September Team Report #3

Pictures tell today's story ....

September Team Report #2

 

Lorrie, Angela, Gayle, Larry with Business group

 

Divine appointments:

We traveled to Fangzhu Ang where Larry and Gayle talked on "Before You Say I Do" to about 15 Mary Kay sisters. The talk was very moving and generated a powerful discussion on marriage, divorce, singleness and trusting God. After an  animated and powerful discussion, Fang Fang asked Larry to give his talk on "Refuse to Worry". Talk about being flexible! Larry didn't have his talk with him, only a rough outline. Larry's talk was superb! Deep, thoughtful, Biblical, and oh, so timely.

 

Lorrie, Gayle, Angela at Chongwenmen church

Sunday we went to the oldest Christian church in Beijing, Chongwenmen  established in the late 1870's. As we stood  wondering where the church was a woman walked by and pointed us in the right direction. Talk about God sending an angel. This church has a long, interesting history. We were warmly received and given Bibles, hymnals and programs. The choir sang beautifully and the pastor who is a woman gave a theologically sound, inspiring message. Our team felt a deep joy over being with these believers. We met a girl named Claudia who was a first time visitor and told us she was  Buddhist and Christian. She has a great interest in Christianity and prays for a Christian husband (like so many of the girls here). Her sister who is a Christian lives in Riverside. After talking with her for awhile she helped us get a taxi and we said goodbye. Talk about divine appointments!

Pr'y:The H. S. would work through us and move the hearts of  the people we teach.

 

We are growing fond of the people and ask you to join us in pr'ying for them.

 

September Team Report #1

Ni Hao! Greetings, we are in Beijing!

 

Our flight from San Diego to Seattle was smooth and quick. After arriving at Sea Tac we went directly to the check in counter. We decided to take a team picture in front of the check in counter's sign announcing our departure for Beijing. Since we had a 3 hour layover, we decided to have lunch at the food court. We sat with a man who was returning to Beijing after a 2 month visit with his daughter. He invited us to a small but well known restaurant in Beijing. Larry exchanged information with him. We are already making friends! I think it is a sign of god things to come.

 

Grace from GPIH met us at the airport, for some of us it was a happy reunion and for Lorrie a happy beginning. Grace gave us our schedule for the 2 weeks, which is still in flux. Larry and Gayle have scheduled one on ones tonight for counseling and encouragement. We're ready for our divine appointments.

 

Please Pr*y:

Pr*y that we would adjust quickly to Beijing time.

Pr*y that our 1st. talks would set the tone for powerful teaching and ministry.

Pr*y for our team's good health, joy,  stamina and flexibility.

Pr*y for receptive hearts and changed lives.

Larry Sharp

Don't get confused ... We are happy to report that there are three groups from EFCC going to China this fall.

 

     September 3 - 12: Dennis Keating and Dave Hall

 

     September 12 - 25: Larry and Gayle Sharp, Angela Smith, Lorrie Tustison 

         

     October 31 - November 14: Tammy De Armas, Nancy Lane, Cheryl Moen,
     Chris Montgomery, Mary Waring

 

 

 

Larry and Gayle Sharp, Angela Smith, Lorrie Tustison

September 12 - 25, 2012

 

 

 

Two Months and Counting…..

 

 

The airline tickets have been purchased, we are close to being fully funded, talks have been prepared, roommates announced, customs discussed in great detail, gifts are being purchased for our Chinese sisters – and to all this we say “Praise be to God.”  Thank you Jesus that you continue to lead us and guide each one of us as we move forward in our dependency to you- our King!
 

 

As I look through my journal of our first meeting to now, I have a deep sense of gratitude and joy.  We haven’t left yet for this mission, and He has knit our souls together in unity.  We have laughed and cried together, prayed together, and have become a team together.  We know each others gifts, and shared some deep desires, and needs.  We have seen a bit of the spiritual warfare, and yet we have seen our Lord move miraculously through the battles.  As Pastor Dennis preached several weeks ago- There is no “I” in team.  I, for one am very grateful to be a part of this dynamic team!

 

Thank you to each of you who are following us and praying for us.  Below are some prayer requests for our team.

 

1. Praise for the funding already received. 
2. Praise for the airline tickets and logistics that have already been settled.
3. Prayer for the finalization of some of our talks.
4. Prayer for health for team members
5. Prayer that the remaining money be received by 9/20
6. Prayer for the women in China we will be working with, for the contact people that work directly with us. 

Tammy

Special Meeting With Chinese Teachers

Our team had a glimpse of what is to come when we recently met with some Chinese exchange teachers.  This group consisted of Chinese adult English teachers from Inner Mongolia who were here in the US to study our culture and language and spend several weeks in different areas of our country.

One of the teachers was a young woman whose mother had become a believer about 20 years ago.  Through a difficult period in the mother’s life, she heard from the Lord.  In turn, she led her husband and 2 young children to Christ. The young woman shared that she knew that Jesus was her Savior, yet she felt alone as many people are unaware of His existence in her country.  She prays and knows He hears her, but what she is missing is fellowship with other believers her own age.

Her fiancé was part of this trip, and our group was able to speak with him as well.  He is also a teacher and the two of them work together.  When asked if Jesus was His savior, his response was “not yet”.  While each of us saw hope in his answer, the idea of being unequally yoked was resonating with each of us.

It became apparent to me that night that although the culture maybe different, the needs are very much the same.  The very same enemy sows the seeds of distraction, discouragement and deception here and in China. We must be bold to encourage, attract, and share truth.  This was a night where our Lord opened up a little of what we would see with our Chinese sisters.  It became apparent that our issues, temptations, expectations, and trials are similar. 

Just as this dear young woman’s mother was bold, we prepare for our time in China.  We pray that the Lord is tilling the soil in China as our November team prepares to head over there.  May we plant seeds for the kingdom in our Lord Jesus, and nurture those seedlings that have begun to grow. 

Prayer Requests

1. Wisdom for our talks that they would reflect Gods word and what He wants the Chinese people to hear.
2. Praise for our "sending team" ..... it is growing and many people are committing to pray for China and our team!
3. Praise for the support that has already been raised.
4. Unity for our team to continue to work well together
5. Health for the team members to stay strong

Tammy

Women's Team - November 2012

Qualifies the Called

What was the response of the disciples when Jesus asked them to follow him?  Matthew 4:20 states “At once they left their nets and followed him.” 

 

The November China Mission team has been selected.  Not putting any of us in the same shoes as Peter and Andrew, but listening to each woman’s experience of being asked to serve made the above verse resonate in me.  God’s abundant grace has blessed this mission trip with a diverse group of women with gifts, talents, trials, temptations, experiences and enthusiasm.  Our love for the Lord and desire to be used by Him to share with our sisters in China is a heart’s prayer held by each of us. 

 

Having never served on a mission before I didn’t know what to expect, nor did I know all of the women going.  Throughout our first few meetings I see a transparency with the team members that I know will be used for His glory.  He is knitting us together quickly; and with much laughter, some tears and sharing we move forward. 

 

Our selected verse is Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  

 

How can you pray for us?

1.    For the development of each of our talks. 

2.    Praise Him for the airline ticket prices that were secured.

3.    Protection from spiritual warfare

4.    For strength, courage and peace for each member of the team as they juggle their personal lives and commitments. 

5.    Prepare our sisters hearts in China to receive the messages He is calling us to share

6.    May God be glorified and may we honor Him in all we do.

Tammy