I was privileged to be in China again in mid July, in Beijing and Chengdu, for work reasons – but of course so many of the Chinese have been like family to Jane and myself over many years. On the Sunday I was in Chengdu, where we have many friends in Sichuan University, I again went to the Enguang church, one of the ‘overground’ churches i.e. approved by the state, accompanied by a young professor from the University who had been helping me with various aspects of my visit. This was my third visit over several years (on my first visit they had a bible bookstall and I was able to buy a bible for the professor friend who came with me on that occasion, with his warm approval.
I can follow the service by using WeChat (a powerful extension of WhatsApp, used very extensively in China) to translate Chinese text on the displays in the church. It was again somewhat like stepping back in time: older hymns – Jane treasured her Chinese hymnal – and a choir, with a piano despite it being a large church (the Chines love singing), including the extensive and enthusiastic gospel preacher taking about an hour (!) as we sat on hard wooden benches. It still felt good and right to be there, and good for my colleague to be with me. Across the front of the church my friend explained the symbols spelt out ‘Emmanuel’ – God with us. At the end of the service, most people began to leave, but then the lady who had led the service began to pray, and others stood, arms open to do so. I was so moved that the small, elderly lady who was sitting next to me, had knelt on a high kneeling stand, hands open to God, praying silently. I put my hand on her shoulder to bless her, and then stood to pray with open hands too. It felt such a privilege to share with Chinese Christians. That lady had probably seen a lot of Chinese history, living through some very challenging times. But she was there. I had a real sense of God’s kingdom being everywhere, not just in Moortown.
I have great respect for the Chinese overground and underground Christians (I do not have any direct contact with the latter) but I know that God is at work in this country, where it is suggested that there are millions of Christians. Jane had previously attended Shanghai Grace Church where they had simultaneous translation and over a thousand people in the congregation – I also joined her there. Reports (e.g. by a Sky journalist) have highlighted persecution of Christians in China. I have not witnessed that first hand, but I do know that God is at work there in the hearts of His people. I really felt Jane’s heart of love for the Chinese on this visit, but also that sense that God has his faithful people, like the lady next to me in Enguang Church, and will build his church.
May we remember our family around the world in prayer and love, and be open to the call of God in our own lives to be good and faithful servants, followers of Jesus.