April 2005

A few weeks ago, I finished reading an astounding book called “The New Foxes Book of Martyrs 2001 by Harold J. Chadwick. The author has rewritten and expanded the famous “Foxes Book of Martyrs” by John Foxe, a book that for four hundred years has endured as a memorial to the martyrs who died for Christ. John Foxe began writing his chronicle of courage as a refugee in Basel, Switzerland where he had fled with his family to escape the wrath of Queen Mary I, Queen of England. She eventually earned the unenviable epithet of “Bloody Mary” for her persecution and burning at the stake of more than 300 Protestants who had embraced the Bible as the Word of God.

By the time John Foxe died in 1587, he had the joy of seeing his book pass through four large editions, and eventually, there came a time in the English-speaking world, when a home was not considered Christian unless it openly displayed a Bible and “Foxes Book of Martyrs.” In our sophisticated age, martyrdom seems very remote to many of us, but the fact is that in the last century, more Christians died a martyr’s death than in all the previous centuries combined. It is estimated that this year alone, 160,000 Christians will die because of persecution.

In his book, “The Shadow of the Cross,” Glenn Penner writes: “The Bible (especially the New testament) was written by persecuted believers to persecuted believers. This context cannot be ignored without it having profoundly negative implications for how we read and apply the Bible and how we follow Christ individually and corporately.” Let each one read this report on the happenings in China with these thoughts in mind.

THE CHINESE CHURCH IN BERLIN

Rev. Calvin Lai writes: The number one priority of the German Chinese Ministry is discipleship. A couple of weeks ago five people completed the first phase of discipleship training. They completed all the exercises in the “New Life in Christ” course, and memorized 20 verses of Scripture in one setting. Most important of all is the gradual transformation to Christ’s image that is evident in their lives. Pray for these five individuals, as the hope is that they will become pastors in the future. Anyone interested may contact Pastor Lai at calvinklai@earthlink.net/

PRAYER FOR CHINA’S ETHNIC MINORITIES

A recent letter from a China worker states that there are 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities scattered across China numbering approximately 100 million people. Most of these people live in remote parts of the country and that presents many problems in reaching them with the gospel. A group of people, living in Hong Kong, are committed to assisting churches in China in bringing the gospel to five main groups known as the Miao. Dong, Tujia, Yao and Zhuang people. A Chinese pastor has expressed his opinion of the church when he said, “the gospel is for everyone.” Pray that these millions can be reached by the Chinese church, and many called into Christ’s kingdom. Anyone interested in additional information may write to asclteam@netvigator.com/

REACTION TO THE DEATH OF THE POPE IN CHINA

China’s news media is treating the death of the Pope as ordinary news, mainly because the Three-self Catholic Church does not give any allegiance to him as part of the policy of the registered Catholic Church in China. It is reported that there are approximately 6,000 Catholic churches and 1600 priests in China under the supervision of their own Bishops who are not appointed by or aligned with Rome. There is also an underground Catholic house church movement that maintains its allegiance to the Pope, and these groups suffer persecution just as the Protestant house church movement does. Pray that Chinese Catholics will understand that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone and experience a personal relationship with Him.

KEY HOUSE CHURCH LEADER ARRESTED

In the March 2005 issue of “The Voice of the Martyrs, it is reported that Pastor Zhang Rongliang, a key house church leader for many years, was arrested on December 1, 2004. The 55-year old leader has not been heard from since that date. At the time of his arrest, a vehicle belonging to the Ministry of State Security was parked near the apartment where Pastor Zhang was arrested. According to the news report, his wife and children are in hiding. His apartment was searched and all of his Christian DVDs, materials and photos revealing his relationship with foreigners and foreign agencies were confiscated. Contacts by house church people with Christians outside of China are frowned upon and bring stiff penalties. Since Pastor Zhang was secretly baptized in 1969, he has spent 12 years in prison for his faith. Remember to earnestly pray for this dear brother to be kept during this present trial and used of God as a witness to many. People within the house church movement ask that we pray for them to endure as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, not merely be released.   

IMAGINE YOURSELF IN CHINA

For many people, this is a distinct possibility if they are willing to use their gifts and talents in teaching English at high schools and universities in China. For those with degrees in teaching English as a second language, there are many wide open doors. For others with less training, there are still countless opportunities to live and work in China and be a silent witness for Christ. ERRC (Educational Resources and Referrals – China) recruits up to eight teachers each year for teaching positions at Peking University, the most prestigious university in China. Contact ERRC@aol.com if you are qualified and hold a college degree, preferably an MA or higher degree and have had teaching experience and/or TESL training.

CHINA OUTREACH MINISTRIES

This organization is committed to giving Christ to China’s future leaders on US university campuses. At present they have personnel on 30 campuses with 37 individuals serving. Their goal is to increase the number of campuses to 100 within the next ten years. You can have a vital part in reaching the thousands of graduate students right within our own borders by praying for this organization committed to reaching Chinese in the States. Contact them at ChinaOutreach@aol.com

WINDOW ON CHINA

In addition to China Clippings, I try to post several articles a month on special items related to the Chinese government and its role in the world. During March, I posted three very important articles on my web site, http://www.bollaback.com/  On March 7, I posted “China at a “Strategic Crossroads.” On the 24^th, I added “Condoleeza Rice Attends Church in Beijing,” and on the 31^st “Chinese Christians React to New Religious Regulations.” These articles are too long for China Clippings and often relate to matters other than the church. Each of them represents challenges to the church to pray that God’s work will prosper in spite of all opposition.

TWO BOOKS TO CHALLENGE YOUR COMMITMENT

Hopefully, by the next issue of China Clippings, I will be able to give you the publication release for Exiles of Hope- The Story of China’s Persecuted Church, Vol. 2” that is in the last stages of publication. This book is the sequel to “Red Runs The River” that has been making such a great impact on people and churches. Now you can read Chapter one of both books on my web site, http://www.bollback.com and get an idea of the commitment and dedication of our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ. For your copy of volume one, please send a check for $16.00 to 1622 Calvin Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34746. You may also order 5 copies to the same address for $65.00 postage paid and 10 copies at $120.00 postage paid. This brings the price down to $12 and $13 respectively per copy. Book stores, Amazon.com and Christianbooks.com charge approximately $17.00. Be prepared to weep when you read this story and then to take steps to bring your life into conformity with the cross of Jesus Christ.

PASS THIS ON

The mailing list expands each month as more and more people become prayer partners for China. Pass this on to those interested in reaching one fourth of the world’s population with the gospel or send e-mail addresses of pastors, mission leaders and friends to Kahu@juno.com/

Anyone wishing to be deleted from the list, please send an e-mail to that effect.

Be sure to look in on “Window on China” regularly for frequent updates and new information.

Anthony Bollback