Jun 23, 2009 Hi Matt,I'm from the Philippines.I just want to thank you for your love and devotion to God because it really reaches to other peaople you've never met and places you have never visited. And yet so powerfully touched. You continually encourage us here on this other side of the world.
I thank you partners for praying and sowing into our recent outreach into China. On many levels it was a great success. The Bible talks a lot about love. One thing is true. Love is more than just words. Love has action. During our time in China that is exactly what I saw and was a part of. Love in action.
Our ministry there took on several different dynamics. One of our major focuses was spending time with what many in the west call the “underground church.” In China they prefer to call it the “house church.” We also had the opportunity to visit with a government church. The government church is known as the Three Self Church.
Government churches are registered with the government and have some regulations placed upon them. They are also much more conservative in nature. The house church movement is not officially registered with the government and as a result they have much more freedom of worship. They are not restricted in what they can preach nor how they can worship.
ADVENTURES IN HOUSE CHURCH MEETINGS
It was quite an adventure ministering in the house church meetings. We began with a house church conference for pastors, leaders and workers that ministered in the earthquake region of China. This was one of our largest gatherings with around 100 in attendance. For a house church meeting this is definitely on the large size. Most house church meetings are from 10-15 people. I ministered on the glory and power of the Holy Spirit in the first meeting. Shortly after this meeting officials came and shut the conference down. Our meetings were reported and we were forced to disband. I can’t share anymore about what happened due to the security risks of such information. Our intercessors were praying fervently for us from home and we were able to continue our trip in China.
Partner with Power
