Fall 1999

Week six

China; opportunities to serve; classifieds; God's Heart ...

China claims a history of at least 4,000 years of continuous civilization and is the oldest civilization in existence. The rule of various dynasties gave way to a republic government in 1911. In 1949 the communists attained control over mainland China, and the republic government fled to Taiwan, where they rule to this day.

The communist government’s official stance on religion is that of atheism. All forms of religion are officially forbidden to China’s citizens. Dale Church, a friend who recently returned from China, shared that he was required to show his passport when he attended an “international church,” a church for foreigners. He added that there are also “official churches” for Chinese citizens who are already Christians. The sermons at these churches are always checked by the government before services.

Another barrier to evangelizing China is that many Chinese, especially the younger generations, are disillusioned with government, religion and other “institutions.” They have seen the effects of the communist institution and want little to do with it. Also, when someone tells them about a “Book” that will change their lives, they remember when everyone waved Mao Zedong’s “Little Red Book” of sayings which promised to change China but instead destroyed much of it. Many youth and students, therefore, do not want books or ideologies that claim to change lives. Instead they are focusing on what they know can change their lives—money.

Even so, the Chinese people are still hungry for spiritual fulfillment. Those Chinese who have accepted Christ are highly devoted to Him. In a country where devotion to God can lead to loss of employment, imprisonment and even death, it is hard to be a lukewarm Christian. With a population of 1.2 billion, the need for people to reach out with the light of Christ is tremendous. There are still 450 unreached people groups in China who have yet to hear the name of Jesus. Please pray for the Chinese people and consider your role taking them the gospel of hope.

Opportunities to serve in China: 

Classifieds:  JOURNEYMAN

Change the shape of your world

If you are like me, graduation is just around the corner. If you are not graduating, the end will be there before you know it. Now is the perfect time to start praying about how God will use you once you have that glorified piece of paper. Why not consider Journeyman. Journeyman, a program that has mobilized 2,700 college graduates, requires a two-year commitment. In order to participate, one must be at least 21 but under 30 prior to training, a member of a Southern Baptist Church for the last two years, a graduate with a bachelor’s degree, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, single and never married, and able to clear their calendar for the next two years.

For more information, visit their Web site at http://going.imb.org/journeyman.asp or e-mail them at journeyman@imb.org. You can also reach them at 1-800-789-4693.

Bible Study:

GOD’S HEART FOR THE NATIONS