Volume 101: December 10, 2008
CHINA. When someone she barely knew asked her to meet with a student, the Christian worker contemplated whether it would be a wise use of her time. She was already responsible for mentoring five groups, she reasoned. But as she talked with the Lord about her busy schedule, He reminded her of the importance of each individual soul. When she arrived for the appointment, she was greeted by a Christian brother who said, "He brought you here," and ushered her into a group of 10 students, all seekers or new believers. One hour later, she had been enlisted to train some of the believers and work with the group on an outreach ministry. She was truly thankful that her schedule had become even busier!CHINA. A group of committed Christians traveled from their city to a small town two hours away to prayer walk and tell its people about Jesus. During the first month of regular visits, seven people accepted Christ. But during the first worship service, the local police showed up and told them they weren't allowed to assemble together. When the same thing happened at the second worship service, some of the new believers fell away. Two families, however, decided that their newfound faith was so precious that they would endure persecution. They continue to worship together, sometimes with the city Christians who leave after work and return home in the wee hours of the morning, traveling for several hours each way to encourage the new believers.CHINA. Having just moved to a new city in China, the American lady was struggling. She missed her family and friends, and although she could already speak Chinese, she was now challenged with learning a new dialect. As she waited on a taxi, she reflected on her situation. Just then a taxi pulled up and she got in, quickly giving her destination. The lady driver greeted her and then, to the utter surprise of her passenger, said, "Alleluia. Praise the Father!" After establishing that they were both Christians, the taxi driver began to sing praise songs and the passenger joined in. At the end of the ride, the passenger thanked the Chinese believer for blessing her so greatly on a day that she had been missing her family. The driver reached out, patted her hand and said, "We are family." Reminded of the truth of that statement, the overseas Christian wiped tears of thanksgiving from her eyes.