FIRST FRIDAY POST

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

The start of the day began with some intestinal discomfort (already more than you wanted to know!), but life was great from that point on. We had a new “brother” driver with a new car, and he has a ‘perfume’ bottle on his dashboard along with a little can of lemon scent. The smell permeates the front seat where I was located. So much so that my allergies almost kicked in. It was sooo strong!

Our driver made “harsh” stops at lights, drove in all lanes (sometimes two lanes at once), frequently used his horn; and kept his flasher running. Interesting ride – especially with the smell!

 

Great bamboo ladders (scaffolding is also made from this size bamboo)

 As we drove to our next city (my hearing pronunciation of the city is “Schurchi”), we took the same route as yesterday until we got to the expressway. Instead of going north on the expressway, we headed east (on a non-expressway). Our arrival city is about 50,000, considered a small city (there’s a new city and an old city) by China standards. The church is located in the old central part of town.

One hundred years ago, the church owned the land which was later taken over by the government. In recent years, much of the church land that was taken is little by little being returned. So Gospel, name of the congregation, is now the recipient of a pretty big chunk of land. The missionary house was not returned to them as well as the school building land across the street. The school building land may eventually be exchanged for a new piece of land in the “new” city where there is lots of building, but, at this time, little occupation.

We were met by two evangelists, Ms. Chieu and Ms. Gun, both gracious women to the enth degree. They introduced others at the site, took us on a tour of the church grounds (including the present sanctuary with a VERY old roof that leaks), explained their vision for the congregation (new sanctuary and a Bible school), and shared with us their desire to have a pastor serving in this congregation.

 

The worship area for Gospel Church - where the roof leaks during a rainstorm

After we had toured the church (much of it in disrepair), we circled and joined hands for prayer. Emotional hugs were shared following; one woman simply had tears in her eyes as she was so happy that someone had come to their church, even if only for a visit and a look.

 

This woman was overcome with tears of joy following 

a time of "kneeling."

 

Part of the property owned by the church.

 We then went to our chauffeur’s home for lunch. It was explained that since we were “family,” it would be appropriate to have the meal with “family.” Agreed. One of the brothers had come to cook the meal. Nine dishes (pork, beef, ham, sausage, veggies, bok choy) and two kinds of soup (black chicken and mutton). It was unbelievably tasty. The meal included a semi-sweet great tasting wine (used to toast many, many times), and the soup was served with bread (made from tall wheat – the expensive kind). Following the meal that had been set out for us, we were again served a bowl of noodles (not nearly as big as the lunchtime yesterday) that, this time, I was able to finish. They were concerned because it was little spicy (but fine for me).

 

After we enjoyed these great soups and dishes, we were treated to a hearty bowl of noodle soup (fat ones).

Numerous toasts were made with the red wine:  some of the toasts were thanksgiving for the opportunity to share the Gospel. Others were in appreciation that two pastors had come to visit (I was the first foreign pastor to ever visit here). Others were for growth of the outreach of the congregation and for funds to do the work. By two o’clock, we were on our way to our new hotel in this city for a rest (M is napping). We will meet sisters and brothers again at 4:30 to catch a few of the sights in this town. As the two evangelists left our hotel, they offered BIG hugs. They left gum, apples and canned sweetened tea….so very generous.

There’s an interesting church hierarchy here in China in the 3-Self church:  bishop (only one, I think); pastor; deacon (various kinds: some to lead worship – ordained), evangelists and teachers (both not ordained), and then the laity. There are also church leaders who fit in-between (maybe like congregational presidents).

 

Sign in the hotel room. When turning on lights in the room, you insert your room card in a slot by the door and the electricity will be on. If you don't use that slot, there is no electricity. When there is a power failure, obviously nothing will work.

 

After our afternoon rest (two hours) we were treated to see the focal point of Gung Yu's "place." He was a rich man and in this center of communication, he came to be venerated as one who imparted wealth.