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A Man Called Apollos (II) - Mentoring

A Man Called Apollos (II) - Mentoring

(since 1974) 7 • 2012 232

PERSPECTIVE

A Man Called (II) - Mentoring

Dr Lin ZM

Reflecting upon my involvement for almost two decades in training indigenous teachers and preachers in China, particularly in mentoring the younger generation of them in the last few years, I discovered one urgent need that only a few mentors had been helpful—the anointing power of the Holy Spirit. In this article I would like to share this need from a Biblical foundation.

During a season of spiritual revival in the Paul’s Teammates Counsel Apollos Privately highland of north Borneo Island, East Malaysia, a 24Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at well known western preacher was invited to preach. Alexandria, an eloquent man (a terrific speaker, He noticed that the church elders whispered to TMSG i) and mighty (well-versed, NRSV ii) in one another and then most of the women, one 25 the Scriptures came to . This man had after another, quietly withdrew into the back hall. been instructed in the way of ; and being Most of the men remained but they could not hide fervent in spirit iii (with burning enthusiasm, NRSV; their restlessness. Finally, the distracted preacher, with an enthusiastic spirit, NLB iv) and taught being overcome by curiosity, slightly annoyed, but accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew politely made his inquiry. The embarrassed elder 26 only the of John. So he began to speak replied meekly, “…we hate to offend you… but we boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla decided that only our women should retreat into heard him, they took him aside and explained to urgent for the Holy Spirit to come upon you him the way of God more accurately. with His power…no doubt you are a most learned (:24-26 with author’s emphasis underlined) and eloquent man…” It was the preacher’s turn for humility…

1 Lord . 6And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they v vi 7 spoke with tongues and prophesied Now the men were about twelve in all. ​(:1-7 with author’s emphasis underlined)

Now this is interesting. Upon his return to Ephesus, Paul encountered a group of twelve disciples (believers) in with almost exactly vii the same background as Apollos! I am convinced that Luke’s account was designed to be a commentary to what actually happened during the private encounter between Aquila-Priscilla Apollos was not only a believer (same faith- and Apollos (perhaps because he was not an eye- status as of any such as witness with them as he was in this case with Paul)! ), he was also a in Christ, for he However, I can’t help but wonder whether Paul was well-educated about the of the Lord would have dealt with Apollos as privately as his Jesus Christ and fiery in his enthusiasm. He was teammates had he been present! Nevertheless, the able to accurately teach everything about Jesus up key issue facing both cases remained the same— to a point, but he only went as far as the baptism believers/disciples of Christ Jesus (generally those of viii of John (TMSG). He visited Ephesus just after Paul both John’s Baptism and Christian Baptism ) must left, and he left Ephesus for Corinth just before be subsequent empowered by the Holy Spirit to Paul returned to Ephesus. Hence, the two men become His effective witnesses ix. never met in Ephesus. However, two colleagues of Paul, Aquila and Priscilla, heard Apollos preach and Spirit Empowered Transformation—Apollos found something amiss in him, something serious and The Twelve enough for them to take the trouble to counsel Let us take a look at what a different Apollos it him privately, being careful not to embarrass him was after being counselled by Aquila and Priscilla. publicly. Although we were not told of the content and nature of this private encounter, the immediate 27And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the account in Acts 19:1-7 gives us some clue. brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped Paul Counselled ’s Disciples those who had believed through grace; 28for he Publicly vigorously refuted the Jews publicly (in public

1 debate, NLT: TMSG) showing from the Scriptures And it happened, while Apollos was at that Jesus is the Christ. Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the (Acts 18: 27-28 with author’s emphasis underlined) upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some 2 disciples​ he said to them, “Did you receive the Before his private encounter with Aquila and Holy Spirit when you believed?” (“...when you Priscilla, Apollos’ outstanding performance could became believers?” NRSV) So they said to him, best be described as an intellectual expository “We have not so much as heard whether there is 3 preaching, characterized by mental prowess a Holy Spirit.” ​And he said to them, “Into what coupled with natural rhetorical eloquence. In then were you baptized? (Then what baptism did contrast, the post-encounter Apollos demonstrated you experience? NLT) So they said, “Into John’s 4 a different kind of ability in applying Scriptures baptism.”​ Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized by powerfully refuting his challengers with great with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people fluidity and spontaneity. In other words, the that they should believe on Him who would come 5 Scripture seemed to have come alive in a new form after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” ​When they of outworking in his mouth—call it the Sword of heard this, they were baptized in the name of the the Spirit if you like.

