Chinese Christians are no longer absorbed with developing Jesus inside China. They have already succeeded here!
They don't need government acceptance. It's amazing to see a people "content" to be persecuted.
INSTEAD THE MAIN FOCUS OF THE CHINESE CHURCH IS TO SEND OUT MISSIONARIES TO THE WORLD IMMEDIATELY WEST OF THEM!
West of China sits the 10-40 window. This area is known as the poorest, least educated and harshest human rights offenses area of the world. India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudia Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Algeria!!
Chinese church leaders have quietly announced a goal of sending out 1 million missionaries for Jesus over the next 40 years!! Wow! To put that in perspective, currently the world has 500,000 active missionaries. China's plan would triple the number! Glory!!!
I have been sitting around praying for the Chinese government to legalize Christianity. But God's plan is bigger!!! The Chinese tell us "don't worry about us, our church is super strong. We are growing and knowing God better all the time. Instead pray for us to GO! We are ready to bless other nations!!"
As westerners we often equivocate government and social acceptance somehow with spiritual growth. It's actually just the opposite. When the church is persecuted it is the strongest and most pure.
As China rises as a super power it is astounding to watch Jesus grow with it!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Christ Has Risen in China!!!!
Below is the cover of a magazine inserted into the Sunday Morning Post, the only English language Sunday newspaper published in Hong Kong. It stood out like it has never done before and for anyone remotely interested in the spread of the Christianity, was clearly one not to be missed.
Look closely at the cover. This is the famous Tianenmen Square, but they have replaced Mao's face with Jesus!
Here is a bloggers summary of the main points:
- Jesus of Nazareth now has more followers on the mainland [China] than the Communist Party!
- Recent surveys estimate the number of mainland Christians worshipping independently of the authorised state churches to be over 100 million. That comes to about 1 in 10 of the total population of China.
- Those who participate in non-sanctioned churches run the risk of police raids, a beating and even jail. But that doesn’t seem to be putting off the growing congregations.
- The Communist Party is still officially an atheistic society, but at the lower levels, tolerance of Christianity is growing.
- President Hu Jintao has even recognised the role that Christianity can play in maintaining harmony, stating in 2007 that “the knowledge of religious people must be harnessed to build a prosperous society”.
Isnt it amazing how Jesus, real power and prosperity continue to be linked?
Linked in humility! These Chinese Christians risk their lives to follow Jesus!
* Below Magazine cover and actual photo of Tianenmen Square.
Look closely at the cover. This is the famous Tianenmen Square, but they have replaced Mao's face with Jesus!
Here is a bloggers summary of the main points:
- Jesus of Nazareth now has more followers on the mainland [China] than the Communist Party!
- Recent surveys estimate the number of mainland Christians worshipping independently of the authorised state churches to be over 100 million. That comes to about 1 in 10 of the total population of China.
- Those who participate in non-sanctioned churches run the risk of police raids, a beating and even jail. But that doesn’t seem to be putting off the growing congregations.
- The Communist Party is still officially an atheistic society, but at the lower levels, tolerance of Christianity is growing.
- President Hu Jintao has even recognised the role that Christianity can play in maintaining harmony, stating in 2007 that “the knowledge of religious people must be harnessed to build a prosperous society”.
Isnt it amazing how Jesus, real power and prosperity continue to be linked?
Linked in humility! These Chinese Christians risk their lives to follow Jesus!
* Below Magazine cover and actual photo of Tianenmen Square.
What is the most important election this year?
Maybe it is not Obama vs Romney??? A Bigger election is happening in China within its Communist Party.
They will put in place new leader that will lead their party for the next decade! 2 and 1/2 US Presidential terms.
Dr. David Aikman addressed our group this week. He began his reporting career with TIME Magazine in 1971. In 23 years he reported from five continents and more than 55 countries, and wrote three consecutive Man of the Year cover stories. As a TIME Magazine Senior Correspondent and foreign correspondent, he interviewed numerous major world figures, from Mother Teresa to Manuel Noriega, from Alexander Solzhenitsyn to Pham Van Dong, from Boris Yeltsin to Billy Graham. Dr. Aikman was assigned to bureaus in Hong Kong, from where he covered the entire Asian region; in Beijing, China; in Berlin, Germany, where he covered all of Eastern Europe; and in Jerusalem, Israel, where he covered the entire Middle East. He was bureau chief in Berlin, Jerusalem and Beijing before returning to the United States to cover the State Department until his departure in 1994 to devote his time to writing his 10 books.
