Christians in China are hungry for the Lord

A big THANK YOU to those who supported me in prayer and financially for my recent trip to China.

 

After last year’s mission trip to China, I was half-hearted about this year’s trip. I must say I was very glad I did go finally. It all started one fine afternoon in September, 2006. I received a surprise telephone call from a pastor in Adelaide. He enquired about last year’s trip to China. I told him that was 14 months ago, and asked why the sudden interest. At the same breath, I said I shall be going again. “Would you support me?” I asked, and she said, Yes, and that she will send a cheque to me! I did not think she was serious and at best, I thought she will send $20.00. That was my faith level!

 

When the cheque arrived, the sum was substantial! What a boost to my faith! I rang my Malaysian pastor, Richard Toh, and shared I was still not certain if I should go to China. He encouraged me as God had already given the first sign. In my heart, I was praying for more financial support. God did answer. Two days before my departure to China, a friend whom I have grown close to in recent years handed me $2000. Wow, that was truly a surprise as I had not expected it from him. What a faithful God we have!

 

Our first destination was GZ. The next day was a tiring 20 hour plus journey in a non air-conditioned train compartment. On arrival, the team was split between the men and ladies. Team A was to conduct leadership training at two different districts, and Team B has to divide again into two. One group was to teach at a Bible School, and the other, to preach in some house churches.

 

All the teams had lots of exciting testimonies to share. We felt like the disciples whom Jesus sent out in twos. There was great rejoicing to hear what the Lord did at the places we ministered. We are just humbled and thankful that our names are written in God’s Book of Life.

 

The teams came back together for the last three days of the trip. We spent time fellowshipping, ‘feilowshipping,’ and shopping! We also had opportunities of ministering to some local Christians. It was wonderful to be in the family of God – there are no boundaries whatsoever.

The team had their shoes polished on the street pavement at the price of a song! Pat Shum showing off her polished right shoe!

 

What have I learnt during this trip? In two words – A LOT!

 

a)                  I learnt that Christians in China are hungry for the Lord. They would even travel long distances to hear God’s word, and to be trained.

b)                  I learnt what it meant to be submissive, because I have seen true submission by our Chinese brethren to their leaders. When asked to go to a certain place to serve God, they just go without questioning. Their acceptance of the leader’s directive as from God is most admirable. After all, the leaders would be responsible to God! The lesson here is, do it first, and God will affirm as I get along. No need to question!

c)                  In the midst of persecution, including imprisonment, the faith of the Chinese Christians grew stronger. As a result, the churches also grew! We had the opportunity to meet some leaders. We asked one how it was like to be in prison, to suffer persecution. He just smiled and said it was the will of God.

d)                  I discovered what it was like to be a servant. At the meeting place, the Christians demonstrated spontaneity in helping without being asked. They loved one another and lived with one another like family.

e)                  As for corporate prayer, I learnt how the Chinese Christians pray responsively. The presence of the Holy Spirit was evident. After every sentence, there was always the chorus of “amen” said in full agreement to what was prayed. I did not understand everything that was prayed but my spirit testified to their spirit. At the village meetings, prayer and worship start at 6 a.m. for a two-hour session. There were no instruments; they sang ‘acapella.’ How sweet the sound of true worship!

f)                    I was really touched to hear they have more than 400 pastors and full-time workers serving God without pay. They live a life of faith. They continually live on God’s promises. We asked one sister how she survived without a pay. She was taken aback at our question, because to her, God WILL supply all her needs. She is only 21 years old, and I know, God will surely honor her faith. We met a 16 year old girl.

Her calling is to be a preacher.

 

My assessment of this year’s mission trip:

What I set out to do on this trip did not matter any more. What I got out of it was far more than I expected, and that really matters. It has motivated me tremendously to want to go back again!

I pray that you will join me the next time I go. Otherwise, you should give your financial support to those who have been called to go. Remember what the Lord said; The harvest is ready but the laborers are FEW!

 

I have started learning Mandarin having got back home. Pray that I will be disciplined enough to compete the course!

 

By Edward Wee

Former CBC member, now residing in Brisbane, Australia