Finding my Strength

 Today was special and moving as we shared our morning worship and Bible study with special guests from America, a couple who has spent time over the years in China since 1985.  With them, they brought several Chinese women who they introduced to Christ or helped grow in Christ through their ministries.  A couple now in their 80’s, they have enthralling stories, interjected with commentary from the Chinese ladies who shared many of the experiences with them, about how it was here in the late 1980’s. 

Our worship this morning took a different tone for me.  I felt so blessed to be in a place where a group of people with such different backgrounds could come together for one common purpose.  Our love for our Lord and Savior brought us joy, commonality, passion, and conversation that may otherwise not be so easy.  Most of my walk has been spent in casual comfort having accepted Christ into my life.  I live without His daily fire that many of my fellow believers seem to possess.  I even mostly lack the ability to speak  His name and profess my faith except in the safe company of these fellow believers.  Hearing stories today from this amazing couple made me feel guilty for my weakness.  They gave of themselves unselfishly and without fear for 4 years in the 1980’s, stating openly their belief in Christianity and their willingness to share with any who was interested.  Their gentle nature brought many people to them with questions.  Never once did this couple shout on the street corners or manipulate with fear and damnation.  They simply offered opportunities for people to seek the Truth should they desire. 

Even more, the Chinese women who believe shared stories of ridicule, reproach, and even being held in strict violation of loyalty to their “party.”  “The Party should be enough for you to believe in,” they are told.  “Why believe in this Western god?”  God is not a Western god.  He is the Gold of all, the one and only.  All of these women have experienced some sort of government intrusion in to their private worship.  These Chinese women speak of their own people, saying they worship power, success, and show no loyalties beyond their front door, to no others expect their blood.  China as a nation has no religion, only “thought systems” or “cultural practices” mostly tied to superstition and pursuing good luck.  These women see the room for Christ – and the need for Christ - in their world.  They have faith and hope that their country will open their hearts and make room for Jesus in their lives.  As believers, we should be praying for them.