Some recent visitors to China from OMS relate one of the astounding things they discovered concerning the Church in China. It is filled with victory and worship. Even though the church and thousands of believers have suffered great persecution back in the 50-70’s, and some do to this day, they are triumphant and victorious. They are serving God with all their hearts.  One church leader stated, "Persecution is good! Through persecution, our church has grown from 400 to 2,000 people. Each time we are persecuted, the church grows." Western believers attempt to avoid persecution little realizing that the old adage is still true. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Many of today’s older Christians suffered for two decades in prison and work camps, but today they lead the church onward. One who suffered for Christ said, "If a Christian has never suffered, then he cannot understand God’s blessings. He is still a child without training.  Therefore, when we suffer we should never complain to God or blame others."

REPORTED ARRESTS IN CHINA AMONG HOUSE CHURCH LEADERS

Sadly, even though there is much religious liberty in many places, we must report that there is persecution among house church leaders. There are reports that there is increased persecution especially in Guangzhou which may be a litmus test for other areas. With the recent crackdown on the Fa Lung Gong group throughout China (not a church group) for anti-government tendencies, house church leaders may also be coming under severe attack.

AT THE SAME TIME CHURCHES CONTINUE TO GROW

In the midst of a great wave of foreign tourism and many evident signs of the west such as sign boards advertising General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Coco-Cola, MacDonalds, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s etc. there is a great hunger for God and His Word. Churches are filled to capacity. One is even providing an English translation of the sermon by headsets! Familiar hymns, the Lord’s Prayer and the Psalms are all a regular part of the services. Generally, there continues to be much freedom for preaching as widely reported by both Chinese and foreign nationals traveling in the country. Services last one and a half to two hours and a growing number of young people make up the congregations. Seminaries are full to capacity testifying to the commitment of young people to prepare themselves for Christian ministry.

AMITY FOUNDATION CELEBRATES ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY

From correspondents in Nanjing comes a report of great blessing as more than 80 participants gathered from 20 countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and North America to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Amity Foundation. Amity Press may be better known to many readers as the Bible publishing house approved by the government. They recently celebrated the printing of the 20 millionth Bible in Chinese. The Foundation, however, has a wide range of projects including medical training for village doctors, drinking water and irrigation projects, projects for women, and many others. The delegates visited projects in Hunan, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces. On Easter Sunday they visited four different churches: two urban and two rural. They observed overflowing crowds at worship as they celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us give praise to God for the marvelous moving of God in this country with one quarter of the world’s population. These reports do not miss the fact that in many places there is persecution of believers. The land is so vast and the laws are interpreted differently in different areas and by different officials. Do not fail to pray for this land, its leaders, and its people, and give praise to God for every open door and each victory.

HUNAN BIBLE INSTITUTE

A report just received from other correspondents in China state that there has been an invitation to serve at the Hunan Bible Institute in leadership training classes. They have also been invited back for more classes to be held in the new church building. A special open invitation was extended by the Chenzhou Director of Christian Affairs to visit the Yao minority people. This also included the invitation of the General secretary of Chenzhou prefecture. Pray for these forthcoming visits and the training of young people to meet the needs of growing and increasing congregations all over the country.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND REFERRALS - CHINA (ERRC)

The organization which helps to place teachers and qualified people in universities and companies in China called the Educational Resources and Referrals - China (ERRC), reports in their latest publication that their representative attended a three day conference of the State Council and its Ministry of Education. There were about 130 representatives of religious and secular institutions in attendance. What may not be known is that China receives 3-4,000 foreign teachers and experts every year! Half of the representatives came from organizations with Christian backgrounds. There is a wide range of experts the government is seeking to bring to China to assist them in modernization.  Anyone interested in serving in China for this summer’s programs should contact ERRC immediately.  There are still a few openings remaining which will yield incredible joy in ministry to China.

CORRECTION ON THE REPORT OF THE CHINESE CHURCH IN FORT MYERS

Rev. David King, former missionary to Hong Kong and founder of the Chinese church in Fort Myers is still the senior pastor there. Mr. Sam Ip Chun Wai is his assistant. Rev. John Guu, who formerly served as an assistant is ow the pastor of the Chinese Alliance Church in West Lafayette, Indiana (Purdue University). Praise the Lord, on their fifth anniversary, 101 people were in attendance. The average attendance is 80.

 EVANGELISM EXPLOSION (EE) IN CHINA

From a friend with EE comes the report that so far this year EE Eurasia has conducted 26 clinics, trained 513 church pastors/leaders, 2020 persons heard the gospel presentation and 763 prayed to receive the gift of eternal life. Many of these clinics took place in China and Mongolia. He reports that the Chinese believe "progressive multiplication" is the very essence of Evangelism Explosion.

KOWLOON TONG INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

From our son, Rev. James Bollback, senior pastor of the Kowloon Tong International Church in Hong Kong comes the report of a growing congregation of English speaking Chinese now approaching 350 people. Baptismal services are being held and many are following the Lord in baptism. For more information about this thriving ministry in Hong Kong check out his web site.

DALAT SCHOOL NEWS

Our youngest son, Jonathan and his family will complete their two year service as chaplain for Dalat school at the end of May. They will be returning to the States to take up a new ministry as the Lord leads. During the past weeks they have had three baptismal services for the young people for which they are praising the Lord. Your special prayers for them will be much appreciated.

Please pass this website report on to others or send me e-mail addresses you wish included.

GOD IS IN THE BUSINESS OF DOING GREAT THINGS ALL OVER THE WORLD BECAUSE HE IS A GREAT GOD.