2 Have you ever watched a debate that became was the same event that transformed the twelve over-heated? Well, have you ever been challenged disciples Paul met, and as we related earlier, also publicly by opposition from your audience when Apollos...all in Ephesus. Whether we termed this you tried to preach? It certainly is a different experience “the coming upon,” the “baptism with/ scenario from a one-way sermon delivered to in,” “being filled with,” or “the reception of” a polite and passive audience. Typically, such the Holy Spirit, the results were consistent: an interaction consists of fast exchanges that require empowerment that transforms the natural into the ability to receive immediate heart-prompts that supernatural! seem to by-pass your normal thought processes! We can only accredit such ability to the immediate Spirit Empowered Witness of Christ inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We would often be Furthermore, the transformation was not limited amazed at how our intellectual capacity soared to to the ministry of preaching; Peter after new heights that we the preachers became the first did not just became an inspired preacher. His audience to be amazed and benefited by our own witness for Christ was accompanied by other utterances! supernatural signs and wonders as :8 became a reality in him! Therefore, by logical deduction, What about the twelve disciples of John? It was this empowerment of the Holy Spirit was meant to recorded that as the Holy Spirit came upon them, equip believers with supernatural manifestations they spontaneously spoke in tongues (supernatural of the same order (e.g., :1- utterances, and perhaps with interpreted tongues 8). Although the Scriptures does not record simultaneously as well) and they prophesied, i.e., more details, Apollos’ experience of the Spirit’s talking about the great acts of God in an unlearned/ empowerment in Ephesus brought about the learned language(s). This description reminds elevation of his ministry. From First Corinthians 1-4, us of the Day of Pentecost, and the 3000-souls- we see how highly he was regarded by the Church winning sermon Peter the fisherman-turned in Corinth (his reputation even equaled Peter preached immediately after his Baptism in the Holy and Paul!), and consider how highly Paul himself Spirit! respected the man! The Holy Spirit Empowered Transformation— How Then Should We Mentor—Whether to Peter One or Twelve? 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit Apollos and the twelve disciples of Ephesus…do and began to speak with other tongues, as the you think they exist today? Spirit was giving them utterance. …11Cretans and Arabs—“we hear them in our own tongues How must we explain the way of God to them speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”(Note: more accurately? Does it need a course on biblical prophesying)…14​ But Peter, taking his stand with exegesis and methods, or even some demonstration the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: of teaching styles and character analysis, or go “Men of and all you who live in Jerusalem, through the characteristics of a successful leader, let this be known to you and give heed to my or even make our protégés go through a M Div words… 16but this is what was spoken of through and PhD studies, perhaps some cross-cultural and the prophet … sociological studies? (:4-16 with author’s emphasis underlined)

All these can be helpful, but only if our Note how long and accurately Peter preached! protégés also experience the empowerment of His preaching could best be described as typical the Holy Spirit! We have seen how Paul and his “prophesying”, which is mainly teammates dealt with this issue. Isn’t the resulting “telling-forth from Scriptures the mighty deeds of transformation what every mentor everywhere is God,” in contrast with the typical Old Testament dying to see in his protégé? “fore-telling” prophecies, which could often be more predictive in nature. What transformed Peter

3 How to Know Truth Summary

“What is truth?” So asked (John One of my respected mentors recently reminded 18:38). me with a razor-sharp statement: the intellectual preacher challenges the intellect, but a Spirit-filled Integrity lies at the center of Christian character preacher challenges the heart! An intellectual and it determines the height of our personal preacher excites people with the same inclination walk (and talk) and ministry. For one thing, when but a spirit-filled audience uncovers his shortcoming confronted with truth, it allows truth a fair chance quickly, much like Paul and his teammates did, to be heard and understood, which precedes and so did the natives up the highland of northern repentance and renewal. Borneo (Philippians 2:3-4, 21).

