Heaviness and Hope in China

 Posted at The Aquila Report:

This letter is from a missionary in China who is supported by certain Presbyterian churches in the United States.

"The image of God is still apparent in the Chinese people, but these tough times bring out the worst in the people’s sinful natures. I have focused all of my training, teaching, and church relationships on encouraging the church to be bold to evangelize and serve the sufferers. It is only with the Gospel of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that we can redeem and change China. Please pray for the strength of my convictions and my faith and trust in Christ to be maintained and increased, and please pray for my family’s safety."

PRAYERS FOR THE FIELD

I wish I could say “Happy Chinese New Year” with a joyful heart, but unfortunately, I can’t be joyful when the people I serve are suffering. Despite all the propaganda numbers posted by the authorities, the reality is that 80% of Chinese people are living in poverty or in danger of falling into poverty. Most people have lost their jobs, and those who have jobs have had their salary cut by 20-50% or more. In many places, even government workers have not been paid for many months. Petty crimes have skyrocketed, and there are “revenge murders” (meaning the person has a bad life, so he’s taking others out with him) are happening more and more frequently.

What is the government’s solution? The Central Government “stimulus” is not given to the people in need but to local governments and government-owned businesses and entities that destroyed the economy with their corruption in the first place! Local governments are trumping up charges so they can fine people as much as possible. A local traffic policeman is told his daily mission is to write at least 30 tickets. In the fourth quarter of the year, government tax revenue is significantly down, but overall revenue is up because of fines and other charges. As you can imagine this made people’s lives worse off. Private enterprises are being shaken down for money, and so are mom-and-pop shops. There are four shopping malls around in my area and most of the stores are out of business.

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