South Africa. China. Two worlds collide. Dumplings, fried rice, noodles, squinted eyes, communism, seriously bumpy roads, bicycles, green tea, lots of people, more people – this is China. Howzit my China!
It’s mid-June – this year has flown by. Sometimes you would think it’s difficult to keep track of which country you wake up in. India, Thailand, Hong Kong, China and as I write this I’m sitting in a KFC in Siberia, Russia (more on Russia in the next newsletter).
Before arriving in China we spent a few days in Hong Kong and were so blessed to stay with Wim and Juanita. It was a few days of refreshing and a time to explore fascinating Hong Kong with Wim (who took some time off work to spend with us). And did I mention that we had a braai (not barbecue) with 100% South African boerewors (not sausage). Thank you Wim and Juanita!
It was then time to move on. Our time in China was very much a personal journey for each team member. Personally it was probably the most significant country of the year thus far. And not really due to the country we were in, but due to path that God is walking with me in my journey with Him.
We flew into Beijing on 10 May. We spent a few days in the capital with the wonderful opportunity to visit the Olympic stadium (The Bird’s nest) and the Great Wall of China (one of the 7 man-made wonders of the world). Beijing is in many respects, a very westernised city. So it was wonderful to move deeper into the heart of China after a 17 hour overnight train to Lanzhou.
From Lanzhou, our team of 11 members split up into smaller teams and departed for different ministry points in the region. Elbe and myself would have the opportunity to visit these teams over the remaining time. The teams had different ministry opportunities during their respective stays – a large focus on encouraging those in the Faith and some also getting their hands dirty helping move a coffee shop and factory equipment.
We were able to visit two towns in old Tibet. It was then that I realised what a beautiful country China is. And we were blessed to see some snow! I have seen snow in the past, but this was the real thing.
A Big Mac Yak Attack (Yak burger)... mmhmm!
God placed a real man of God and his family on our path during our time in China. He had some amazing input into our lives – speaking truth and fresh revelations into our lives. May God be glorified for this!
So, God has been very faithful in His promise that this would be a year for me to go through the Refiner’s fire (Mal 3:3). China was just that – a time that God exposed so many warped views and false beliefs and replaced these with His truth. Not always easy but so so good! A book that really stirred me is This Momentary Marriage by John Piper. It hit me hard to realise how short our lives are in context of eternity (James 4:14). We need to make every day count for God’s Kingdom. We need to be faithful with everything that God is doing for today. Don’t waste your life!
Love in Christ,
Jonathan
Prayer requests:
- Finances – despite God providing for me personally, our team is still very short on finances for the year. We are really trusting God for his provision! If you feel led to contribute, please see the banking details on the website
- Russia – We have had many opportunities to share the Gospel during our time in Russia & ndash; please pray that God will continue to water the seeds that have been planted
- Bosnia & Croatia – That God will prepare us for the ministry that he has in the next step of our journey. Many of the team members parents will be visiting us during this time – very exciting!
- Tamaryn – my sister is on her way to Canada to be part of the local church in Edmonton. Please pray for her as she adjusts to the new way of life and as she knits in with the church