11These were more fair-minded than those in I do not deny that there is power in intellectual Thessalonica, in that they received the word with exposition of the Word, for the Word itself is life all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to and power. My concern for the Chinese Church is find out whether these things were so (note the biblically rooted: we are not warring against flesh difference in their heart motivation if it says “… and blood (Ephesians 6). Considering who her whether these things were wrong.”) neighbors are, for China to become a real blessing (:11 with author’s commentary in to the nations, she needs much more than mere parentheses) intellectual exposition of the Scriptures and natural eloquence or zeal. She needs nothing less than the These Jews in Berea already knew the Scriptures Sword of the Spirit! enough to be able to challenge Paul. Integrity makes a heart willing to honestly re-examine what Finally, in summary, Apollos and the twelve they had always taken for granted as truths. With disciples of Ephesus had an experience akin to it, when confronted with their deficiency in the Pentecost x (Acts chapters 2, 8 and 10). This has way of Christ, Apollos and the twelve believers in to do with the supernatural empowerment of the Ephesus were able to recognize and accept truth, Holy Spirit for Christian effectiveness as Christ’s and they entered into God’s fullness for every true witnesses, Kingdom ambassadors who demonstrate believer. I invite you to look again at “the way” we the King’s Messages with signs and wonders (Mark have long considered as accurate in the same spirit. 16:15-18, Acts 1:4-8 and the entire book of Acts).

4 The vital necessity of this experience is evident from John’s baptism is exactly the same as those disciples who were the fact that the first and only reaction of both the baptized into Christ. Both John’s Baptism and the Christian Baptism are an expression of the willingness to repent from team of Aquila and Priscilla, and of Paul himself, and to turn by faith to Jesus Christ, God’s promised Lamb of was to deal with it without delay! My heart cry for atonement for sin. The key difference between the two my fellow mentors who are called to nurture the is their timing with reference to the completion of Christ’s new generation of Bible teachers and preachers for Atonement work (strictly, our knowledge of its completion was evidenced at Pentecost, John 16:7; Acts 2:33, Heb 9:12,24; China today is this: however we might define and 12:22-24). Believers who knew John’s Baptism had a forward- name such empowerment of the Holy Spirit, please looking faith in Christ to come as the Atonement work was yet help them GET IT! to be completed at the Cross of Calvary at the time of John’s ministry. It is therefore most correct to view Apollos and the twelve disciples as Old Testament believers, just like Abraham This is my urgent plea to pray for China who looked forward by faith to the coming Messiah, and they in preparation for the next 30 years of her were saved in Christ. metamorphosis (2010-2039). All post-Calvary believers who undertook the Christian baptism expressed a backward-looking faith in the same Christ who had completed the Atonement work on the Cross, and they were (footnotes) saved on the same basis as those Old Testament . i) TMSG-The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language Therefore, both these groups could be summarily taken as ii) NRSV: New Revised Standard Version Bible true believers of Christ Jesus. Both groups could receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit upon them, but New Covenant iii) Although it is also possible to translate as “Spirit” (e.g., as in believers in addition, can have the Holy Spirit indwelling them Young’s Literal Translation (ed.1), and as explained in Strong’s because of the finished work of Christ (:17). Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries), most commentators agree that the context is referring to the rational and immortal soul, mental Therefore, the key issue raised in Acts 18:23-19:7 is not disposition, or the human spirit. Thus most reliable Evangelical the difference between the two baptisms, or whether John translators and commentators regard this as referring to Apollos’ disciples are true believers or not. The point is, since Christ own human spirit (e.g., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. E. had completed the Atonement work, all believers (both OT and Gaebelein Frank (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), 9: 490.) NT) should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His effective witnesses to iv) NLB: New Living Bible the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). v) Tongues: Languages (TLB): languages especially one naturally ix) Paul’s first inquiry in Acts 19:2 “Did you receive the Holy unacquired, (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries) Spirit when you believed?”— The most direct and natural assumption is that Paul assumes that John’s Baptism, Christian vi) “Tongues and prophecy”: Praising God in tongues and talking Baptism, and Baptism in the Holy Spirit are three events that about God’s actions (TMSG); Prophecy: to foretell events, to could be separated. A common faulty exegetical approach is speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office, prophesy founded upon denominational dogma instead of sound biblical (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries) hermeneutics; e.g., it begins by declaring that “we know that salvation experience could not be separated or dislocated from vii) Upon careful analysis of the ministry of John the Baptist and the experience of baptism of the Holy Spirit…” However, his message from the , we must conclude that his it is entirely logical that such dislocations could take place message was a simple one. “Knowing the baptism of John” due to a geographical segregations and time-lapses in the can most logically mean just what Paul stated in Acts 19:4 progression of history, as might be the case of John’s disciples. “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying Another important cause for dislocations was the failure of to the people that they should believe on Him who would the Church to take immediate remedial action taken by Paul come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” This should be the and His teammates! Today these dislocations have developed same understanding for Apollos (well-instructed about Christ, (i.e. been aggravated) into various sects and denominations. As Acts 18:25) and the 12 disciples whom Paul ministered to, a result also, a large sector of the Church of God in general, i.e., John’s baptism is a commitment towards Jesus who was and the Chinese Church in particular, has never experienced to come after John. They did not progress further after their empowerment of the Holy Spirit the way she should. She is encounter with John’s ministry probably due to them losing increasingly weakened by a widespread rationalization of the track of the later development of the happenings in the Holy Scriptures. She needs a transformation, a shift from intellectual Land (e.g., in His absence when the resurrected Lord appears to Spirit-empowered Christianity as modeled in The to the disciples, Thomas did not have the same knowledge Book of Acts. about the Lord until 8 days later (:24-25, 26-29), and similarly, different groups of earliest disciples did not all know My definition of intellectual Christianity is simple. I refer to the post- ministry of Christ (:1-53, Acts 1- 2). those of us who are living and ministering predominantly out of our mental capacity instead of the guidance and outworking of viii) The nature of the faith in those disciples who only knew the Holy Spirit. In China, I have been comforted to see many