Here are some of his shavings:
V By 2040-50 China should be equal in military size to America!
V By 2050 China will be Christianized. At least 25 % really committed Christian believers. Look at what happened to S. Korea once it became 25 % Christian. Huge consequences. Today S Korea over 30 % & growing.
V This current election is about continuation of Deng Xiaoping Reform allowing more freedoms & capitalism vs a contraction and move backward. Possibly even to fascism. BIG DEAL!
V There is no Supreme Court in China. The highest law of the land is actually the Communist Party. Politics and corruption affect law more than laws and rights.
V China has a huge HUMAN RIGHTS DEBATE going on. We l know that. But, believe it or not this debate is rooted in Christianity and Jesus teachings. At its root the traction of this political debate has the same roots and power it had in the West. Where is the moral center? Jesus!
V Amazingly YWAM claims that their are more Christians today in China than their are communists! Remember, only a small percentage of the population is actually in the preferred class of the Communist Party! Over 100 million Christians in China today! Somebody say GLORY! (thanks Bernie :-)
They will put in place new leader that will lead their party for the next decade! 2 and 1/2 US Presidential terms.
Dr. David Aikman addressed our group this week. He began his reporting career with TIME Magazine in 1971. In 23 years he reported from five continents and more than 55 countries, and wrote three consecutive Man of the Year cover stories. As a TIME Magazine Senior Correspondent and foreign correspondent, he interviewed numerous major world figures, from Mother Teresa to Manuel Noriega, from Alexander Solzhenitsyn to Pham Van Dong, from Boris Yeltsin to Billy Graham. Dr. Aikman was assigned to bureaus in Hong Kong, from where he covered the entire Asian region; in Beijing, China; in Berlin, Germany, where he covered all of Eastern Europe; and in Jerusalem, Israel, where he covered the entire Middle East. He was bureau chief in Berlin, Jerusalem and Beijing before returning to the United States to cover the State Department until his departure in 1994 to devote his time to writing his 10 books.
Here are some of his shavings:
V By 2040-50 China should be equal in military size to America!
V By 2050 China will be Christianized. At least 25 % really committed Christian believers. Look at what happened to S. Korea once it became 25 % Christian. Huge consequences. Today S Korea over 30 % & growing.
V This current election is about continuation of Deng Xiaoping Reform allowing more freedoms & capitalism vs a contraction and move backward. Possibly even to fascism. BIG DEAL!
V There is no Supreme Court in China. The highest law of the land is actually the Communist Party. Politics and corruption affect law more than laws and rights.
V China has a huge HUMAN RIGHTS DEBATE going on. We l know that. But, believe it or not this debate is rooted in Christianity and Jesus teachings. At its root the traction of this political debate has the same roots and power it had in the West. Where is the moral center? Jesus!
V Amazingly YWAM claims that their are more Christians today in China than their are communists! Remember, only a small percentage of the population is actually in the preferred class of the Communist Party! Over 100 million Christians in China today! Somebody say GLORY! (thanks Bernie :-)
Back at it. Rock'n the party YWAM style!!!
In Lausanne, Switzerland. The very first YWAM base in the world 1969.
Loren & Dar heard God call them here from their comfy California home. THEY KNEW NOBODY IN SWITZERLAND!
Crazy! What followed has been a 50 year plus journey of obedience & God's FAITHFULNESS!!!
What trailblazers!!!
What an honor to be here with Loren, Dar, Markus the worldwide President of the University of the Nations.
Plus students from over 10 different nations! Many, many Mexicans!!! Glory.
Europe needs Mexicans & their unbridled passion, hospitality & authenticity. So often we take this for granted in USA.
Today we worshipped in English, french and Spainish!!
Loren & Dar heard God call them here from their comfy California home. THEY KNEW NOBODY IN SWITZERLAND!
Crazy! What followed has been a 50 year plus journey of obedience & God's FAITHFULNESS!!!
What trailblazers!!!
What an honor to be here with Loren, Dar, Markus the worldwide President of the University of the Nations.
Plus students from over 10 different nations! Many, many Mexicans!!! Glory.
Europe needs Mexicans & their unbridled passion, hospitality & authenticity. So often we take this for granted in USA.
