flow out of the country, and one report even states that it is estimated that 7% of China's population is Christian. That is an amazing statistic, and it is rapidly growing.

BACK TO JERUSALEM VISION GROWING

Throughout the land, there is a growing movement for Chinese missionaries to carry the gospel back to Jerusalem through the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim countries between China and Jerusalem. This is not a quick round trip concept, but rather the raising up of a mighty army of 100,000 people to migrate through the lands between the two points planting churches. These people who are committing themselves to carry the gospel through these lands are prepared to suffer persecution and even death if necessary for the sake of Christ. One report says that they are not only ready to die for the gospel, they're expecting to do so!

RED RUNS THE RIVER chronicles the reason these Christians will make the supreme sacrifice. The western world and even our churches may think of this as extreme. It is! But it is what Jesus asked of His followers. "Take up your cross, deny yourself, and follow me." Pray that some of these missionaries already on the move westward in inhospitable lands will be given courage to endure, strength to persevere, and boldness to witness. Not one requests an easy and comfortable life; only courage as in Acts 4 to declare the unsearchable riches of Christ with power and victory.

WATCH FOR NEWS OF THE MUSTARD GREEN PROJECT 

In the next months you will begin to hear about the Mustard Green Project to assist Hmong churches scattered throughout China. There are 7-8 million Hmong or Miao tribal peoples in China where there are already many churches. You may have the opportunity to hear Hmong missionaries presently on home assignment in the USA who will be sharing the challenges they face. They will be primarily in Hmong churches in the USA during this period where interest is running high to reach their own people in China.

THANKS TO GOD, ARRESTS IN CHINA NOT TRUE

A report in February in a prominent Christian periodical stated that 50 prominent Chinese church leaders had been arrested because of a DVD and videos being circulated in China. We are thankful that Asia Harvest has been able to confirm that the report was not true. The 50 leaders have NOT been arrested, and the leaders whose faces were on the DVD are still going about their duties. The report stated that Xiao Min was arrested and killed, but a friend visited her in the past few days and says she is doing fine, has great peace in her heart, and is ready to undergo hardship for the Lord if that is what He permits. Moses Xie, the 86 year old leading pastor also is free. He says he is not afraid at all, and is busy with the Lord's work. He has already spent 23 years in prison for his faith and is not afraid to suffer again. Last week he ordained a new missionary from his church! It is true that the DVD is being discussed by the National Religious Working Conference and there may yet be serious consequences for the house church leaders, but those leaders want the world to know that they are motivated by two things: glorifying God and winning lost souls for Jesus Christ. Any activity that accomplishes these two things is considered worthwhile, no matter what personal cost is involved.

HOW TO ORDER RED RUNS THE RIVER

Through March 15th, the book is available through Anthony Bollback for $13.50 plus $2.50 postage. After the 15th, the price will be increased slightly in keeping with the book store price of $16.99. 

Send your check for a total of $16.00 to 1622 Calvin Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34746 and your book will be on its way to you.

You may read the Foreword by Dr. Tom Stebbins and Chapter One online.