China Round 2.
Yesterday I was able to brave the long, boring, hot, smelly, sweaty, loud, grungy process of getting a Chinese Visa. This wasn’t my first time to the terribly organized Chinese Embassy – and if you want to read about my first hilarious experience click here.
At least this time I knew what to expect.
In preparation for the day of queuing, I was looking through a pile of books I could bring to pass the time. I stopped at one title that seemed suitable for the situation, “Chinese Martyrs”.
Several stories caught my attention because they told of martyrdom taking place in the exact cities I’ll be going to in about 10 days. Missionaries and nuns were tortured in the most horrific ways a mere 100 years ago - and for the simple reason of helping others and not denouncing their faith in Jesus.
One particular city is the death place of famous missionary Hudson Taylor (sweet beard!) and home of communist dictator Mao ZeDong (sweet receding hairline!). 
Over 35 million people inside this single province have never even heard the gospel. Jesus who? God what?
In my last visit, I was able to find this out the hard way. I had been at a market place to buy cheap knock off Chinese gear and got into conversation with two sellers who spoke English. I woke up the next day and the Lord called me to revisit the ladies and bring them a bible.
As I told them why I had come back, they got the “huh?” look on their face. They had never heard of Jesus, God or the Bible (at least in English). I had attempted in a very limited amount of time to tell them who God was (thinking where do I even start!). Eventually I just handed them the bible and said, “I know you can only read some English, but once you know some more – read this book – it has the answer to every single question in life.”
I hope it was enough…
On my trip starting on May 3rd, I am leading a team of pastors to visit various cities where our partner, International China Concern, has orphanages and group homes for disabled abandoned kids and adults.
On May 9th I arrive in Changsha and will be about as far from the “bible belt” as I can get. I’m excited to see how the Lord will change my outlook of His kingdom once more and I’m praying He will reveal His will for myself and the other church leaders in a powerful way.
