Listener Responses from China

Topics: Missionary journeys, bullies, false teachers, persecution, God's grace

We have left Shanghai twice

With your encouragement and the Holy Spirit's guidance, we have left Shanghai twice for visiting villages in remote rural areas to preach the Good News.

In our first journey, we four went to north Jiangsu where we met some Christians. We fellowshipped, prayed and encouraged each other. We were sad to know that many old believers have to take a long journey to attend church service because evangelists and coworkers are too few to allow church planting. Another problem is that some believers easily slip back into sinful life though they come to worship God regularly. It's all because of ignorance of God's teaching. Worst of all, some church leaders even steal God's money for their own interest.

In our second journey we went to Anhui. We met a woman whose story impressed me very much. She has four children. Her husband is the only bread-winner. They are very poor. When we visited her and introduced the Lord to her, she converted. Just one day later, she was bitten by a serpent whilst she was picking vegetable in the farmland. She bled severely and was sent to a specialty hospital which was quite far away from the village. We knew that she needed money for treatment. We prayed together earnestly for God's guidance. Later on, each of us donated what we had, which, when putting together, amounted to about $400. We went to the hospital to support her. Her husband was very impressed by our genuine care and love as what a Christian would do. He wept, saying that he determined to follow Jesus Christ. Some of his relatives were also moved and accepted the faith.

Satan was jealous. In the last few days of our visit, Satan instigated some people in the factory to obstruct us. On one morning, two women came to join our worship, pretending that they would like to know the story of Jesus Christ. They took notice of what we did. Some officials then came to our place next day and warned us not to preach across our own district. They also alleged that preaching and meeting without registration are illegal.

In an atheist nation like China, there are numerous rules and regulations against evangelism. On the other hand, it's too difficult for village believers to spare time during busy farming season and take long journey to the county or city to worship and fellowship every Sunday. This certainly impedes the growth of their spiritual life. There are few pastors willing to leave for villages for preaching or nurturing. I am particularly concerned of those poor, old farmers and village people who may spend their whole life in farming industriously, without being told even once in their life of Jesus Christ and eternal life before they die. They deserve our attention and caring.

(#08975 Shanghai)

I am bullied by a villain

Sometimes, I am puzzled what I should do to best serve our Lord, and how I can really understand His will, but not my own. I know at least several persons in our village are willing to believe in Jesus Christ. Our church, however, does not take any initiative to preach the Gospel to them. Another brother and I have swore to God that we would devote our whole life to Him and be the fishermen of our fellow people. We are young and inexperienced. We must also confess that we are weak and not sure of our vision. If we can be assured that it's really God's calling, we will give up everything, even our life, for Him.

I am bullied by a villain unreasonably. I know I should show him the good virtue of a Christian. I am, however, so weak that I find no strength and courage for me to do what I know I should do. If I take revenge against him, as what a non-believer usually does, I will hurt the good reputation of the Christianity. Please pray for me to overcome the temptation and trials.

(#09278 Anhui)

There are false teachers

The work of the gospel is prospering now in China. We here can talk about Jesus Christ freely. People know that believing in Jesus is good. However, sheep are many while shepherds are few. Biblical teaching is inadequate and thus many believers are still very young in spiritual life. They do not fully comprehend the truth. At times, there are false teachers talking about "Jesus is coming. Offer your money now." An old brother gave 2000 yuan to one of them who then ran away. We are grieved because if he knew the truth, he wouldn't have been deceived.

(#08568 Henan)

Our church is regarded as illegal

A brother, my sister and I lead a congregation in my village. According to the provincial religious act, each village is only allowed to have one registered church. Ours is regarded as illegal and is being persecuted by the officials. Recently we were warned that if we continue to gather, they will detain our preacher and demand a fine of 2000 yuan. He won't be released until the fine is paid up. What should we do? We are reluctant to attend services in the registered church here because the preacher doesn't speak from the Bible, for instance, once he said that lying is not a sin. When we confronted him, she accused us as Pharisees.

(#09523 Henan)

He didn't forsake me

I was born into this world with all the sinful desires of human nature. I worshipped Satan for the greed of money. I also desired so-called romantic love. However, God beat me. The more I desired money, the deeper I sank into hopelessness and pain. I once even insulted God's name. Glory to the Lord that He didn't forsake me. By the work of the Holy Spirit and the persuasion of some Christians for a year, I finally accepted Jesus as my Savior. I also realized that my past behaviors were rebellious and stupid. I thank God for His kind love. Now I have totally submitted to Him and repented my sins. My conversion exemplifies God's patience and miraculous love toward a sinner like me. Hallelujah! God has given me His rich and immense love. I should repay Him by living a new life through the guidance of the Holy Spirit: get rid of all sins, carry Jesus' cross, study the Bible and work things out according to His wll.i

(#08368 Jilin)

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