Thursday, July 24, 2014

Extraordinary and Unusual China Trip!

June 18 - July 2, 2014
 
Gayle, Angela, Mary
under "Emmanuel" sign in Shenyang
Packed with new experiences, meeting many new people, and ministering in new places is a very simplistic description of this awesome trip!  Angela Smith, Gayle Sharp and Mary Waring worked and traveled alongside our Chinese sisters, Hope, Grace, and Rebecca.
 
While we did teach, mentor, and encourage throughout the trip, the Father's focus seemed to be for us to meet new believers and develop new relationships outside of Beijing.
 
Beijing Main Train Station - It's Huge!

 Four train trips took us to four cities in eight days.
 
Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified,     
just as it did also with you.   2 Thessalonians 3:1
 
Overnight train:  It was very cozy sleeping with hundreds of strangers.  Actually it was a fun adventure and the Lord favored us enormously!  Our tickets provided that four of the five of us had tickets on tier three, and the fourth was on tier two.  Grace and Hope used their pretty smiles and charm and managed to get Gayle and me a bottom bunk and Angela got a middle bunk.  Angela is younger, slimmer, and more agile than Gayle or me!
 
It was a joy to be invited to the
Christian Chinese wedding of Hope's college friend.
 
The beautiful Bride and Group came to our teaching
for the two days after their wedding!  Amazing!

Angela teaching a group of leaders
 
 
Proud Grandma

 
New friends in new cities!

… and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.  Acts 1:8

For eight days we traveled
to three cities in several Provinces
 
Small village church
in church leader's back yard.
Another small village church


Small village church



Exercising in the city plaza
 

Visit to Grace's and Hope's village! 
Hope and Grace are and have been our GPiH interpreters, guides, and dear friends in China for years.  We were honored to be invited to visit their home village and meet their families.  This was Hope's first visit home since she left last September to study for her Master's degree at Baylor University in Texas. 

Not only did we meet their loving and generous relatives, we saw some of China's spectacular countryside near the Mongolian border.  The mountains, bright green fields, and the gracious people are truly a representation of God's majesty, creativity, and beauty.
 
Hope and Grace in their lovely home village

Hope with her mother
Welcome home from America little sister!

Walking the mountain near the home village
 

Some of Hope's and Grace's family

Beautiful Grace with flowers



Hope's parents - Grace's parents with EFCC team
 
Return to Beijing
 
Angela - Gayle - Hope
Gayle teaching at the Vine
His divine power has given
 us everything we need for life and godliness
through knowledge of Him.   2 Peter 1:30

Worshiping at a favorite house church





Team with friends
Teaching break backrub



Angela at gift table
 
Small Group at the Vine

 Visit to Special Friends' Pre-School 
This new school is remarkably progressive when compared to normal schools in China.  We spent Q & A time with the parents, played with the children and enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Debra.


Debra and Boaz
All the teddy bears were made and donated by Barbara Pillsbury who has made several missions to China.
 
Meeting a new friend

Discussion of teaching techniques for children
New Best Friend

New friends and dear old friends
 
Farewell Dinner
 Any dinner at Grace's apartment is always special! 
Fun and laughter with delicious food ... Perfect!
A feast with special friends!
Grace the Cook
Farwell until the next time!  (I can't wait!)
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I.  Send me!”   Isaiah 6:8

Mary Waring for the Team


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