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When we returned to Chengdu from Singapore on June 2 we decided to visit the office to say hello and to see if someone could help us understand why our phone wasn't working. Our office manager informed us that it was a good thing our flight had been delayed two days as the security police had paid a visit to the office earlier that afternoon. The purpose of the visit was to check the documents of 'foreigners' who work in the office. The officer implied that any foreigners working without a work visa could be fined and/or deported. Also the business and the manager could be fined or even imprisoned. From our understanding this is a 'tightening up' prior to the Olympics.
Since our 'boss' was not able to obtain a work visa for us, we had been teaching illegally, although we didn’t know there was a problem. We knew we were on shaky ground teaching about Christianity and praying with the students and staff, we were not aware that the English lessons and training of restaurant workers we were doing was in violation of the law. With about one month remaining of our planned six months of work we decided it would be best if we stopped working at the office, make plans to return to the USA early, and spend the remaining time as tourists.
In this amazing electronic age about one hour after we e-mailed our Grand Rapids travel agent he sent back a reply with our new itinerary.
We had already planned a trip to Xi'an to see the terra cotta soldiers and were able to do this the weekend before our return. It was good to be a tourist for a couple of more days. The city of Xi’an is a significant historical spot in China.
Two days after we returned from Xi’an we arranged to meet the staff and our students to treat them to a dinner at a small outdoor restaurant near the office. We arrived at the outdoor market area where the restaurant area was located a few minutes early. Shortly after the students arrived we all decided it would be best to wait for the office staff in the shade of some trees. As soon as we were settled in the shade three plain-clothes policemen appeared and began asking the students questions about the two foreigners. To say we were uncomfortable at the point would be a grand understatement. We decided that it would be best if the foreigners made a hasty retreat so the two of us left the students and walked to where we could intercept the office staff before they reached the restaurant. As we met a two of our office staff, a fourth plain-clothes policeman showed up, he had apparently followed us from the market area. We gave one of the staff members some money and told them to treat everybody to a grand meal and we continued our hasty retreat. Talking to other foreigners afterward we found out that none of them had ever experienced anything like that. This was an affirmation that we had made a good decision to leave China earlier than planned. We looked over our shoulders for someone following us until we reached Hong Kong.
Now that we're back in the states it is okay for us to be open about our trip. First, we are so grateful for the prayers that so many of you lifted up on our behalf. Not only during the difficult period of the earthquake, but, throughout the time of our stay we sensed, again and again and again, the protecting and providing hand of God. Thank you so much for praying for us. Again and again we sensed God’s protecting hand in our lives. From good health to safety, from someone who spoke English when we needed help to Christian friends God provided in abundance.
The highlight of our work was the time we spent with nine students being trained in a program designed to equip them with the practical skills required to be successful in the restaurant business. A key ingredient of the program is the study of the Bible and its practical application to being a person of integrity in the family, the workplace, and the community. The development of the curriculum, having it translated into Chinese and teaching it was a rewarding venture. Among other topics the curriculum we developed includes power points about marriage, finance, and relationships. Besides being used by the company we were associated with the curriculum will be used by a Chinese pastor and an American missionary who is trying to develop a family ministry for Chinese.
The nine students, five girls and four boys, came from Christian families from all over the country. Their knowledge of the Bible, their desire to study the Word, and their prayer life was, not only inspiring, but, humbling as well. From voluntarily spending three hours, three nights a week doing Bible study to spending what little money they had to help earthquake victims, these students were amazing.
There's an open spirit in Chengdu that is fostering the spread of Christianity. From house churches to meetings in restaurants to a government approved church that is building a new sanctuary to accommodate overflowing crowds, great things are happening. We both have a strong sense that there will be an unprecedented revival that will begin in Sichuan province, which is strategically located not only for China, but, as a gateway for the Back to Jerusalem movement.
Prior to May 12, and the Wenchuan earthquake, few people knew where Sichuan province was on the map. For the past few weeks it has had the focus, not only of the world's attention, but, also of the prayers of Christians globally. The words being used to describe the relief efforts point to the compassion, care, and love that reflect the character of God which is a part of all of us.
An incredible random event occurred as we were saying goodbye to the manager of the restaurant we’ve been working with. A man from Singapore was sitting near us asked if he could join us and talk. After talking to us for a bit, he began to explain what he was doing in China. “I’m a Christian” came out suddenly. When we shared that we were ‘like-minded’ the floodgates opened up and he poured out his life story to us. Making it short, he takes four or five trips to China a year and as he travels he tells his story and asks people if they want Jesus. He also makes motivational “steps to success” speeches in different cities and presents the Gospel every time. His prediction is that Premier Wen will become a Christian before he leaves office four years from now. Who knew?
Our return trip to the states began as we hailed two taxis to take us to the airport, (the small taxis would not accommodate our 4 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons). The expected 30 hour trip ended up taking 50 hours due to weather delays. When you start traveling at 11:00 P.M. on Friday night and you end at 2:00 A.M. Sunday morning, somehow you know you’ve been traveling for awhile. A few days later we’re enjoying the blue sky, (a rarity in polluted Chengdu), the quiet, and the fresh air. Adjusting to a new time schedule is challenging, but, in a few days we’ll be back at it and looking for our next adventure.
Thanks again for your partnering with us on our China Journey.