February 2006
 
NOTES OF PRAISE FROM A CHINA TRAVELER
 
Some unusual things are happening in China every day! A frequent ministry traveler reports:
  • attending the ordination of seven pastors in Hunan Province in November that will greatly benefit the growing church so desperately in need of trained workers.
  • continual progress on the Wunidong Leprosarium road that was expected to be completed by Chinese New Year, making access easier for the sick and needy lepers.
  • that in answer to prayer and the provision of funds, 40 churches were started by the end of the year! In addition to those under construction, 9  were started in November, 9 more in December and 10 in January bringing the total to 40!
  • the Guiyang Church in Hunan Province that has experienced many difficulties with construction, now expect their church to be dedicated in June.
  • that gifts designated "Chinese Church Construction" may be sent to the C&MA, Box 35000, Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500. 
Every church that undertakes construction in China  faces some insurmountable obstacles, but God is answering prayer, providing permits, workers and the much needed funds. Thank God for everyone who contributed funds to "China Church Construction" in 2005. Now, pray that these new buildings will become effective training centers for the exploding church.
 
THE YEAR OF THE DOG
 
The biggest festival of the year in China is Chinese New Year that occurred this year on January 29th. With rising prosperity and more freedom to travel, the largest mass exodus on planet earth is in progress. It has been estimated that up to two billion trips will be undertaken by the people of China in planes, cars, buses and trains until the close of the holiday season late in February. Migrant workers and students hit the road early for this festival also known as the spring festival in order to return to their homes in rural areas. It is estimated that 120 million people will be on the move. A friend in China 
reported that the amount of fireworks exploded this year makes our July 4th fireworks displays just a blimp on the radar screen. Another commented that if they were trying to frighten off evil spirits, (a major purpose of the fireworks), there would be none left in China.
 
The booming economy means Chinese are getting richer and have the opportunity to travel as never before. Beijing Airport is processing nearly 1,000 flights a day and moving 110,000 people. Most people, however, resort to trains. Lao Lu, 41, from Yunan Province earns 1,200 yuan a month, but spent 800 yuan for his trip home on a train that normally carries 1,000 passengers. He reported that about 1,800 people had squeezed in to every available space making it almost impossible to use the lavatories. Consequently, the sale of adult nappies have increased by 50%! 208 million bowls of noodles will be consumed on train journeys and 325 million boxes of sticky rice were opened on New Year's Eve!
 
Traditionally, Chinese churches have used this annual event for special evangelistic and deeper life conferences. This year will be no exception. Pray that during these next weeks, thousands will come to experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
 
MY NEW WEB SITE IS ATTRACTING MANY VISITORS
 
Through computer and web site expertise of my son, Jonathan, the new web site he has created is attracting an unusually large number of hits every day. It can be located at www.ChurchInChina.info with links to China Clippings and Window on China. It was launched in early January, but already dozens of reports have been received claiming it to be an exceptional site for Chinese news of the church in China. Every day something new appears on the site that allows the reader to tap into the latest news of the country that some say will develop into the world's largest economy. (For anyone needing web site creation and maintenance, contact ANBOSON, Jonathan Bollback,  at pj@bollback.com)
 
ALLIANCE RADIO IN HONG KONG HAVING GREAT IMPACT
 
According to the latest newsletter from Alliance Radio in Hong Kong, there are thousands of blue collar workers in the Pearl River Delta area adjacent to Hong Kong who have accepted Jesus Christ. As a result, there is a great need to nurture these new believers who have migrated from rural areas to the burgeoning urban areas around Hong Kong and  elsewhere. Each day a 15 minute program is produced called "The Voice of Blue Collar Workers" that is geared to meet their needs of believers in the difficult environment of the big cities. At present, 2,000 radio give-aways are being offered to new converts.  The continued strength and advance of the Church in China depends very largely on the nurturing efforts available by radio, Bibles and training sessions for leaders. You can share in this important ministry by your prayers and your gifts. Contact archina@netvigator.com for prayer requests and ways to assist.
 
AN ALTERNATIVE TO A CHINA BOYCOTT       
 
Recently, an e-mail began circulating over the Internet urging Christians to boycott Chinese made Christmas lights and other products because many are made in prison factories by believers who are imprisoned for their faith in Jesus Christ. A pastor in China responds to those who are concerned for these believers by suggesting a better alternative. "Instead of boycotting Christmas lights and other products made in China," he says, "why not look at the label and earnestly pray for the person who made it! Pray that they will be able to endure their sufferings victoriously. Pray that they will continue to be a strong witness for Christ in the prison, and pray for their families who struggle to survive. Pray for the church in China to continue increasing in number for the glory of God."  Now that's a great idea that all of us can be involved in. And did you notice, the pastor did not ask for the persecution to cease? Read the prayer of the early Christians in Acts 4:24-31 that the Chinese Church is modeling today,  and discover why there is such great blessing and power.
 
