Church in China

We started our day today with a trip to Church, an official church...in China. Many of you are scratching your head at this moment and saying "I thought the only churches in China were underground?" But in fact, no. The "Three Selfs Church" is the recognized Christian Church of China.

When we arrived, the service had been going on for some time. We climbed three flights of stairs to past floors of people crowded and huddled on stools and chairs watching a broadcast of the main sanctuary on the top floor. We came in to the main room and we were ushered to the VERY front row and stools were provided. For those of you at church....you know the H Family is often found on the front row...but Church in China is different, indeed!

We sat for some time listening to a woman preacher (I think) who taught with great passion. The packed room was very attentive and from my vantage point, every eye was on her during the message, Bibles were open and notes were being taken on journals and scraps of paper.

(Note to secretary Petra...I saw no colorful, cleverly laid out bulletins...:))

Then we were brought some bilingual hymnals with various Hymns well known to us. We closed the service singing one, we didn't know it...then I think they recited the Lord's prayer...had some announcements (at the END of the service Pastor Skip!)...and the main gathering was released.

Then we were warmly greeted by dozens of church members and the Pastor and his wife.

There was a gathering that then began after the main service was concluded that we were told was for the new believers....a sort of orientation...and there were many after the service who came to the alters to pray.

Afterward we were invited to the Pastor's office where we exchanged emails. Tonight we already had an email from him sharing his testimony! This was most intriguing. He told us today that he first came to know the Lord through Christian radio that was broadcast into China in the late 1970's. His wife was born into a Christian family.

As we were in the Pastor's study, individuals were coming in and having themselves and loved ones prayed for by some prayer warrior types... (also see: M Hatton & J Brumley)...it was fascinating to watch and we joined in prayer for them across the room.

Downstairs there was a fairly good sized bookstore where people could buy Bibles. This too was surprising to us.

Some very interesting things were found in the sanctuary that I believe the pictures will reveal to you. Christmas is obviously the most significant time of the year for this Church as there were MANY westernized Christmas decorations used all around the alters. We did not see any visible signs of the Easter westernization/secularization.

We have come to understand that it is not illegal to be a Christian in China. It is illegal to proselytize. It is illegal to instruct children in matters of Christianity. It is not illegal to possess a Bible...though all this things were true in the past.

We have been told a most striking comment by someone we met...she said "I do not believe that most Chinese people believe in ANYTHING...not religion, not political ideals...absolutely nothing."

We are so humbled by the opportunities the Lord has given us on this trip to, each day, taste the true culture of China...