Jesus gave his life for people not property! Arriving at the airport in China I was met by a long time Chinese friend. He greeted me saying, “We have had to move our meeting, the police raided us. We cannot talk in the taxi as I don’t know if it is safe. Just be quiet and ride.” This is not an uncommon occurrence for me as I frequent countries opposed to Christianity.
Proceeding through the cities into farm areas, we stop at a metal gate. A phone call and it opens from within by a smiling young man. This is our place of meeting, underground church leaders coming together for worship, inspiration and planning to take the Good News to the ends of the earth. Each person has been arrested at least once, all pay a high price to share Christ’s love.
Worship starts with a Sunday phone call, an address, a bus ride, 30th floor, light knock on apartment door, doors opens, we move in quickly, a mattress is placed over the door and worship begins. It takes up to 4 months to be invited to worship after one’s acceptance of Christ. Bible studies, prayer, fellowship to see if this one is a spy or not. Even with these restrictions the Chinese Church rates commitments to Christ at about 1,000 per week!
The church of Jesus Christ in the world are not into property, they are into people! They build lives, relationships that last eternally. Pastoring for 25 years some wonderful people I moved to manage Agape Distribution. Now my parish is 23,000 people looking for hope and help. I am with people, right where Jesus was.
A young mother of four packed her groceries into two wagons and with her children walked over the Court Street Bridge. The children were excited, she was happy as they paraded off. “Thank you for being there for me,” she offered. Isn’t that where Jesus would be healing, delivering, setting folks free giving what He gives best love! It’s all about people!
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