To undertake such a venture in this autonomous region of China is a risky business. In the past months the activities of Missionary X and some of the other Adventist church members have been exposed, causing a great deal of trouble. Still, when the Holy Spirit speaks, and the hearer listens with the heart, the Truth will not be denied. In spite of problems, and even threats, those who truly believed were willing to make their stand.
Missionary X contacted a pastor friend in another region of China. He agreed to come. Unfortunately, on the way to his destination, he was cheated out of all the money he carried by unscrupulous ticket vendors. In spite of this, he arrived safely, on time, and ready for a week’s blessing.
Once in the mountains, another incident threatened the small group, when one person got lost for two days and a night with no water or food. The weather was rainy, foggy, and cold, and her clothes were soaked through quickly. Twice search parties looked for her, and were nearly ready to give up hope when she was found late Friday afternoon, so cold she could hardly move, almost without hope herself, but alive and none the worse for wear.
As you may know, there is very little printed material in the language of many of the minority cultures of China. Those who have learned to trust in God have learned from the personal testimonies of their friends, and from Bible stories that have been shared. In print, only the book of Matthew is complete, along with some other choice Bible chapters, and a few booklets and tracts. While the new converts were fairly well grounded in the basic Truth, the pastor spent their study time reinforcing the Advent message, concentrating on Daniel and Revelation, and their importance for us today. They studied about 6 hours each day, and the minority students were hungry for more.
The pastor sums up his experience: “On Sabbath we went to the creek and had a baptismal service. We made a dam to form a pool. I baptized 6 people on Sabbath; more than 10 people were present. In the afternoon we conducted Communion service. I have enjoyed this trip a lot. I thank God for all His blessings.”
Shortly after the mountaintop baptismal weekend, Missionary X conducted a small camp meeting for the national workers that Laymen Ministries has been supporting. Many of these workers live in remote areas, with little contact with grounded Christians, and it was felt that some reinforcement and encouragement for them was needed.
A favorite get-away cabin in the remote mountains was reserved, and workers from many far-flung areas began to arrive. Every day these 15 believers worshiped and studied the book, Gospel Workers, and the Bible together. One of the group each day give his personal testimony of how God had led in his life. About half way through the session, the entire group had to move back to the city to the tiny living quarters rented there, as the landlord needed the cabin. The crowded and uncomfortable living conditions weren’t nearly enough to dampen their spirits, and everyone went away from this meeting strengthened to continue the Lord’s work.
And Valleys
Unfortunately, where the Holy Spirit is working, the enemy is also working. In the regions of Eastern China there is growing activity by a cult that goes by the name “Lightning From the East.” This cult is strongly at work among Christians, and especially among Adventist Christians, and the Inner Mongolians in particular, as they have very little of the printed Scriptures to study. This cult teaches that the kingdom of God has already come to earth in the person of a young lady, whom they believe is Jesus. Their mission is to call all believers out of the existing churches into their own church, in order to prepare China for destruction. According to their teachings, China, the great red dragon, will be the first nation to receive the judgment of God.
Like so many other cults, the work of Lightning From the East is highly secret. New members are not allowed to have any contact with family and friends. Their only contact with church members is in their efforts to pull believers into their own group. Basically, cult members “drop out of sight.” This group uses methods of trickery and deceit, and is not above using force and violence. The whole plan is a masterpiece of deception aimed perfectly at the mind and culture of the Chinese people.
Currently, the translation team is intensifying their efforts to translate more and more of the Bible into minority script. A thorough knowledge of Scripture is the only defense against this kind of attack.
Your prayers are urgently requested for the believers in China, for strength and clear vision.
Changing of the Guard
After 10 years in China, Missionary X is taking a much needed leave. But the work for the Chinese minorities is not left unattended. A local board of directors, consisting of well-grounded, active church members, has been making the operational decisions and carrying more of the ever-growing responsibilities. (The budget for Missionary X has more than doubled in the last year!) Before departing, Missionary X spent a great deal of time interviewing Adventists already teaching in China, and found two dedicated, enthusiastic people who agreed to assume the leadership and work with the local board of directors. Laymen Ministries is now sponsoring these two missionaries, who are an invaluable liason with the work force there, as direct communication can be risky.
Missionary X #3
We are also sponsoring a student missionary in China, for the first time. The following report comes from this valuable student:
“When I arrived in China I knew there were some student believers, but after being ‘caught’ resting on the Sabbath, their secret was out. They were drilled with many questions, and revealed nearly everything. They were forbidden from meeting together, and their classmates were even set to spy on them.
For a while the students secretly continued to meet, but were often interrogated. In fear, they at times spoke white lies, and afterwards they would be regretful. Through it all I saw in them a growing faith and courage and a love for God.
Strict measures were taken to discourage any spread or practice of any religion. That was a discouraging time for all of us. But I believe that God was using the situation as an opportunity to spark some interest in Him. I hoped that classmates would wonder within themselves, ‘Who is this God that’s causing such a stir?’ They had many opportunities to witness to others in their classes—even to teachers—during the period of opposition. Their perseverance was a witness in itself.
The students weren’t allowed to eat outside the school, so we decided to help them (it’s almost impossible to find food in the schools that isn’t prepared with pork). We prayed a great deal about the best way to do this. For several weeks we transported the students’ lunches, which they would pick up. In the morning I also prepared breakfast, which they took to their rooms to eat.
On Sabbaths and some evenings during the week, we worshiped and studied together. Those times were filled with fear and anxiety. As we worshiped I wondered if we were singing too loud, or if our time together was too long.
We believe the teachers and many staff knew what we were doing, but nothing further was said. A couple of weeks before finals, we decided that the students should return to their previous plan for meals and worhsip. And until the day they all left for vacation, they had no further problems.
I stayed behind at the school for a few days to visit friends other than students. One, a Muslim, is being drawn to Christ. During our visits together he decided to learn more about Jesus and has asked for an English Bible when I return from the States after the holiday. Before we met he had already encountered missionaries in another city, and he has Christian friends.
I’m looking forward to returning and spending more time with my new friends. But I’m even more looking forward to spending time with the Adventist students, as they graduate soon. They were threatened with expulsion if they continue in their beliefs and meetings, but their faith and determination continue to grow. Please pray with me that they can stand in faith, and still receive the degrees that will allow them to support themselves while being witnesses for Christ.
“In spite of problems, & even threats, those who truly believed were willing to make their stand.”
“On Sabbath we went to the creek & had a baptismal service.”
