BEAUTIFUL TO GOD, 2 NEW SISTERS AND JEREMIAH

  What a joy to teach this group of really terrific women yesterday!  From 9am - 12:30, we talked about the kind of beauty that is honoring to God and gets better with age!  There were many tears as we talked of the kinds of beauty valued by our cultures and how we all fall short.  It is common for young Chinese women, graduating from university to undergo cosmetic surgeries (eyes made bigger, noses more prominent etc.) to not only attract men with more advanced degrees but also it is thought that if you look more "western" your job prospects are enhanced.

The group of  Mary Kay consultants and directors wrote down their outward and inward qualities, specifically qualities that they didn't like at all, then we took the papers (which were specially made to dissolve in water) and put them in the big bowl filled with water to watch them disappear!  A symbolic gesture reflecting our prayer as we gave them to God.

These 2 ladies received bracelets as a special gift from me to welcome them into God's family!!  New, sweet sisters who accepted Jesus today - what an honor to be a part of this!

The lovely winners of the knitted hat (from Sharon Tom) and the prayer shawl (from the KnitWits)!  They just love these gifts and continue to marvel that women in America love and pray for them!

The "Philadelphia" Church!  Led by a wonderful young man named "Jeremiah" , who had been trained  and discipled by  his university professor/pastor in Lanzhou.  Wise and grounded beyond his years this new church is reaching out and training..."Acts" in action!

Here is Harriet training on "God's Rest" in a culture driven to succeed.  Fangfang is translating and doing so very well!  We are blessed to welcome her as part-time staff and are currently working to fund her position.

Jeremiah receives a "hat with a purpose" - given to him to share with someone who needs physical warmth and/or the warmth and acceptance offered in Christ!

A new believer in Philadelphia Church receives the prayer shawl!  We were asked to give her and English name...instantly. :)  Her new English name is "Sarah" - and she does look like a princess!