“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation”
James Howard Smith, a Bible Society writer, recently published an article in the UK’s Christian Today titled ‘In China, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’
“Bible outreach in China today is a world away from the terror of the Cultural Revolution. During those decades, Bibles were confiscated, and churches were shut down. But since the churches have reopened and Bible distribution became possible, the Bible has gone from being an underground book to a bestseller”, Mr Smith said.
He continued, “Having been made available through authorised vendors, the open Bible has driven the amazing growth of the Chinese Church”. Bible Society’s former mission leader in China, Kua Wee Seng, says: “The Church in China is experiencing a revival because the word of God is like wood in the fire. The living word has brought revival to China’s churches, overstretching the very limited availability of ministers. “
Mr Smith said, “The leadership gap is filled by dedicated volunteers as people step up to serve the congregations they’re part of without payment and often without training – and even with people with very unpromising background from the view of the world”.
According to Mr Smith, Wang Zhengxiang (25), for example, is a former miner and ‘uneducated’. After being seriously injured in a mining accident, Wang took hold of a half-remembered childhood religion as his last resort. He became a lay preacher because he couldn’t stop telling people about the difference God had made for him.
“I took every opportunity to share God’s goodness in my life,” Wang said. “Some folks were encouraged by my sharing and even pointed out that the Lord had shielded and protected me despite the challenges I have experienced”, he shared.
Smith said, “The leadership situation in China is a perfect illustration of Jesus’ word in Matthew 9:37, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few’. When each pastor or preacher has to minister to so many thousands of believers, the load on them is immense.“
“With more to share the load, the potential for growth in the Chinese Church would be even greater. In the meantime, a small band of harvesters – too small – work faithfully to preach the gospel and teach God’s word, often lacking the resources that would make them more effective and facing challenges that would defeat most people”, he pleaded.
Smith said, “But rather than just calling the equipped, God is equipping the called, with Spirit-inspired faith and devotion – and the Church continues to grow”. (Source: Christian Daily Comprehensive).
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
God, we praise you for Your faithful work among the Chinese church, which appears to be oppressed by the Communist Party but has experienced amazing revival through the ministry of Your Word. Please send more workers to this harvest field so that many thirsty souls will receive Your grace and be saved. May many churches be planted in different parts of China so that they will prepare the way for the Lord’s return.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
