Tears for China

As the Congress began there was excitement to meet the leaders of the Chinese church. We received word the first night that Chinese delegates were being stopped at the airports and having their passports removed until after the congress and were prevented from attending the congress.

The following night part of the evening focused on the persecuted church. Then the stage filled with the CT and Lausanne leadership team. We were informed that the Chinese delegation (over 100) was not allowed to leave the country and passports were taken. You could feel the air go out of the room - so many wanted to hear from them, learn from them, and have them join the global church. It was a great disappointment! One Asian leader said "to not have the Chinese church here is like not having Brazil at the World Cup." Obviously Brazil has been a dominant influence in soccer world wide.

Then the CT leadership read a moving letter from the Chinese church delegation to the participants at CT to encourage us - imagine that? We should be the ones encouraging them!

The letter read "we accept the decision quietly and with hope.". They sent their greetings with scriptures: Phil. 1:29; 2 Cor. 6: 3-10; Jas. 1:19; Job 6:10 and Ps. 42: 1 and 2.

Then they sent a recorded song for us. Some of the words were: "The withered trees revive in the Spring. The voice of the Cross is heard in the wilderness. With obedience they follow the footprints of the Lord."

At that point we were all asked to stand behind our chairs with the symbolism that the empty seats were for the Chinese and that they have a place at the table. It was also a show of solidarity that we were praying for them. Lastly, without being political, because the congress is being broadcast globally - the public statement upfront and in prayer was to the authorities that the global church means no harm to China but that we believe in religious freedom.

There were many tears for China.
Heavy night but also knowing that the Lord loves the Chinese church and will minister to His people.

On a personal level, I met a large ministry leader who has oversight of ministry in China. He and three others were able to get out of China due to the passports they have. But there is great concern now that they will not be allowed back into China. This ministry leader is the boss of dear life-long friends (couple) of Stephanie and me. They are all making contingency plans for evacuation of the families if they are refused entry because they were here at CT. Due to association, our friend and his family are also preparing in case they are forced to leave. We will pray and "station ourselves on the ramparts and wait and see" how the Lord responds.

Pray for China and our friends!

Mike