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CHINA OUTREACH MINISTRIES   
 
Glen Osborn, President of COM wrote in the Winter 2006 issue of The Panda Bear, "We may wonder what happens to those who have heard the gospel through China Outreach Ministries. They move to other campuses or return to China, and it is difficult to keep in touch. Here are some encouraging reports. At Michigan U, a couple came to Christ, and have since led her brother, six former classmates and an MBA student to Christ!  Their testimony is published on their  web site. At Minnesota U, students who heard the gospel 3 or 4 years ago have recently come to Christ and are influencing others to follow Him. Some staff members from Chicago U visited scholars in China who had heard the gospel while students at the university. They discovered that they had since come to Christ and they had led other family members to Him as well. Staff workers presently serve on more than 31 campuses, with the goal of reaching 50 campuses in the near future. More than 150,000 top Chinese scholars are attending universities and colleges in the States. Pray that they will hear the good news clearly presented and receive Christ.
 
PREPARING FOR CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRIES IN THE 10/40 WINDOW
 
A most ambitious ministry is underway as I write this report.  The 50-year old burden of the Chinese Church to reach out cross-culturally to the countries west of China, and through the 10/40 Window, is coming to pass. Several training centers are preparing messengers for the rigorous and dangerous work of carrying the gospel eastward toward Jerusalem. Some of these lands are strongly Hindu and Buddhist, but most of the 60 countries in the Window  are predominantly Muslim. Serving in such inhospitable and anti-christian surroundings is fraught with many problems and dangers, yet the Chinese church believes it is eminently qualified to be God's instrument for these times.
 
Leadership For Development or LFD, with headquarters in New York City, is led by committed men and women who have caught the vision of Chinese becoming cross-cultural missionaries. Several training centers in Asia have already been established, but as with any thrust into enemy territory, there are many problems.
  • A contact person in China was arrested, but later released. Pray for the safety of all those connected with this venture.
  • Funds are always scarce and the need is always great. Pray for the provision of all needs.
  • Visas and passports are extremely difficult to obtain. Pray that these difficulties will be quickly resolved and messengers sent on their way.
  • Training Center #2 . Pray that the location and facilities will be provided even though there is opposition and obstacles.
  • More and more messengers will be approved for training as funds become available. ($6,000 a year per person is needed). Pray that the people of God's choosing will apply and that the leadership will be guided in the selection.
  • Unity of purpose and cooperation with one another and mission agencies are vital to the success of this ministry. Pray that the Holy Spirit will be given free reign to guide and direct all affairs at each Center that is developed.
For those who are being prompted by the Holy Spirit to be part of this band of prayer partners and supporters, send an e-mail to LFD at prayer@lfdusa.org requesting the monthly prayer requests. If God lays it on your heart to support this vision, send your contributions to LFD, Box 541328, New York, NY 11354. Because these messengers will penetrate limited access countries, names and places cannot be divulged, but be assured that this group is completely trustworthy and committed to this ministry. Some of the leadership are my personal friends of long-standing and worthy of your prayers and support.
 
MISSION CONFERENCES IN ALABAMA
 
Many readers prayed for me during the 8 days I spent in the Birmingham, Alabama area in Missions Conferences. Your prayers were most effective as I spoke 10 times to congregations that were very interested in what God is doing in China today. One of the surprising things was that my MK School Library Fund increased by $66 as I was able to put $1.00 in the Fund for each book sold during the week. In addition, through contact with a pastor who had been a headmaster of International Schools, I became aware of many schools where MKs are studying. Praise God with me that a set of books including Red Runs the River and Exiles of Hope plus five books of The Jack and Jenny Mystery Series  will soon be on their way to these schools. Pray that sales will increase and the Fund grow so that every school will be supplied.
 
BE PART OF THE TEAM AND PASS THIS ON
 
The opportunities to reach China for Christ have never been greater than they are today. Pray that the China Clippings mailing list will continue to grow and many more prayer partners be added. You can help that become a reality by e-mailing this report to your friends, and by printing  out copies for those who don't have e-mail capabilities. Some day we will rejoice to meet the host of people won to Christ through your prayers.

BOOKS THAT TOUCH THE HEART

Here are some of the books that touched the hearts of the people of Alabama last week. Let them move you closer to God and bring revival in your church. Click on these books on either web site for descriptions and reviews of the books. Make sure your children or grandchildren read The Jack and Jenny Mysteries with the timeless message of hope in Christ in situations your children can relate to.  

 
Yours Because Jesus Is Lord,

Anthony Bollback