The Time is Now
The Chinese man had just heard a clear presentation of the gospel and it was obvious that he was under conviction. Not ready to yield to Holy Spirit, he said, "I need more time to study." The believer who was sharing with him replied, "No, you don't need more time. You have heard the entire gospel. You need to decide whether to follow Him." The Chinese man replied, "Yes, I need to do this now." He bowed his head and accepted Christ.
Something She Loves More
Possessing the energy and enthusiasm of someone half her age, she entertained 230 university students in her home last year. Her formula was simple: fun, food, fellowship, and her testimony at the end. That is when she would tell her lost students, "I love to teach English, but I love to teach the Bible even more." Then she would invite them to study God's Word with her. The results were amazing. Out of one class of 30 students, 10 of them accepted her study invitation, and 5 of those became believers.
Signs of Salvation
The young couple was surprised to meet a university student who was wearing a cross around his neck, and were delighted to learn that he was a believer. He explained that his grandmother had been a believer, but that he had just accepted Christ into His heart two weeks earlier. Both the couple and the new believer realized that, in His perfect timing, God had orchestrated their meeting so that they could reach their city for Christ. As the couple had prayed fervently for believers willing to be trained, God has prepared the young man for just such an opportunity.
The Chinese man had just heard a clear presentation of the gospel and it was obvious that he was under conviction. Not ready to yield to Holy Spirit, he said, "I need more time to study." The believer who was sharing with him replied, "No, you don't need more time. You have heard the entire gospel. You need to decide whether to follow Him." The Chinese man replied, "Yes, I need to do this now." He bowed his head and accepted Christ.
Something She Loves More
Possessing the energy and enthusiasm of someone half her age, she entertained 230 university students in her home last year. Her formula was simple: fun, food, fellowship, and her testimony at the end. That is when she would tell her lost students, "I love to teach English, but I love to teach the Bible even more." Then she would invite them to study God's Word with her. The results were amazing. Out of one class of 30 students, 10 of them accepted her study invitation, and 5 of those became believers.
Signs of Salvation
The young couple was surprised to meet a university student who was wearing a cross around his neck, and were delighted to learn that he was a believer. He explained that his grandmother had been a believer, but that he had just accepted Christ into His heart two weeks earlier. Both the couple and the new believer realized that, in His perfect timing, God had orchestrated their meeting so that they could reach their city for Christ. As the couple had prayed fervently for believers willing to be trained, God has prepared the young man for just such an opportunity.
Talk About Celebration!
Chinese New Year Reports from Two Frontline Workers...
"The final day of the New Year celebration is something too BIG to even try and describe, but I will try. The sky is filled with fireworks continuously, like a hundred 4th of July displays all around. Rockets, strips of 2000 firecrackers, "big bang things" and various displays are being set off on the sidewalks, in the alley ways and sometimes even in the middle of the street. It feels like a huge party. Imagine a city of 3 million teeming with people all intent on blowing up their share of fireworks. It is now 10:30 p.m. and the "war zone" sounds and beautiful skies will continue until 12 midnight when a black silence will fill the air."
Today is the end of the Spring Festival, a time when the Chinese New Year is celebrated. Today is considered the "Lantern Festival" and it denotes the official end of Spring Festival and the beginning of spring. People have been setting off major, industrial-strength fireworks all day long to celebrate...the kind that explode into big flower shapes in the sky. I'm serious...those are the kind that have been set off right outside my window! It's quite a show! Have you ever heard of Black Cat firecrackers in the U.S.? String 1,500 to 2,000 of them together and then set them off all at once! That's what it's been like here today. The Chinese truly know how to celebrate!"
Please pray that many Chinese people will celebrate new life in Christ today.
Other Recent Quotes from Front Line Workers...
"God loves the Chinese and Mongolian people so much that He reaches completely outside their sphere to bring people to reach them."
"God was here long before we arrived. He'll be here long after we leave."
From Our Heart to Yours
Thank you for praying for our recent East Asia gathering. We had a joyous time sharing together in worship, prayer, training, and fellowship. As we heard many inspiring reports of God's working in East Asia, we were challenged to do even more for Him.
In small groups, we worked toward sharpening our skills and understandings. Around the meal tables, we reconnected with old friends and made new ones as well. God's hand was evident in every aspect of our meeting. Whether rejoicing over new believers and churches, honoring retiring colleagues, or thanking Him for new babies born to our families, we were constantly reminded of His goodness.
Please pray for all of our workers who have now returned to their locations of service. Many are serving in places that are physically cold and spiritually dark. Ask God to empower them to share His love with the precious peoples that they are seeking to reach.
(From East Asia Update, published by IMB)
2 comments:
Great reports, thanks for sharing. I love hearing what God is doing in this part of the world and VOP is a good source to be able to keep up!
Thanks, Guy.
Always good to hear from a colleague.
Blessings on you and your work there. We really do miss South America.
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