5 bible schools springing up everywhere on one hand, but on the appropriate circumstances, a Spirit-baptized believer will other hand, I must conclude that while there is a need for more be able to demonstrate more, if not all (this has been my bible schools, the key to making a real and lasting contribution conviction), of these supernatural manifestations of the Holy to Christianity in China is a Spirit-anointed curriculum. I am Spirit, for example, a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom, afraid over the last century the Western Church, in her zeal to the discernment of spirits, the gift of faith, gifts of healings help the Chinese Church, has introduced a brand of Christianity and of miracles, etc. The Church of God today is divided by patterned after her own—intellectual Christianity! The Western two extremist camps. The first consists of tongue-waggling Church has been largely weakened by post-modern and liberal ultra-Pentecostal and Charismatic evangelical who scholars who enthrone the mind, challenge the authority of the sometimes seem to have lost any rational and intellectual Bible, and deny every supernatural aspect of the Christian faith. power to analyze and discern scriptural truths. They are bent on She explains away the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit seeking emotional “highs” in spiritual experiences in preference with psychological and social sciences, humanistic philosophies to knowing God through His Word! I called them the “Wild-fire and analytical thinking, and rejects everything that could not fit Camp”. However, the opposite camp is no better! This consists squarely into their system of rationalism. of the pre-Holy Spirit-empowered “Apolloses” of Alexandria, but quite unlike Apollos of Alexandria, they have developed a x) Again, the only valid evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit detailed system of theology to explain away their lack of the is the supernatural manifestations of Holy Spirit in Christian Holy Spirit empowerment, and stand indifferent and unrepentant witness. Both Pentecostals and Charismatic evangelicals like the stone-cold wall of Jericho! The most outstanding are wrong to assert “tongues speaking” as the only valid workers of this camp are mentally highly-instructed and well- evidence—because even the records in Acts 19:1-7 which educated in the Scriptures. They are very rich in their “doctrine we studied in this paper recorded that there was at least one of baptisms”, but their lives and ministries are dry in the Spirit- other evidence, viz., prophesying, however we define it. It is --these are the stone-cold, hard-core, lifeless conservative more accurate to say that the vocal manifestations of tongues evangelicals! I sometimes called them the “Tablet-of-Stone (and interpretation of tongues) and prophesying are the more Camp”. Those who feel that they belong to neither of these two readily verifiable evidences for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. extreme camps should humble themselves and meet together Other evidences which are usually not immediately perceived somewhere in the middle ground to learn from each other. Then include other supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit the long awaited waves of revival in these last days would be such as those listed in 1 Corinthians 12:1-8. Given time and nearer than ever.