Today we worshipped in English, french and Spainish!!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Last day at Olympics
Sorry so many pictures of the guys. We split up often and I have pics of the guys. Girls did track & field and rhythmic gymnastics. Boys did basketball & boxing.
We were joined by Jess' high school friend Jen Powers & her son Liam. Great kid! They has just finished a family Euro cruise. It was a treat to share these special moments.
Closing Ceremonies were amazing! So much great rock n roll heritage in England provided quite a sound track!
A great Olympics! We even sat in a strategic planning meeting to hear AIA's plans for 2016 in Brazil!!
Exciting. Brazil is ready to step up as a world leader. A growing economy and a growing Jesus movement will make it a special stage. Brazil also hosts the World Cup in 2014!!!
2016 will be the first time the Olympics are held outside of Europe, North America or Asia. The world is changing! The "third world's" coming out party!!!
Pics:
Abbey Road (Beatles Album)
David, Liam and our friend Jacob watched the USA win BBall gold
Closing ceremonies. Jackie Ray stayed awake for it all
Walking into Closing Ceremonies with David & Liam
Jessica & Jen - friends for life!
We were joined by Jess' high school friend Jen Powers & her son Liam. Great kid! They has just finished a family Euro cruise. It was a treat to share these special moments.
Closing Ceremonies were amazing! So much great rock n roll heritage in England provided quite a sound track!
A great Olympics! We even sat in a strategic planning meeting to hear AIA's plans for 2016 in Brazil!!
Exciting. Brazil is ready to step up as a world leader. A growing economy and a growing Jesus movement will make it a special stage. Brazil also hosts the World Cup in 2014!!!
2016 will be the first time the Olympics are held outside of Europe, North America or Asia. The world is changing! The "third world's" coming out party!!!
Pics:
Abbey Road (Beatles Album)
David, Liam and our friend Jacob watched the USA win BBall gold
Closing ceremonies. Jackie Ray stayed awake for it all
Walking into Closing Ceremonies with David & Liam
Jessica & Jen - friends for life!
Last day at Olympics
Sorry so many pictures of the guys. We split up often and I have pics of the guys. Girls did track & field and rhythmic gymnastics. Boys did basketball & boxing.
We were joined by Jess' high school friend Jen Powers & her son Liam. Great kid! They has just finished a family Euro cruise. It was a treat to share these special moments.
Closing Ceremonies were amazing! So much great rock n roll heritage in England provided quite a sound track!
A great Olympics! We even sat in a strategic planning meeting to hear AIA's plans for 2016 in Brazil!!
Exciting. Brazil is ready to step up as a world leader. A growing economy and a growing Jesus movement will make it a special stage. Brazil also hosts the World Cup in 2014!!!
2016 will be the first time the Olympics are held outside of Europe, North America or Asia. The world is changing! The "third world's" coming out party!!!
We were joined by Jess' high school friend Jen Powers & her son Liam. Great kid! They has just finished a family Euro cruise. It was a treat to share these special moments.
Closing Ceremonies were amazing! So much great rock n roll heritage in England provided quite a sound track!
A great Olympics! We even sat in a strategic planning meeting to hear AIA's plans for 2016 in Brazil!!
Exciting. Brazil is ready to step up as a world leader. A growing economy and a growing Jesus movement will make it a special stage. Brazil also hosts the World Cup in 2014!!!
2016 will be the first time the Olympics are held outside of Europe, North America or Asia. The world is changing! The "third world's" coming out party!!!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Our favorite band has a new album!
Please take time to review this entire web page. Watch all three videos. They keep all build on each other. AMAZING!
This is our favorite band. I hope u enjoy!!!
Here is the link:
This is our favorite band. I hope u enjoy!!!
Here is the link:
Olympics!
First stop on our Euro tour was the Olympics to work with AIA (Athletes In Action) to care for the Olympic athletes. Our goals were to:
- show God's love to these players at a time of great pressure in their life. Whether they win or lose (and most lose) they can end up feeling like they let people down or even that their achievement has been hollow.
- show and encourage the athletes how their accomplishment can be a platform for them to share Jesus and/or great values like Integrity and Humility.
- help them see an identity in Christ. To let them know how Jesus sees them. Not just how the world sees them. The world can be a fickle friend :-)
Pics:
- Maggie in front of Westminster Abbey.
- on the lawn of the Abbey we found our YWAM friends from KONA, Hawaii! Can u believe it??? We couldn't!
