China

Our brief visit to China was quite overwhelming. China has a vast culture and although the country is officially non-religious, many stripes of 'religion' are found throughout. We spent time at prayer meetings, Bible studies, and our main focus - the winter retreat in Goungzhou. The trip was different than expected - very little time was spent with actual Chinese people. Instead, this mission was more designed to encourage the current foreign believers in China to help shine the Light of the Gospel through the darkness of this age.

One common thread spoken of throughout China is "luck". If there be one god everyone in China lives for it is the god of luck. We had the opportunity to visit the Guang Xiao Chan Si temple. In this temple people were lined up in front of all sorts of idols waving incense and distributing gifts at the feet of these deaf and dumb idols - all in an attempt to increase their "luck" for the upcoming year.

Surely the Christian Church in China is growing - but the difficulties and barriers ahead of it are quite monumental. It will only be through the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that this nation will turn from its wicked ways and embrace the Truth of Jesus Christ. Please pray for God's power to be evidenced in the life of believers in China!