6 Theme

The Religious Beliefs of Christian Artists

Author: Bai Laoshi (mainland Christian artist) Edited by CCL editorial office

The Past – Footprints As history progressed, of Local Artists t h e i d e a o f t h e “artists’ village” swept Since the 1980s, a a c r o s s t h e n a t i o n number of intellectuals and “artists’ villages” a n d a r t i s t s o n t h e h a v e m u s h r o o m e d mainland have embarked e v e r y w h e r e . T h e s e on the journey of seeking include the “798 Art the truth. The plights Zone”, “Jiuchang Artists’ and tragedies besetting Village”, “Suojiacun both individuals and the Artists’ Village” and nation in the past have “Feijiacun Artists’ Village” driven them to reflect in Beijing; “Dadongfang on human’s weaknesses Artists’ Village”, “Pudong and and the ultimate Road Artists’ Village”, goals of humankind. the “Xinzeyuan Artists’ In the early 90s, artists Village” in Shanghai and from all over the nation the “Nanjing International swarmed into the nation’s Artists’ Village”. The h e a r t – t h e c i t y o f artists’ village is a place Beijing. “Yuan Ming Yuan” where artists can realize their dreams and life is a place where relics bear witness to the glory of goals, and those artists may come from different a place where Chinese and Western cultures once ethnic backgrounds including Han, Manchurian, met. This naturally became a gathering point for Mongolian and Hui. these artists. From there, “Yuan Ming Yuan Artists’ Village” was established which subsequently gained In terms of arts training institutions, there are influence on the international community. Later, only two arts schools directly under the Ministry for various reasons, including the artists’ relentless of Culture, namely The China Central Academy pursuit for excellence and other environmental of Arts and The China Academy of Art. Other art factors, the Artists’ Village was relocated to schools are governed by their respective provinces Maizidian in the eastern suburb of Beijing and yet or cities, such as Tianjian Academy of Fine Arts, later to the Xiaobao village of Songzhuang in the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Luxun Academy of Fine Tongzhou district. Arts and the Xian Academy of Fine Arts. To meet

7 the needs of society, the other hand, their “over- fine arts departments sensitivity” may easily of universities have land them in a position all been turned into where they may hurt a r t s a c a d e m i e s f o r themselves as well as nurturing talents in the others in the course of arts. Meanwhile, artists’ expressing themselves. villages all over the nation have attracted Several examples of artists and arts students “extreme” action arts by alike. Among those modern action artists: coming to these artists’ 1. An action artist villages, some are looking for an escape from hanged himself upside down above a river, cut a the hustle and bustle of city life, while others are 1 cm-deep wound into his two arms and let his seeking more inspiration and opportunities. blood drip into the river for 30 minutes. His blood was washed away in the river. After some time, the The Present – The Faith and Potential of river returned to its normal state. Chinese Christian Artists 2. Another action artist had an autistic syndrome and suffered from stammering. He had difficulties in Artists: spirituality, conversion to the Christian communicating with the outside world, and so faith and hurdles used his tongue to explore the world. His tongue At present, there are some 4,000 to 5,000 then became his means to communicate with the artists living in Songzhuang in Tongzhou district in outside world. Beijing, among whom 200 to 300 are Christians. Other action arts performed include: “eating Together with the Christians in other artists’ villages babies”, “eating human waste”, “flying in a zero- and other places in the city, the population of gravity condition” and “sleeping with the pigs”, etc. Christian artists in Beijing is around 3,000 to 4,000 in number. Across all the cities and provinces in Artists do creative work based on inspiration. the nation, the number of Christian artists stands at Without such inspiration, they feel depressed and about 50,000 to 60,000. frustrated. To a certain extent, artists work “in the spiritual realm” and as such are prone to Artists are a group of sensitive people whose deception and control by evil spirits. Sometimes feelings are also very vulnerable. Blessed with a the more they desire to express themselves, the gift for art, they often hold a unique yet critical harder it is for them to do so. Nevertheless, it is perspective towards the world. They have good possible for them to come to Christ if they are powers of observation as well as independent enlightened by the Holy Spirit. However, their thinking. They are eager to capture and read conversion may be more difficult because of rich meanings into everything happening around their strong ego and pride. In addition, many are them, including even small facial expressions. On influenced by Buddhism and tend to be vegetarians the one hand, they strive for self-actualization or worship the gods of Buddhism. However, once and ways to express their talents, and their strong they accept the Christian faith, their faith will be “ego” motivates them for more progress. On the strong and will not be easily swayed.

