STORIES FROM THE TRIP IN OCTOBER WITH GPIH & CCC!

 Hearing Their Stories

Julie shared, “Peggy had the girls at our second retreat make a story rope with ribbons that marked milestones of their lives.  Each girl stood up in front of the group and in great detail described their life path through each ribbon tied on their life line.  I was sitting up front with the Chinese women so I could not hear the translations of each story.  I did not need a translator to understand their words because their expressions, their tears and the tone of their voices all told the story.  They suffer just like me.

With depression.  Heart ache from past sin.  Unforgiveness toward others. Perhaps abuse. One of the girls that I sat next to the whole day, finally got up to tell her life story.  She started at the top with her birth.  And then her hand slid all the way down the life line ribbon to a bright white ribbon.

She grasped that ribbon so tightly and the urgency in her voice soared.

I knew in my spirit that the white ribbon was when she found Christ Jesus....And all the other ribbons or events in her life, meant nothing. This white ribbon that symbolized Jesus meant everything.  It was so powerful.” 

Five Generations of Sharing—Wow!

This sweet lady, won a prize from us and chose the Story Bracelet. She stood up and with tears in her eyes, told the Story from the colors of the beads, never having heard it from us! This lovely girl is a fifth generation believer and her family passed  down the Story using colors just as Hudson Taylor had told it in the 1880’s using a flag.

She couldn’t believe those colors were in a bracelet and was so touched. My heart sang thinking of our amazing God, unhindered by Mao who caused the China Inland missionaries to leave, unhindered by the subsequent persecution but kept the Gospel Story alive represented by colors, when the written Word of God was banned. Awesome!

  

“Surrendering the Secret”

The burden of Yinyan’s heart is in reaching out to women who are hurting after abortions and as Paul talks about in II Corinthians 1:4 to:”comfort in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God”.

Two of these ladies accompanied Yinyan (2nd from left) and their friend (center) who was hurting and trying to heal from the emotional pain of an abortion. Without Yinyan saying anything about her own healing journey, Chinese women are coming to her for help. Yinyan spent 2 full days going through Surrendering the Secret Bible study and there was peace! Amen.

Carole Connecting

Carole was a gift to the women in Beijing and to our team—what energy and heart this woman showed. She shared the Gospel and shared her  Bible Study to help the women with their English. They loved her and were drawn to her wisdom! Carole said, “I loved both events with the ladies--when the they put their prayer requests on hands they had drawn, taped them to the wall and then prayed over them, reaching out and touching the paper hands...what a blessed sight!!!

 Price Waterhouse Bible Study

Our translator, Grace, received a call asking if I could teach a study group on how to “Be a Christian in the Workplace”. I prepared and was assisted by Judy DeVries. What a blessing to teach these 10 people from as many companies.

All spoke English and we spent an hour with them. The sweet lady on the right who received the prayer shawl was facing surgery and so afraid; it was a joy to pray with her. Judy and I are corresponding and growing the relationship with this group!

Love the doors God continues to open in this city!

 Annie Zhang

I met Annie when she found my profile on LinkedIn and asked me to interview in July for a job in Beijing as the “Character and Moral Development Director” for a group of private schools there. I felt a tug to follow through on the interview to make connections and simply felt led.

After the interview, Annie and I stayed in touch and I recommended a couple of friends for the job but more importantly Annie accepted Christ and was baptized! She asked me to meet with her in October and shared her heart and fear in her new marriage of his possible unfaithfulness.

Please pray for Annie, she is young in her faith and in November her beloved father passed. There is certainly a need for leaders and mentors with so many new believers in China; pray that God will bring more staff and partners to us in China...the laborers are few!

 Rebecca and Julie

Julie’s enthusiasm was certainly contagious and Rebecca did a wonderful job in translating for her. Julie was blessed by the hunger and passion for Jesus in China; so moving and encouraging—impossible to fully describe!

Rebecca is sweet and soft spoken but grew bold in her appeal to Julie, saying, “We are so new in our faith, please keep coming—we need you here!”

I believe I can speak for each team member in saying how much we desire to do all that God will send us to do. One trip among the Church in revival in China is not enough... we are hooked!

                                     Wenli New Believer—Wonderful Leader!

You may remember the story of the 40+ women crammed into a small room, minus A/C in July? One of the 20 women who came to Christ in that room was Wenli, Mary Kay leader in the red at the    bottom of this photo.

What a joy to come to her group at her request and to spend individual time with her. Her spiritual growth is astounding and her new but strong faith is contagious to the group she leads. 5 new sisters joined us and each of our team: Carole, Lisa, Lauren, Julie, Cherie, Sherry and Judy taught beautifully sharing hearts and tears! Thank you   Jannie for your great help and Yinyan for faithful sharing too!

