I made it to China. I’ve been here almost three week. I’ve finished some training for our teaching at Peking University and now we are teaching over 650 Chinese English teachers from all over China.
To start with my entire trip took about 30 hours from the time I left home until the time I got to my first destination. It was grueling, but wait until I tell you what’s happened.
My first stop was Hangzhou. I went there to meet my good friend Jessie and her new husband, Kinson. They graciously welcomed me into their home. Neither Jessie nor Kinson is a Christian, but both are open and, Jessie, especially, tells me she is seeking the truth. She asks tough, intelligent questions. I need prayer to know how to answer them well.
I was only there two days, but spent one whole day with Jessie and a former student, Melody. The entire day we saw God guide and direct in amazing ways. It wasn’t lost on Jessie. On the bus ride to meet Melody’s parents for dinner we had a deep and significant conversation. She shared with me some of her reservations and we had a frank discussion. She’s so honest.
Dinner was a banquet with Melody’s parents who are both pastors. During dinner we talked about the possibility of returning to Hangzhou and teaching an English Bible Study. That would be so cool! Jessie wants me to return which makes me feel good, but surprised me by saying she’d pray about it. I asked her, “Jessie, you don’t believe in God. Why do you want to pray about this?”
She said, “I think prayer is a good thing and I think I will be a Christian soon.” Keep praying for Jessie and Kinson as they begin their marriage and about the possibility of returning to Hangzhou. A few days ago I got a call from Jessie and she’s expecting! She’s worried about the health of the baby so we prayed together over the phone.
The next stop was Guiyong. This city is in southwest China and there are not many English speaking people there. I was nervous flying by myself. When we landed I got off the plane and started to the baggage claim. I began to think that something was wrong. There weren’t many others going with me and even though we had left an hour and half late we were 10 minutes early. I decided to hunt down someone who spoke English and figure out if I was in the right place. To make a long story short I wasn’t at the right place, but fortunately didn’t miss re-boarding.
My friend, Wei Wei, picked me up with two of her friends. Wei Wei (Vivian) became a Christian last summer. She doesn’t have any other Christians in her family and only one protestant church in her town and they literally don’t teach the Bible, but simply read it a little each Sunday. It’s a tough situation. We had a mini Bible Conference and studied an hour or two each day and then she went home and did the homework I’d assigned. She ‘s applying to Dallas Theological Seminary’s for on line courses in Chinese. She has a dream of starting a church in her own town.
I wanted to share what a surprise the city of Anshun was. I knew it was poor and so I just hoped they had a Western style toilet and no leaks in the roof. When I arrived one of Vivian’s friends booked me into a five-star hotel. Another friend made a driver available to me whenever I wanted it. A few other friends paid for trips to the biggest waterfall in China and to an ancient Ming Dynasty city that is locked in time. The curator of a museum gave us a private tour. One other amazing thing was their hospitality. Vivian’s whole family took me to dinner (a banquet) each and every night. One night I counted over 30 dishes on the lazy Susan. They bombarded me with gifts so much that my luggage was overweight on my return trip. It made me think that Wei Wei is perfectly networked in her hometown so that she could make a significant difference spiritually.
In Beijing, I’m acting as a chaplain. I lead two Chinese staff studies a week, two Bible studies a day for facilitators (only once a week once we get started), and I teach a study at the Fengtai Church. I also meet one on one with both Chinese and American teachers. It is an amazing time. I have reconnected with some old friends who are asking questions about God like Allen (working on his doctorate), May (who works with legally blind children) and Echo (who is just starting her university studies). I also encouraged several to take the DTS on line courses in Chinese and then live with Janelle and me when they finish their studies – ha! We may have a full house.
I did want to share with you some of the questions my students ask who are attending my class at Fengtai Church. I asked them, “If you could ask God one question, what would you ask.” The following are my top ten favorite questions.
10. Jane – What is the qualification to go to heaven?
9. Eric – How can God change my heart?
8. Cedar – I have Christian family, but others are Buddhist. How shall we deal with each other?
7. Mary – how to improve your English
6. Cindy – It is possible to believe in one person forever?
5. Sophia – When my Father will be saved?
4. Yen – Jewish, Muslim, Christian – which is right?
3. Johnny – The more I understand (the Bible), the more I see self, I don’t feel adequate. I feel I shouldn’t teach.
2. Cathy – former Muslim – is it sin to not be Muslim and be Christian?
1. Lucy – Where are you? Where will we go (after we die)?
Janelle will arrive Sunday and I’m really excited that she’ll be here and pray she will have a wonderful time here. I'll keep you posted. Please pray.