8 Difficulties in Pastoring Christian Artists such as art exhibitions (introducing their works and Since Christian artists have a strong ego, they inspiration), singing, and forums on the arts (arts, are very likely to be very self-centred and unwilling beliefs and life). We can use these same channels to be bound by rules. They think in an emotional to share with them and enhance mutual way, often jumping from one subject to another understanding and trust. The avenues we can adopt in their discussion with others. For rational-minded include: parties and gatherings to promote mutual counselors providing counseling to artists this can exchanges, spread the Gospel using the written prove a real challenge. In addition, artists also tend form of art, words (Chinese characters and the to be rather simple-minded and idealistic. Bible), exposition (discussing the truth) and forums (discussing art works). In addition, art exhibitions The Future – Conversion of Artists exploring the subject of spirituality and associated seminars and talks can be organized, while TV Artists explore issues relating to one’s life, mind programs can be hosted where the hosts chat with and spirit as well as the environment. This in a way Christian artists on subjects like their conversion, does not conflict with Christian belief in seeking beliefs, lives, their pursuit of the truth and feelings after the truth. Quite the contrary, their pursuits are towards art, etc. Hopefully by these means some often close to that of Christians. As artists explore artists can be touched by the Holy Spirit and turn the meaning of life and find expressions to the Lord. in their artistic work, Christians can find a common language with them in sharing the (In the next issue, we will continue to discuss developments in Gospel. bringing artists to the Christian faith and the challenges in doing so. Please watch out for it!) Artists’ search for the meaning and value of life is often done through a wide array of channels,

9 News Express

Books Donated to Graduates of Mainland Seminaries

This year, CCL and Josh McDowell Ministry have joined hands to donate books on the Christian faith to a total of 428 graduates, as well as teachers and libraries in seven seminaries, Bible schools and training centres on the mainland. A total of 8,268 volumes were donated, including The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict (China Religious Culture Publisher), More Than a Carpenter (TSMP/CCC), and “‘Be” Series (TSMP/CCC), Be All You Can Be (CCL) and Joni (Phoenix Publishing) etc. From 31 May to 7 June 2012, the CCL, together with Jeff Lauer, Operations Director of Global Publishing of Josh McDowell Ministry and Jennifer Lauer, visited the Guangdong Union Theological Seminary, Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, Zhejiang Theological Seminary, Hangzhou Christian Training Centre, Yanjing Theological Seminary and East China Seminary to make the donations.

t At Guangdong Union Theological Seminary: — receiving the donation of books are Rev. Xu Jieping, the Standing Vice President (second from right), Rev. Cai Jianwei, Dean (third from right), Rev. Shih, Librarian (fifth from right) and representatives of the graduates this year. Sixth and fifth from left are Jeff Lauer, Operations Director of Global Publishing of Josh McDowell Ministry, and Jennifer Lauer. Mr. Thomas Tang, General Secretary of CCL (first from right).

p Representatives of the graduates this year of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary received the donation of books.

p Rev. Lou Shibo, Executive Vice qGraduates this year of Yanjing Theological President of Zhejiang Theological Seminary receiving the donation of books. Seminary (second from left) and Rev. Gu of Hangzhou Christian Training Centre.

p Rev. Xie Bingguo, President of East China Seminary (second from left), receiving the donation of books on behalf of the Seminary.

