China

China is a land that appears to be homogenous, but a closer look reveals many differences in the populace and how things run in different regions of the country. Things in large cities, particularly Beijing or Shanghai, tend to be well regulated and precise. Restriction on what can and cannot be done by citizens and foreigners are many. Close scrutiny by the authorities, especially as we approach the 2008 Olympic Games, is very common. The result has been that many ministries have been sharply curtailed. Under the increased pressure, some groups have gone home altogether or moved to nearby countries in order to weather the storm. Others have been sent packing by authorities.

This far, the Lord has given us favor with the authorities. We do our best to listen carefully to the Lord’s direction; this often brings us quite close to the boundaries that shift and stiffen with the wind. Recently, we thought we felt a cold draft with regard to Janes’ Saturday Kind’s Club. Attendance began to fall off and at the same time police began to show up at our house (a pretty clear indicator that something is going on). Evangelizing children is strictly forbidden. Warnings came in whispers and what we were hearing and seeing seemed to indicate that we had crossed one of the unseen lines. After long discussions and time in prayer, we decided that we should stop doing Saturday Kid’s Club.

It took time but eventually Jane was able to talk to people who could help us to understand what was going on. It turns out that the authorities knew what we were doing. The shocker came when we were told that no one was worried. The presence we felt was very real but it was meant to show that we were being observed. The authorities actually agreed that the things Jane and her crew were teaching were exactly what the children in this country need to be learning. Though we do not have a piece of paper that gives us approval, the necessary people have encouraged Jane to restart her Kid’s Club.

Solid Biblical teaching is what we have been called to do in China. The intern program has been our major focus. By the time the term is completed, our 12 interns will have done inductive studies in twenty-two books of the Bible, completed an overview of the Bible, and have listened to and discussed Chuck Smith’s “Through the Bible” series. Most of the interns live with us. All of the interns are involved in the ministry, both inside and outside of their local churches. They sing in choirs, teach children’s Sunday school, travel to the countryside to minister, visit patients at the local hospital, teach in a homeless shelter, or translate the Bible studies. They face tremendous cultural pressure from unbelieving friends and family; but, the growth in them and the fruit born out of them has been awesome! Many of them have been threatened with being disowned by their families. Those who persevered the worst threats and ridicule were rewarded by seeing their families come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!

Our teaching does not consist of just book learnin’; we do our best to be living epistles. That means that sometimes things get yucky. One of the most difficult challenges we have faced is caring for Chuck, the woodcutter. Much of China’s political and social structure is illustrated by Chuck’s story. Sadly, people are treated like pieces of meat with no value. The healthcare system bleeds patients financially. Doctors, nurses, and staff are untrained and little is allocated to ease suffering. There are pockets of hope, but the system is broken and people die in droves. The best care is reserved for the rich or powerful. The rest languish in a system that borders on Medieval.

Chuck’s back was broken when a tree fell on him. He is paralyzed and has no feeling from his navel to his toes. When we met him, he was covered with pressure sores and very close to death. A sore on his back was as large as a bread plate and went to the bone. We cared for his wounds and also taught his family how to care for him. When it became too much for his wife and children to run their farm and care for Chuck, he came to live with us. Over two years we managed to get that sore down to about a cubic centimeter.

The doctor wanted to close up that sore when he performed hip surgery on Chuck. It sounded like a good idea but poor care nearly killed Chuck. It should have taken Chuck a couple of weeks to recover from the two procedures. Poor wound care caused the wound to open and reopen. If it had not been for the attention of a very aggressive and caring doctor (that came into the picture in answer to much prayer) I think Chuck would have died.

More than two months after the surgery, Chuck’s back has a wound that is a few inches long and a couple of inches wide. It is healthy in that there is no infection but it is deep and may take several months to finally close. Honestly, it makes my heart sick. He is home and we have resumed taking care of his wounds but I am very afraid that infection could easily set in.

Despite the struggle, Chuck managed to be a witness and most of the people in his ward became believers in Jesus Christ. It was an amazing thing to see. He had not been in the hospital for more than a few hours when a caregiver caused severe second degree burns to Chuck’s feet and ankles! Through it all, Chuck was positive and proclaimed the love of Christ.

The love of Christ holds such hope for this spiritually bankrupt nation. For the first time in generations, China has the ability to look beyond simple physical subsistence for spiritual truth. Many have achieved the goal of luxury, only to find it is like ash in their mouths and cannot satisfy. They ask, “Is this it? Is this what I have worked so hard to gain? There must be more!” Like people starving for food, many are devouring anything that promises spiritual fulfillment. Many false christs are being taught. Many dead religions are being resurrected. Pray that Jesus would be revealed in all His glory and their desperate search will end.

Every mofe we make in this place is observed by somebody. The oppressive environment is very difficult to endure. Yet I know this, we have been called to this place and God is able to make us stand. The people of China, unbelievers, and our brothers and sisters in Christ, need to hear the Word of God and see it lived out in our lives. It is our most fervent prayer that all we say and all that we do would glorify God. Thank you for joining with us.

In the Vine,
John

Saturday Kid’s Club
Chuck’s healing & family
A new home for our family
Coffee house and skate park ministry
Interns

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