- they did a free Aloha/Asian show on the lawn complete with Hula and Warrior drums! We knew about Six of the performers including the producer Maria Jackson and her two delightful sons Micah & David. Micah did his homework on our front stoop our entire time in Kona!!! Small world. Welcome to the world of full time missions :-)
- the very professional show gathers a huge crowd. They really don't evangelize directly. Instead they just talk about how the songs and dances express the never ending and always waiting love of our God. Sooooo cooool!
- pic of the very FIRST Olympic Prayer Breakfast stage with Jerry Colangelo, President of Phoenix Suns & USA Basketball speaking. This breakfast is patterned after the Superbowl and Final Four breakfast you may have seen us mention. It was a huge success and they passed out first Eric Liddell award to athletes displaying high character & high giving back. If you don't remember Eric, he is the subject of the movie Chariots Of Fire. Rent it again soon!
- our favorite speaker was a Paralympian that survived both her legs lost to a propeller as she was run over by a boat as she was skiing. Amazing story of despair turned into gold all with God's support & glory.
- of course we were able to get everywhere we needed to be with London's awesome underground transit they call The Tube!
Thank you for sharing we is!
- show God's love to these players at a time of great pressure in their life. Whether they win or lose (and most lose) they can end up feeling like they let people down or even that their achievement has been hollow.
- show and encourage the athletes how their accomplishment can be a platform for them to share Jesus and/or great values like Integrity and Humility.
- help them see an identity in Christ. To let them know how Jesus sees them. Not just how the world sees them. The world can be a fickle friend :-)
Pics:
- Maggie in front of Westminster Abbey.
- on the lawn of the Abbey we found our YWAM friends from KONA, Hawaii! Can u believe it??? We couldn't!
- they did a free Aloha/Asian show on the lawn complete with Hula and Warrior drums! We knew about Six of the performers including the producer Maria Jackson and her two delightful sons Micah & David. Micah did his homework on our front stoop our entire time in Kona!!! Small world. Welcome to the world of full time missions :-)
- the very professional show gathers a huge crowd. They really don't evangelize directly. Instead they just talk about how the songs and dances express the never ending and always waiting love of our God. Sooooo cooool!
- pic of the very FIRST Olympic Prayer Breakfast stage with Jerry Colangelo, President of Phoenix Suns & USA Basketball speaking. This breakfast is patterned after the Superbowl and Final Four breakfast you may have seen us mention. It was a huge success and they passed out first Eric Liddell award to athletes displaying high character & high giving back. If you don't remember Eric, he is the subject of the movie Chariots Of Fire. Rent it again soon!
- our favorite speaker was a Paralympian that survived both her legs lost to a propeller as she was run over by a boat as she was skiing. Amazing story of despair turned into gold all with God's support & glory.
- of course we were able to get everywhere we needed to be with London's awesome underground transit they call The Tube!
Thank you for sharing we is!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
A special Olympic Volleyball game!
Sadly our Jackie Ray was ill the day of our vball tickets. Luckily she was only sick one day.
It resulted in the boys & girls separating and David & I were able to enjoy the game with our new friends Dave (dad), George and Jacob. It really felt like a God connection!
- we met in a pub across from the stadium when they asked to share our table in the crowded pub.
- moments after meeting Jessica called and said the girls would not be able to make the match. BUT she had three of our tickets.
- His name was Dave
- Dave was with his boys for the day
- Dave started his own business in 1998, same year as DEFENDER
- they lived two hours north bit had felt the urge to just come down and experience the Olympics with his boys. They Jason plans or tickets!
- we invites them to join us and Jessica put the tix in an empty cab for immediate delivery to the stadium
- the tix arrived moments before and we say down in our seats exactly 2 mins before the first serve!
- what a great time we had.
- The coincidences added up so much that we were able to discuss spirituality a bit and Jessica's assurance to me always that, THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES :-)
- Dave & I were really able to connect and enjoy our boys. Surprisingly he even shared some family struggled he was going through and we were able to discuss some meaty issues.
- God is good!!
It resulted in the boys & girls separating and David & I were able to enjoy the game with our new friends Dave (dad), George and Jacob. It really felt like a God connection!
- we met in a pub across from the stadium when they asked to share our table in the crowded pub.
- moments after meeting Jessica called and said the girls would not be able to make the match. BUT she had three of our tickets.
