THE INCREDIBLE ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CHINA TODAY

Incredible things are happening in China today! This issue will be devoted to that theme. Rejoice that there is nothing that can stop the powerful working of the Holy Spirit- not the old Iron Curtain, nor the former Bamboo Curtain, no government, not even persecution. When God moves in answer to prayer, the gates of hell and all the forces of darkness cannot prevent Him from accomplishing His purpose in the world.

TEXAS PASTOR FINDS FREEDOM IN CHINA

Toward the end of 2006, an Assembly of God pastor led a large group of his congregation to China where they found incredible freedom to work and plant churches. They discovered that they met no opposition and no difficulties in working with groups of believers in beginning the building of several churches. They returned with great plans to raise funds for many more churches to be built. Other groups of Christians are reporting the same thing as they work with the registered church. Contrary to what many believe, pastors and workers are not required to submit sermons to the government in advance.

CROSS-CULTURAL WORKERS ON THE MOVE

Workers already trained in the special cross-cultural schools that are regularly reported here are on the move into areas considered limited access lands. They are part of the great host of people the house churches are praying that God will raise up to plant churches all the way from west China to Jerusalem. 

From one Chinese worker in preparation for a limited access country, the following testimony has been received. "Lord, how deep is your love! O Lord, how long is your love!” These song lyrics bring up my past experiences of when I was a wretched sinner, [and] God cared for me with a love so deep, and a love so long. Today, God has imprinted a vision on my heart: “Bring the gospel back to Jerusalem!”  I hear God’s heart once more, “Who is willing to bring the gospel to this people?” Thus far, I have only prayed and begged God to be merciful and save this people—a people without hope, living in terror. Now the cry of my heart has become, “O Lord! I'm willing to go! Please equip me!”  

Another young Chinese worker writes: “Although I still don't know how God will bring me to the Middle East, I am sure of one thing—the desire to be a missionary in the Middle East did not come from me, nor did it come through the encouragement of church leaders, nor did it come from the urging of brothers and sisters. It is a personal calling from the Lord. As I go forward on this path, I keep realizing it is simply so hard, but God has encouraged me time and time again through His Word in Acts 20:24. “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”

The amazing thing is that God is calling people to do the impossible—enter lands where it is a crime to be a Christian, yet be a witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. Pray for the thousands of Chinese believers who are hearing God’s call.

THE HMONG PEOPLE IN CHINA

There are an estimated 9,000,000 Miao (Hmong) people throughout China. Between 50-75% of the Big and Small Flower Miao people in China are Christians, but among subgroups there are groups who know nothing about the saving power of the Gospel, and many have not even heard of Jesus. Praise God for the Christian Miao who have a great missionary vision to reach their own people. Pray that many Hmong living in the USA as well as in China will respond to God’s call to reach their people. Pray for a few Americans who are dedicated to the task of reaching the Miao in China and who are able to regularly visit them and share the Good News.

ALLIANCE RADIO REACHES MILLIONS IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA

Development in the Pearl River Delta has taken off like a rocket, states the latest report from Alliance Radio in Hong Kong. The cities of Shenzchen and Dongguan have mushroomed with millions of Mainlanders who have flocked there to find employment. There are 6,000 factories employing more than 40 million rural workers. These workers are flocking to the south (just 3 hours away from Hong Kong) with only one thought in mind—to make money to support their families back home. To care for them is one of the biggest challenges for the church today. This is what is happening:

·        Family churches (many of them house churches) are serving the community in a low profile manner.

·        The provincial government is building more churches but the supply is in short demand. For example, in one town where there are 6 million people, there are only 12 official churches open.

·        Christian owners and senior executives of privately owned enterprises are working together to reach these millions. Sources confirm that Christian owners of 5 factories have pooled their resources to promote Christianity! One of these corporations owns about 1,500 factories and employs 1 million workers. The goal is to train workers to take up full-time positions in these factories to proclaim the gospel.

·        Alliance Radio is broadcasting specially prepared programs to reach these rural factory workers living in huge dormitories with few conveniences. Alliance Radio is asking for contributions to help them with the gigantic task of reaching these workers through radio and equipping them for ministry. It is not by chance that these rural workers came to the Pearl River Delta. God brought them to the cities so that they could meet up with Him. What a challenge to be partners with God in this great endeavor of the Holy Spirit.

INTELLECTUALS TURNING TO CHRIST

According to a government-sponsored study, reports Jeff Lee, the number of young intellectuals who are Christians has steadily increased in the past twenty years. The new breed of believers mainly worship in house churches and shun the Three Self churches. Beijing, with its many universities and colleges, is an unusual place where Bible Study groups are flourishing. Even at Beijing University, the most prestigious university in China, a graduate School of Theology has been established! Praise God for the thousands of intellectuals who are turning to Christ. Pray for an even greater revival to sweep through all universities and colleges throughout China. Pray for the many students who are dedicating themselves to serve the Lord with their training and who are even willing to shepherd growing flocks of believers.

REVIVAL AMONG CHINESE IS NOT CONFINED TO CHINA

In Spain, there are eleven Chinese churches made up of believing merchants mostly from Wenzhou Province. The oldest church just celebrated its twentieth anniversary. Praise God for these vibrant churches and workers who are now seeking to work among second generation Chinese who speak Spanish.

In Berlin, Germany, Calvin Lai reports that about 100 Chinese and some 30 children gathered together for their Christmas celebrations.  Seven short-term members of the Metro Detroit Chinese Alliance Church mission team presented special music and testimonies. Four people indicated their desire to receive Christ, and later, another three indicated that they wanted to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. There were several others who indicated they would attend the church in the future.

FORMER VIETNAM MISSIONARY IN CHINA FOR 26 DAYS

A faithful retired Vietnam missionary who has a great burden to train Chinese in Evangelism Explosion is presently on a 26 day trip to China where he is participating in EE Clinics at registered churches. The door is wide open and hundreds are scheduled to attend the training. Imagine the harvest as these workers return to their churches to train their members in this bold and very effective form of sharing the gospel. Pray for good health for this couple as they labor tirelessly to prepare the church for a great outreach.

PRESTIGIOUS WRITER’S DIGEST REVIEWS “EXILES OF HOPE”

“Exiles of Hope- The Story of China’s Persecuted Church”, Vol. 2 was entered in a self-published writing contest, and although it was not chosen as the winner out of thousands of entries, one of the judges wrote: “Anthony Bollback has very ably tackled a difficult, unexplored or ignored area of Chinese history by means of a very humanistic story and compelling fictional characters. [They are composites of real people he has known and worked with.] The reader is drawn in straightway through Anching and Meiling and other Christian believers, following them willingly and with curiosity through their courageous separations, great losses, acts of horror and torture, and unjust persecution and prison experiences. This is the human spirit and determination demonstrated at its highest level, with Christian beliefs as catalyst for survival. Mr. Bollback writes evenly and with interest, conveying a good deal of obvious research and experience in China. Christians knowing of this author’s work will find this a very readable and informative companion to his first book. “Red Runs the River.” The title, subtitle and cover are all very attractive.”