June 2009
I just returned from China after ministering for three months. It was a great adventure. I want to share with you what you are a part of.
During the last 6 weeks of my stay, a rumor of the Chinese Secret Police watching cell church leaders made everyone nervous. Police activity also seemed to increase due to the 10th year anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. The year 2009 didn’t help the mood. The Chinese believe bad things happen in years ending in 9. Then there was Swine Flu concerns that swept the county. Because of this concern, SIAS University significantly limited their end of the year festivities which was to be a grand celebration with many foreign dignitaries. The Chinese government limited the number of westerners entering the country because of the epidemic fears and made traveling difficult. All air travel passengers in China had their temperatures checked prior to disembarking any aircraft.
During the 3 months, I had the privilege of:
• Teaching the Book of Hebrews to cell church leaders • Instructing students and graduates in a marriage class
• Teaching about the presence and character of God at the Discipleship Training School in Zheng Zhou
• Speaking at student and foreign faculty led cell church meetings • Baptizing and serving Communion at the cell group churches
• Participating in the SIAS International Fellowship
• Attending Power Hour, an English Sunday Service for students, held at the Three Self Government Church • Lecturing at an university English corner on the 7 Habits by S. Covey • Hosting a weekly coffee and prayer fellowship with foreign teachers
• Continuing with the Theophostic Prayer Ministry lessons with graduates, students and foreign teachers to prepare them to minister to others
• Counseling teachers and students
The Truman Story
Truman is a 30 year old high school mathematics teacher I met while teaching the English Corner at the University. Truman graduated from a university in SW China and came to SIAS for 2 months to improve his English. He took a leave of absence from teaching and was away from his family (an attorney wife and 9 year old son) for the time. Truman plans to start grad school this summer in SW China. He is a Buddhist and a palm reader. At first I was reluctant to befriend him since I thought that he may be working with the police. However I discussed it with the Lord, and God was gentle. Truman and I became friends. We had dinner together at least once a week. At one of our dinners he asked me if I wanted him to read my palm. I told him no, that God is in control of my life and knows my future. He accepted that and understood my response. God’s presence was with me in such a way that I was not nervous or threatened by his beliefs. God was drawing this man. Before we both left SIAS, I gave him a Chinese English New Testament. I asked him to read it to practice his English. He has invited to me to visit his home town next year! I know God will reveal Himself to Truman in the future. The Truman Story to continue…….
Please keep in prayer, that:
• God will lead and protect the Chinese cell leaders and that they will obey and witness for Jesus • God will provide husbands for the young Christian women and that the young men obey the voice of the Lord. Many young women worry about being disgraced by not getting married.
• I am able to return to China without incident. My plan is to return for the fall semester in September. • Flu concerns will be abated
• The Chinese hearts will be softened to hear
• God continues to draw Truman’s heart
• Workers respond to the call, prepare and go
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Ministry opportunities are continually opening. David is currently exploring innovated ways to raise financial support needed for him to return to China and continue the work with Susan.
China Mission Project was given a membership to establish its own internet site portal and search engine. This internet portal (or search engine) allows our friends, church members and supporters to access their favorite retailers’ official Internet home pages to do their online shopping. Using our search engine will help us raise the needed support for the ministry. When you shop with “CMP SHOP TO GIVE” the percentage that would normally go to Google or Yahoo for using their search engines will go to help bring the Gospel to China.
China Mission Project will receive the fee when you shop on our site. What do I do, you ask?
1. Click here www.shoptoearn.net/ (press control button and click)
2. Then paste this cmpshoptogive into the textbox at the bottom/center of the page and click to go to our website. Look for our name and picture in the bottom left corner of the page to make sure you are on the CMP website.
3. Go to the drop down boxes at the top of the page either by category or retailer and click the retailer you want and go directly to their official site.
4. Shop as usual
(you can see next to each retailer the percentage that CMP will receive).
Thank you for your prayers and giving
God bless you,
Frank J Varella