 Lauren Blessing the Chinese Sisters

Since most of the women we serve are new believers, they were so blessed by Lisa and Lauren Brown. Simply to see a mom who is raising a faithful daughter gave them hope. They are learning to walk with Jesus and most have not seen examples of moms raising children in the Lord. Lauren was a joy and jumped in wherever needed—even providing some physical activity for a break!  They loved her!

Xiaoxia—Part III “Sharing the Joy”!

In April (first pic), we met Xiaoxia and heard her story about her doctor asking her to terminate her pregnancy because he suspected the baby was not growing properly. After we gave her the prayer shawl, made by the KnitWits and prayed for her, she felt great peace about continuing to carry her child. I promised in the July newsletter we would share more news and here he is!!

Xiaoxia’s healthy big boy weighing 8lbs. 4oz.: a precious testimony of God’s grace in using faithful women in Texas to knit and send the shawls to our teams and the faithfulness of the teams to make room in luggage for many beautiful gifts and the faithfulness of the women who receive the gifts and share the Good News to so many!

Stay Tuned...Next Newsletter will include more stories from the other busy women in the Christ Community Church team!

OCTOBER IN CHINA WITH FABULOUS OMAHA LADIES & YINYAN!

Usually I blog during our trip but Facebook has been the place for the quick pics and notes this time. We have been busy with our team of 10 and have seen God do so many wonderful things here! As ever, I am sure we leave impacted - more than our sisters here!  Today is our last day so I will write and post for you now :). Hope you catch a glimpse of our joy!

 Airport arrival for the Omaha ladies - Yinyan, Grace and I were happy to see them after their delays! What great attitudes they all had, not a sour note - only joyful anticipation and perhaps a little fatigue...

 Since they arrived in the wee hours, our grocery expedition had to be the next morning after devotions and breakfast. Always fun to watch our teams explore the strange and the familiar in the market!

 Our first teaching time at Wenli's Mary Kay center. She is a new sister from our July trip and it was a great pleasure to be with her, see her rapid maturity and watch her reach out to others. Here, Carole is chatting with the ladies who could not believe she is a great grandmother! 

 Lisa Brown and Rebecca, who loves the nickname my Pastor Jim gave to her - she says "Becky" makes her feel very special! Lisa Brown shared beautifully and touched every heart!

 Ah the photo ops! Love this team and our Chinese sisters!

 One of our prayer shawl winners! It's amazing to see who receives these and the special needs that are met! Amen!

 Lauren was our entertainment specialist...wakin' up the ladies and gettin' the blood flowing!

A little blurry but always these MK ladies love the pictures! And no, it's not soft focus for a youthful look :)

Stay tuned...more coming later today, China time!

FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM CHINA - JUNE, 2013

LILY

Thursday evening Lily was moved to share with Yinyan that she had an abortion in the past and felt heartbreak. She asked how she can heal from it and be restored. We shared that forgiveness and hope are given in Christ, and healing is also available. She went home in peace that evening. Tuesday morning at the Mary Kay group, after the Good News was shared, she raised her hand to put her faith in Christ, and shared how God “loves her and heard her prayers”, in front of the whole group of 40+ women. Lily had also prayed she might receive the light green shawl sent by the KnitWits; her number was drawn and it was, to her, more evidence of God’s love for her!  Yinyan’s presence there inspired the sisters to share more freely—further empowering our leaders.

GOOD NEWS!

That group of 40 women, where Lily heard the gospel was at the training center where Kanghua trains her Mary Kay consultants. The room was small, the temperature outside was in the mid 90’s, no A/C, 1 small fan and a baby “accident” in the corner  and yet more kept coming, gathering in the hall and would stay from 10am—5pm. In that “fiery furnace” of a room, they sat, learned, and heard Yinyan passionately share the gospel. In characteristic Chinese boldness, Yinyan first asked “how many know Jesus?” only 5 responded. She then asked, “how many believe the Good News?” At last count, 20 received Christ that day and will receive loving follow-up from our leader, Kanghua!

WONDERFUL RESPONSES

After teaching on the “Fruit of the Spirit”, “Business Leadership” & “Freedom from the Past” The women shared what they learned—here are just a few:

· “I learned that the cross is a symbol of grace. My sins are forgiven because of Jesus, who died on it in my place.”

· “I learned how to manage my team and multiply. I want to spread love and the good news just like Peggy.

· “Thank you for helping me lay down my burdens.”

· “I learned to surrender and forgive.”

