"Shi de, Wo Xin." ("Yes, I believe.")

"The Word of G*d is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow--it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

   Even before leaving China, I already know two of the moments I'll prize the most--simple yet powerful moments I'll never forget. Before each of their b@ptisms, I heard Sophia and Taylor each confess, "Shi de, wo xin." That they are sinners...that J*sus is their S@vior...that G*d has worked and planned out their own s@lvation. Yes, they believe. Two close Chinese friends who have become confidants and fellow b*lievers...friends I've seen transform as HE has become part of their lives. Friends who serve as a testimony to how powerful the LIVING and ACTIVE Word is!

   If you're a regular reader of my blog, then you've already heard lots and lots about Sophia, one of my closest Chinese friends, a fellow teacher at my school last year. I liked her instantly in our first day together, and within our first hour or so of conversation, she told me lots about the Chinese sp*ritual customs and traditions her family practiced. A little over a year later, through B*ble studies, ch*rch, and a lot of individual reading time in His Word, our L*rd has brought her to f@ith and the waters of b@ptism. Last Sunday at ch*rch, she joined in a small pr@yer circle, pr@ying for another American teacher. She also has told me that she wants her wedding next year to have a Chr*stian aspect, something very rare for a Chinese wedding. Her husband is pretty uninterested in HIM at this point, but Sophia continues to invite him along, showing how important her f@ith has become!

Sophia, myself, and Andrea after her "washing."

   Taylor Taylor Taylor...months before I ever met this guy last spring, I felt like I already knew all about him, from my American friends Andrea and Jess, who were close to him and talked with him often. I had heard he was friendly, great at English, funny, and...definitely prone to saying a lot of inappropriate, crude things. When I got to know him personally, I loved his personality and always had a blast with him, but noticed what others had mentioned--Taylor was coming to B*ble studies, but hadn't embraced HIM or a Chr*stian life. He once said, "I think it is better to be bad than to be boring," which summed up his philosophy on life pretty well, I think. But, while I'd be lying if I said he'd become completely perfect (of course, we all fall far short), I have seen a dramatic transformation in the things he talks about, and the kind of person he wants to be. We were pretty discouraged a year ago, when Taylor moved away from Wuhan, just when he seemed to be genuinely interested in Studies and HIM. But, G*d in his providence, gave Taylor a new boss in his new city who is Chr*stian, who serves as a mentor and encourager...they pr@y and attend ch*rch together, and when Taylor visited Wuhan two weeks ago, I got to be there as he became a b@ptized part of HIS family. Taylor brought along his cousin, new to the B*ble, and explained the basics to her, telling us he hoped to tell her and his family more about HIM, that they too may b*lieve!

Myself, Taylor's cousin, Taylor, Jess, Andrea, and Shannon (our visiting FoC leader) after Taylor's "washing."

   HE gives us so many opportunities! Another time that I won't soon forget was our B*ble Study last night, where we had one of our biggest groups ever--13 Chinese guests, and 4 foreigners. We almost ran out of room to sit, and had to share B*bles (two of which were given away to new attendees). Of the group, 4 or 5 are Chr*stian, a couple are strongly interested, and many are still very new to the "Book" and the idea of a gracious G*d. Johnny, Bob, and Christina have been strong Chr*stians for many years. Lilihua seems to b*lieve, but her English level is low, so we don't really know. Sunny, who attended for the first time, and Angel, have attended ch*rches elsewhere in the past. Bonnie & Catherine recently asked us about b@ptism, but are very new to the B*ble. They brought along their friend Jaydee, who says he came to f@ith after attending ch*rch in Australia (where he used to live), but it seems lots is new to him too! Jess comes often and asks great questions, but I can't tell how much of it is interest in the B*ble and how much is just interest in practicing English. Gen has come quite frequently this semester, and brought her new friend Candy, just getting introduced to the Book like she is--Gen said she'll bring her back again! Finally, my new friend Nancy showed up for the first time. She came to ch*rch with me once, but says she is Buddh*st. Explaining basic concepts to her, and hearing her answer Brian's question with "G*d saves us," was a great way to spend the night. Here, just because we're foreigners who can help friends practice English, HE has given us such a wide range of friends, old and new, b*lieving and curious, to share his most precious message with. Sometimes I just need to take a step back and let it soak all in, that our gracious L*rd gives a sinner like me the chance to speak the G*spel to so many friends, to do such exciting, meaningful, and important work, and to encourage friends to get to know HIM better.

Dinner with Gen, Kelsey, and Stephanie.

We are so blessed. I will never forget this experience.

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of G*d, namely, Chr*st, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (C*lossians 2:2-3)

Please keep on pr@ying that this happens for all our friends here in Wuhan <3