April 9 - 21, 2014
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| John and Mary - Grace - Joseph - Rob and Karlene |
Karlene's Report ...
It
is late and yet I still have China on my mind. It is not easy to forget
what God did and how it felt to be there. We have been home now 3 weeks.
It amazes me how time files by and how busy we become wrapped up in
everyday life. I know that for me, I will forever have the people I met
in my heart and in my prayers. I am eager to return. I am trusting
God to provide Leaders and Educators to Teach and equip these precious people.
I just know that God has many more Blessings to pour out upon China and I
am anxious to hear about future teams and ministries that come back
telling of the Miracles that God has done and is doing. We
serve a Mighty God my Friends! I am so Thankful for
the opportunity to have gone. It has forever changed my heart.
Mary's Report ...
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| Spring on the Great Wall |
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| Fabulous Architecture - View from our hotel |
Our
schedule was very full with teaching almost every day and/or evening. It is always a joy to rekindle the precious
friendships that have developed over the past four years of serving our Father
in China. Another special joy was
getting to know Karlene and Rob better.
They did a great job interacting and teaching our Chinese sisters and
brothers.
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| Sign on seminary wall |
The
first Sunday we were in Beijing, John preached at the service of a house church
of dear friends. This is the first house
church I was privileged to visit in China and it always feels like home to
me. After the service they fold up the chairs,
roll out a big table, and everyone eats together like a big family.
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| Sunday lunch with The Family |
While
most pastors deserve our admiration and gratitude for their challenging calling
and work, to be a house church pastor in China takes a special determination,
courage, and dedication. Many (most?) house church pastors also have secular
jobs because their small congregations cannot financially provide for them and
their families. Often these pastors work tirelessly with no one to
mentor, encourage, or support them. It is outstanding that our church
recognizes the great need to work with house church pastors in China.
Pastors Dennis, Dave, and Jeremy have made multiple trips to Beijing to work
with pastors. It is our prayer that this link will grow strong and
long.
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| John Teaching |
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| John and Rob greeting a new friend |
Because
John and Rob Campbell were with us, we had access to several new men’s
groups. There is a great need for men to minister in China! One primarily
men’s group meet in a fifth floor walk-up apartment. The very tiny living
room also served as the kitchen. Fourteen of us crowded into the dimly
lit room. John taught about listening with our hearts. Then Rob led
teaching of the men in the living room, while Karlene and Mary talked with a
few women in a tiny bedroom.
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| Esther and Mary looking at "Selfie" |
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| Mary teaching a small group |
These
small intimate settings and the one-on-one Divine appointments are some of my
favorite work in China. It is during these sessions that I most feel the
presence and leading of the Holy Spirit. Our efforts in China require
much prayer and dependence on God. It is His agenda that we follow and
His plan we strive to accomplish.
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| John teaching Easter Sunday service |
One
of my most memorable mornings ever in China was attending Easter Sunday service
in a house church in Beijing. To make it
perfect, John preached the excellent sermon.
He began by sharing a beautiful and emotional story that illustrated the
incredible love our Lord Jesus has for each of us. Enough love that Jesus
chose to die an excruciating and humiliating death to wash us pure enough to
become precious adopted children of the Almighty God.
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| EFCC team with China friends |
Thank each of you who supported us through your prayers and/or financial donations. We truly appreciate your contributions and know that we could not do this work without your help! Bless you!
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory now and forever! Amen ... 2 Peter 2:18
Mary
for the Team
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