Church in China

Ready for church

Today is Sunday, and we are missing home and missing our church family.  For two people who grew up in the Bible Belt and attended church while in utero, the religious void in China can be quite a culture shock.  There is not a church on every corner nor a Bible in the nightstand at the hotel.  In fact, our guide in Beijing had never even heard of the crucifixion of Jesus.  Wow...we still have a lot of work to do to fulfill The Great Commission.

Fortunately, thanks to some new friends we made in China, we got the opportunity this morning to attend Guangzhou International Christian Fellowship.  It is one of the only churches that operates "above ground" and in full knowledge of the Chinese government.  It is an international community of believers from all over the world.  All except one place....China.  No Chinese citizen is allowed to worship there in accordance with the license issued by the Chinese government.  Foreigners only.  The ushers even have to check passports at the door because unfortunately, one mistake could shut down the entire ministry.  The church, thankfully, is working to provide other legal opportunities to share the gospel with the people of China.  What an incredible challenge.

May we never take for granted our religious freedom and our opportunity to worship and fellowship with other believers.