· “Knowing that God made me beautiful, I found my joy.”

LOVE & LEARNING

Friday evening Peggy taught DISC at Center Church. We had 30+ sisters and brothers attending. Although time was short due to heavy rain, we “cut to the chase” and the small group discussion was fun! Each person had the opportunity to share with others about their “expected self” and “real self”. After discussion time a new sister came to Yinyan in tears, asking how to recover from her past abortion. We shared with her God’s forgiveness in Christ and assured her that healing is available. She was encouraged and left with peace. By this time, Jutta’s teaching on expressing love to each other really sank in to many sisters’ hearts. Everyone was saying “I love you” while hugging each other good-bye in the rain.

A WONDERFUL UPDATE FROM OUR APRIL TRIP!

Xiaoxia is the precious lady who was moved to weep upon receiving a shawl and knowing her American sisters would pray for her. Xiaoxia had been told by her doctor that she should terminate her pregnancy because her baby didn't seem to be growing well. She received such courage to carry the baby afterward and will deliver a healthy baby next month! Xiaoxia wanted us to know this and to express her gratitude! Let's continue to pray for a safe delivery and health for baby and mother.

Amen? Amen!

FIRST DAYS IN BEIJING IN JUNE 2013: SHOPPING, TEAM DINNER AND LEADERS TRAINING

Yinyan, Stephanie, Peggy, Jutta & Mandy shopping for great jewelry with Stephanie who makes our Story Jewelry. We are a good team already - getting through jet-lag and shopping with smiles! 

 Dinner at Daiali - our new favorite place for Peking Duck with Mandy &Justin the night before they return to the states, and our staff:

 First training this afternoon at the home of Grace & Rebecca with our leaders: Mawer, Joy, Yinyan, Kanghua, Jufang, Wangjin, Grace, Rebecca & Jasmin. So incredibly grateful for these godly and dedicated leaders.

 Yinyan begins teaching about a leader's quiet time, listening to their stories and interacting with each one as they share a passage in Mark. Wonderful time for them to listen in Chinese with no translator!

Yinyan leads in prayer - her humble spirit evident in every phrase and attitude. They loved it all!

SPECIAL STORIES FROM BEIJING, APRIL 2013

 Meet Fengbo, Ron Dalton & Richard.  Fengbo is Richard’s brother-in-law who had been to church with Richard and his wife many times but had not as yet accepted Christ. He loved Ron’s story of his life (born in N. Korea to American serviceman and Korean mom, given up at age 4 because of mixed race…), Fengbo said he needed to hear Jon’s message about facing fears but then when he received the bookmark made by Yinyan, my Chinese American friend in CO (that said, “I have decided to follow Jesus” in Chinese) – he was moved! The final decision was made  after we gave Fengbo one of my Story Bracelets and he heard the Story told with colors – he stood right there in front of 40 people, with joy on his face to say he now put his faith in Jesus!

Frank, is the guitar player for the worship team, at Caleb's Church. After Pastor Jim’s sermon about “Seeing Yourself as God Does”, and after the teaching in the afternoon, the congregation broke into small discussion groups.  In Jim’s small group they were discussing what they learned and whether they had questions from the teaching.  Frank said that the teaching helped him realize that the people still felt class distinction in China, often seeing themselves as much less than others. He said that this teaching helped him to have God's view of himself. That through faith in Christ, he knows he is an equal child of God! He felt transformed and so very encouraged! 

                                 

 Stanley (pictured with Jon and Stanley's girlfriend) has been a believer for just a few months. He has natural leadership skills, but is unsure of his ability to lead in the church community because of his perceived spiritual immaturity. Jon was able to get Stanley's email and Skype name and looks forward to continuing a mentoring relationship with him electronically and again on his next trip to China. Stanley was encouraged when Jon told him that Stanley Lake is only one mile from his home and he will remember to pray for Stanley every time he drives by his namesake lake!

Pastor Jim met May, who was an unbeliever. She asked Pastor Jim’s opinion of what she should do since she wanted to continue to be part of the "Christian Gathering", but felt she was being pressured to believe. Jim took her to Eph. 2:8&9 and showed her how scripture says we are saved by faith and not by works. Jim told her the faith to believe is a gift from God and when she simply receives that gift she will believe. May thanked Jim and told him she was looking forward to that faith, and would continue to attend. Jim told her how much he appreciated her honesty, and that God would honor that. May felt relieved and felt she could attend the gathering of believers, ready to receive God’s gift.

