China in Transition

China is transforming at breath neck speed – becoming a fundamentally different society. The once backward and feudal “sleeping giant” is undergoing modernization with incredible acceleration. No longer satisfied to be asleep, China has awakened to a new day and is determined to mark its place in this world. A National Pride swelled when Beijing was named the site of the Summer Olympics in 2008. As China eagerly awaits the August 8^th Olympics all the world’s eyes are on China to learn more about the rich culture and heritage of China.

China has a Great Wall—more than 1,500 miles long. There are, however, other walls no less imposing: Atheism, Buddhism, Communism, Taoism, Islam, and last but not least, Materialism. Chinese people also have a door. Only very few of them have gone through it to follow Jesus. Most have not yet had an opportunity to meet Him. Still, Christ stands at the door and knocks. He wants all people to know Him, including the 1.3 billion Chinese who are eternally lost without Him.

How will we respond? What can we do? Penetrating China’s unreached people begins with the prayer and commitment of Christians who are burdened with reaching the lost. It is our hope and prayer that God will use this web blog to “shine His light” on the tremendous needs in China to take the gospel each day to the Chinese people through His faithful servants in Asia.

Until everyone has heard in the land…

2008 Olympics in Beijing

In less than 200 days China will attempt to pull off the greatest show on earth as the Olympics 2008 opens in Beijing. At exactly 8.08 on August 8, 2008 the curtain will rise on a spectacular opening night ceremony. The emphasis on the numeral 8 is not a coincidence. In Chinese thinking the numeral 8 is associated with hope and prosperity– the two things China craves more than anything else in its bid to dominate the world as Number 1. The theme will be “One World, One Dream” which summarizes the century’s old concept of China as the middle kingdom and center of world influence.

I am returning to China early August 2008 volunteering to minister for 3 weeks during the Beijing Olympic Games, and while I’m there, hope to not only take in the sights, smells and sounds as travelers do, but to also make a difference in the lives of the people crossing my path.

I am bursting with excitement as the games draw closer. The world is abuzz with anticipation as the 2008 Olympics approach. China is hosting the summer games for the first time, and they are planning for a grand debut. I see the games as more than just a 16-day sporting event, however. I see the games as a doorway to bring Christ to the hearts of the masses of Chinese who have still never heard the name of Jesus Christ. I visualize it as a conduit through which people will form lasting relationships and will be drawn to a personal relationship with Jesus.

Until everyone has heard in the land…

Laborers are needed…

It has often been said that it is hard to “out give” a Chinese friend. Those living and working in China often find themselves on the receiving end of gracious Chinese hospitality. Yet many millions of these kind and generous people are living their lives with no knowledge of the Creator God who loved them enough to send Jesus to save them. Despite the dramatic growth of the church in China, there are still more than 1 billion lost Chinese people. How tragic to think that many of these loving, giving people might be locked out of heaven simply because they have not heard of Christ! Pray today that as God calls workers into the ripe fields of harvest, they will respond with joyful obedience.

It’s an unprecedented opportunity to share the gospel. The good news can travel quickly in cities where people are concentrated in smaller areas. When former village dwellers become Christians, they take the gospel home with them on visits to the countryside.

But more laborers are needed. China’s cities need Christians willing to take the gospel there themselves and to support Christian workers with prayer and finances. Is God calling you to help?

Until everyone has heard in the land…