Missionary Work in China

Today is Liu Sz...or in English, 6/4. This is the anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre. China is ahead of us in hours, and has already celebrated, or in their case, NOT celebrated this anniversary. This year in particular, control was tight, and people were not allowed to even gather in the square to mourn their lost loved ones. Every year, on June 4, the government steps up military presence in Beijing. When we lived there, we were surprised to see truck loads of army being brought in and stationed on every corner. But from what I've read, this year the control was even greater.

In a country where the government has such tight reign, it's hard to imagine that Christian missionaries would ever be allowed to enter. China's history with religion is clouded by opium sales and Fa Lun Gung demonstrations. In addition, the people have been taught that religion is the opiate of the masses, and only needed if a person is weak minded. With that kind of propaganda, it is surprising to learn that there are many underground Christians in China.

When I went to China, I was told that I was not allowed to preach, but I was allowed to answer questions. I did answer many questions, but I always knew that nothing could come of it until the country opens for the preaching of the gospel. One of our church leaders said, "The church doesn't go in through the back door. We will only go in through the front door if we are invited." For tha reason, you won't find us secretly holding meetings with the Chinese, or secretly shipping in reading materials. We will wait for the Lord to open the doors for us. But my life goal has been to be part of that when it happens.

I lived on the 23rd floor of a hotel in Beijing (The City Hotel). Across the street was the "Worker's Stadium". Every morning people would gather on the sidewalks to sell goods. Some people met there to learn ballroom dancing. I often walked among these crowds to see what they had for sale. I noticed that the dancers usually had a teacher who would instruct them right there on the street. Everyone would huddle in a huge group around the teacher to hear what he had to say.

I can almost see in vision today the future. I forsee missionaries standing on street corners preaching the gospel. I can see crowds of people huddled around trying to hear what they have to say. Even now, in a nation that has been taught that religion is useless, people are starving for God. When China opens, we are going to see a mass revival such as never been known in the history of the world. We are going to see hundreds of thousands of people converting to Christianity.

The government of China may not foresee such a future. They may not believe it will ever happen. But we have already seen a wall that came down over night. Anything can happen if God wants it to. I really hope I can be there when it does.