Peggy, Xiaoxia & Sabina: Xiaoxia is a sister at Josh & Sabina’s church and is struggling because she is pregnant and the doctor said there is a possibility her baby isn't growing properly and she should terminate the pregnancy. We asked Sabina if we could give her a “prayer shawl” and a hat. We prayed with her and gave her the gifts; she was so moved, cried many tears and felt God’s peace about the baby she will carry.

 We met this gentle man at the seminary and he joined us again later in the week at the three self church. Many of the students at the seminary spoke some English, but this man unfortunately did not speak any English. He stood out in my memory because he traveled a long way to join us for other teaching times and he is a little older than most in the Urban Professional church movement. The picture was taken during one of our breaks from teaching at the seminary; he was studying some notes from the previous teaching. He is an inspiring example of the passion the Chinese believers have when it comes to learning and understanding the Word of God.

Ron said, “It was a wonderful trip & what stands out to me was the thirst of the Chinese believers for the Word of God. If you asked them to turn to a passage of Scripture, they just said the verse or verses in unison without mistakes. If you were going to teach at 9 they would be there at 8:50 with pens in hand, ready to take notes. No complaining about the conditions, just a strong desire to learn from what God has written. Also our translators, Grace, Hope and Rebecca, worked tirelessly during the trip to translate our words accurately and also acted as tour guides and a resource of information on the city of Beijing and the Chinese culture, not to mention the exposure to Chinese food beyond our North American experience. :-) What a blessing to know our God is at work all over the planet!”

Judy said she “was blessed to meet Emma, one of the roommates of Grace, Rebecca and Hope. Each time I saw her at a teaching in another place she would come up and wish me well and give me a hug. I learned that she was struggling in her cosmetic business and another woman there  asked me if I could help her a little. I had packed a small book I received from Andy Horner, CSO (chief servant officer) of Premier Designs jewelry called "The ABC's of Leadership".
   One of the days we were teaching, I was able to write several pages of notes on the book and share a personal work ethic for Emma. She was very happy for the help.  Sometimes all it takes is to share with a young person the direction God may want them to take. In my view of God's Word, this would be to serve others, use fair business practices and share the gospel with those around you. The lesson for me was to realize my work is my ministry! I am so blessed to have been chosen to help Emma.”

   Many in China struggle with balance in family, work and ministry; it was a blessing to see Jim and Judy encourage people like Emma, as well as a successful businessman who now feels he can moderate work/travel time for family and ministry. He understands that all he does is for God’s glory!

Dongli accepted Christ about 6 months ago and cannot help but to speak about Jesus everywhere she goes! She felt called to lead others but didn't see how God could use her since she is a new believer and could not imagine what she might offer to God. We talked after teaching time about how God loves her, values her and how He can use her now while she grows in her faith – her eyes filled with tears to know she can learn, grow and be part of God’s plan to help women in China!

MORE TEACHING DAYS - FILLED TO OVERFLOWING!

Judy and I thoroughly enjoyed the time with these sisters at Fangfang's home. They ask wonderful questions; we enjoyed every minute!

This group of stay-at -home moms in a lovely house by the Old Summer Palace. Alice was our hostess, they loved the teaching and we were treated to a lovely lunch and gifts! Pretty sure we were blessed the most!

 After our mom's group, we gathered some of our leaders. It was good to hear form them!  To learn where they see themselves and how we can assist.  Precious time and great help from the team!

At a Mary Kay center here in Beijing - It is amazing how long they want to sit to learn.  The breakout groups were once again so helpful both the the students and the teachers!

 This is Rebecca - GPiH staff.  We gave her a shawl since she is new to us and she loved it. The KnitWits do a wonderful job with these.  Then she came to me and asked if she could give it to a sister who really wanted it.  What precious hearts they have to give~

Jon spent some mentoring time with Stanley and his girlfriend. They bonded so well and will be working together. Stanley is determined to become a leader!

Jim and Judy answered so many questions.  Many concerns about prayer and biblical issues and they patiently answered them all. 

STUDENTS SO ATTENTIVE TO LEARN AND SO GRATEFUL WE CAME: WE WERE BLESSED BY THEM!

 So determined to learn - they would sit for hours with no break if we didn't offer one. They do so much with so little~

 Here they are listening, taking notes, tentatively participating at first and then more boldly!  Loved our time with them.

 Judy is a wonderful teacher - they loved her!

Our winners of the beautiful knitted things sent again by our beloved "KnitWits" who "knit a witness for Christ!" They love knowing they are prayed for~

 This sweet man studying outside. Again, doing so much with so little and really putting us to shame with their simple devotion.

 I got to share about being "calm when life is out of control". Rebecca was a wonderful translator!

Here is the kitchen - lunch preparations in progress!