10 Editorial office

Lagging behind – pray for rural churches attend even short-term trainings. Lacking access to proper Christian literature, co-workers either dare not interpret the “Our church is in a remote village. Some members of Bible or misinterpret Biblical teachings, harming churches our congregation have gone elsewhere for work while other and believers.” (sharing by co-worker at a south-central co-workers and believers have moved to the cities for their church) children’s education. The meeting points here generally lack workers and some cannot even hold Sunday services. Urban No pastors would want to misinterpret the scriptures. churches are in a much better position than us. Our church And yet some mainland workers are continuing to teach, has only volunteer, no full-time preachers, and it is hard for pastor their congregation with the Bible every day , even them to do pastoral work. The only elder in our county is misinterpreting teachings unknowingly sometimes, despite the extremely busy. May God’s mercy be on him!” (sharing by a lack of adequate Christian literature! The lack of materials worker in the south central area). would stifle co-workers’ growth and affect churches’ long- term development. May the Lord equip undertrained Underdeveloped rural churches often can’t keep mainland workers with suitable Christian materials to help workers. May the Lord help rural churches get the support them nurture believers. of urban churches as soon as possible, and show mercy to overburdened workers, keep them from being exhausted.

The unbalance economic development - Unfavorable social climate – pray for the Pray for the development of the western opening up of people’s hearts region and the churches there According to Xinhua net, the economic report on the “As our city is undeveloped economically, people tend latest quarter shows a rapid decline in the GDP in 24 to be rather idle and not busy with work. Quite many provinces; only provinces like Jiangsu, Henan, Guangxi, uneager to work spend their time in mahjong parlours, Inner Mongolia and Ningxia experienced growth that was but many marriages are ruined as a result. The people faster than the same period last year. The economic growth here admire great historical figures and lack interest in the West was faster than that of the East, mainly because in the Christian faith. It is very difficult spreading the of the larger room for investment there. Its economic gospel.” (sharing by a worker in a south-central church). development has also benefitted from the relocation of enterprises to the West from the East. The economy in the Gambling not only reduces a city’s competitiveness but Eastern part is export-oriented and subject to the fluctuations also brings forth various social problems. May the Lord in the external market. Its property sector is also hit by change the unfavorable social climate and lead people to live government adjustment policies. The rate of growth of the an active life, develop healthy values and be open towards GDP in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou has also slowed Christianity. down. (News from Xinhua Net on 11 May 2012)

May the Lord bless the development of the Western region to bring about improvement in economic life and Misinterpretation of the Bible – pray for people’s livelihood. Mainland churches on the East coast training for church workers are stronger than those in the impoverished, slow-developing “Thanks for sending us the 10-volume “Christian worker West. The churches in the East have been providing resources series” by Rev. Hay-chun Maak. My fellow church workers for them, supporting their struggling pastors. May He raise are so jealous. I hope you can send them the series too. up more co-workers to support the future development of In rural areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, resources are churches in the Western part of the country. lacking and for various reasons, church workers cannot Editorial office

Why not serve in teams? – Pray for group Pray for revival of the remote land ministry “During a training session, I was greatly inspired by the “We once went preaching in a county in the south-central instructor’s teaching of caring for one another in groups. area. People there told us about a dilapidated church where I tried to adopt this model at my church. In the past, I the descendants of a former preacher live. The brothers travelled for hours on the road visiting brothers and sisters and sisters on the same trip with me cried at the sight of in remote regions. But as I could not often do that I did not the church; it was thriving more than a century ago but has provide them with adequate pastoral care. After the training, become stagnate since the latter part of the last century. I and I realized the importance of delegating work and involving the other brothers and sisters decided to spread the gospel to others in paying home visits.” (sharing by a pastor in the other counties in the area and set up a church in each. Now Southwest) we are prepared to re-open that church. May the Lord revive it and spread the gospel to all corners!” (sharing by a church Despite limited resources, mainland church workers are worker in the East) stressed out from providing pastoral care in remote areas. Thank God for letting the pastor see a way out through team Please pray for this small evangelical team committed to work. May He help more churches develop teams and train spreading the gospel to the remote county. May the Lord help up a new generation of workers through them. with their church revival work. May the Lord move more hidden believers to join in rebuilding God’s glorious temple and spreading the gospel to people unreached by it. May He raise more believers committed to rebuilding God’s homes across the mainland.

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