December 2007

“This summer, the missionaries had been praying for new life to be breathed into St. Paul's, our local congregation. God has been answering this prayer. He nudged our hearts and revealed that the new life could begin with a change of attitude in us. We previously had little involvement with the congregation beyond simply attending and inviting our students. We began praying, and something changed. We were able to host one of our free English Bible classes at the church, we initiated a workday at the church, we are starting a Sunday school for the children during the sermon, and finally Pastor Yang asked one of us to share our testimony the first Sunday of each month. People have felt that the spiritual darkness surrounding us is lifting and being replaced with joy. And, we have even been blessed with greater attendance at our free classes. This means more people are hearing the Gospel and getting connected to a Christian community.

“Several of us were skeptical about transferring our Friday night free class to the church. We thought that the attendance would drop drastically once the class was transferred from the English center. Actually, the attendance didn't drop. Most of the students who were attending on Friday nights at the Center continued attending at the church. Also, we found that the students like singing the songs out of a binder we have in the pews. It seems to be a good bridge to the church, especially since Evangelist Ma from the church is also attending and participating in the classes. We thank God for this. In regards to the workday, the center had some extra office furniture that we did not know what to do with. It is nice furniture, so it was difficult to part with. We asked the Pastor and Evangelist Ma if they wanted it. They did. So, we put together a plan for an office area with them, brought the required pieces, and assembled it with a local Christian volunteer. Meanwhile, the rest of our long-term missionaries, along with one student and several other Christians, cleaned the church. The Sunday school will begin soon. Two long-term missionaries and I are taking the lead on this responsibility. The future is looking bright.”