- His name was Dave
- Dave was with his boys for the day
- Dave started his own business in 1998, same year as DEFENDER
- they lived two hours north bit had felt the urge to just come down and experience the Olympics with his boys. They Jason plans or tickets!
- we invites them to join us and Jessica put the tix in an empty cab for immediate delivery to the stadium
- the tix arrived moments before and we say down in our seats exactly 2 mins before the first serve!
- what a great time we had.
- The coincidences added up so much that we were able to discuss spirituality a bit and Jessica's assurance to me always that, THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES :-)
- Dave & I were really able to connect and enjoy our boys. Surprisingly he even shared some family struggled he was going through and we were able to discuss some meaty issues.
- God is good!!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
They're Baaaaack.... On Outreach! With tech difficulties
Sorry, i have had great computer difficulties on this trip :-) I've honestly wondered I'd God doesn't want me blogging on this trip. However, I sense the blogging is OK but maybe the fantasy football research isn't :-)
You may receive incomplete updates or out of order.
Day 1
Today we are flying to London for a journey that will take us to the Olympics, Italy, Croatia, Denmark, Switzerland, back to Harpensen, England and finally Uganda, Africa. Dad will continue on to San Diego/Tijuana and Kansas City before we will all be back home again in Indianapolis 7 weeks from now! Whew!!
We are honored to serve with the AIA (Athletes in Action) chaplains. Not sure what to expect. Maybe loving on folks, praying & worshipping with them, maybe picking up trash. Stay tuned for details.
Athletes in Action is an amazing ministry that is part of Campus Crusade for Christ - who along with YWAM is one of the largest mission groups in the world.
I must say that our children were Prophetic about this trip. They told me a year ago we were going to the Olympics. I told them no.
Then even as it neared & we had travel plans to Europe, it still didn't seem possible to stop by. But suddenly a few things changed in the schedule, AIA invited us to join them as chaplains and other doors opened. Crazy! It dir perfectly. God's plan.
This reminds me once again that our Kids can hear from God. Maybe even more easily than we can. Less baggage.
I know what u r thinking... There is a fine line between spoiled kids & kids that can hear from God :-)
But remember that their is a line. They can hear. Our job is to help them to learn how to listen better & discern His ways.
We Sense that God has a big adventure in store for us. Some is clear but much is not. Remimds us of our Japan outreach in ways.
Stay tuned!
Pics:
David on London's Tube Underground subway
London as we land
We are on the right airline. Go USA!
A reminder that God has commanded us to be His seed. We will try to stay small bit strong for Him as he plants us.
Morning worship and praise about one hour after landing! Glory! Now that is a jet lag cure :-)
You may receive incomplete updates or out of order.
Day 1
Today we are flying to London for a journey that will take us to the Olympics, Italy, Croatia, Denmark, Switzerland, back to Harpensen, England and finally Uganda, Africa. Dad will continue on to San Diego/Tijuana and Kansas City before we will all be back home again in Indianapolis 7 weeks from now! Whew!!
We are honored to serve with the AIA (Athletes in Action) chaplains. Not sure what to expect. Maybe loving on folks, praying & worshipping with them, maybe picking up trash. Stay tuned for details.
Athletes in Action is an amazing ministry that is part of Campus Crusade for Christ - who along with YWAM is one of the largest mission groups in the world.
I must say that our children were Prophetic about this trip. They told me a year ago we were going to the Olympics. I told them no.
Then even as it neared & we had travel plans to Europe, it still didn't seem possible to stop by. But suddenly a few things changed in the schedule, AIA invited us to join them as chaplains and other doors opened. Crazy! It dir perfectly. God's plan.
This reminds me once again that our Kids can hear from God. Maybe even more easily than we can. Less baggage.
I know what u r thinking... There is a fine line between spoiled kids & kids that can hear from God :-)
But remember that their is a line. They can hear. Our job is to help them to learn how to listen better & discern His ways.
We Sense that God has a big adventure in store for us. Some is clear but much is not. Remimds us of our Japan outreach in ways.
Stay tuned!
Pics:
David on London's Tube Underground subway
London as we land
We are on the right airline. Go USA!
A reminder that God has commanded us to be His seed. We will try to stay small bit strong for Him as he plants us.
Morning worship and praise about one hour after landing! Glory! Now that is a jet lag cure :-)
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