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02/08/2021
Prayer Updates
When God calls you to mission he may want you to do something you had never imagined or feel qualified to do. But if you know it’s His voice, then you can trust him fully. He will never disappoint! ….
The gently spoken elderly couple on the main street had an anxious moment as a town official approached.
They were, as usual, handing out gospel tracts and thought they were about to be asked to leave. They were surprised when the official said the he was always happy to see them and that they were an asset to the busy town centre!
They thought that the reaction might have been different in another city where they had previously spent eight years running foster homes!
They have fond memories of that ancient city perched high in the Chinese Himalayas.
As an engineer in a local New Zealand canning company, Jeff and his wife had never thought too much about China. Then Jennifer read “God’s Smuggler”. After that she was fixed on smuggling Bibles into China. Jeff was not so keen. He was not much interested in mission and suggested they send a donation instead!! But God changed his heart and he, Jennifer and five others ended up doing multiple trips across the border from Hong Kong with their precious cargo. The next year they were back, this time with 13 helpers and then 9 more the following year. Thousands of Bibles delivered to hungry believers.
By now they knew that God had squarely laid China on their hearts. They both resigned their jobs and at the age of 63 and 60 respectively began a two and a half year Chinese language study programme at Chengdu University. No easy task.
On campus, they met a lady from Europe who was hoping to open a home for a small group of orphan children. The couple knew, without a doubt, that God had arranged this meeting. Their Holy Spirit led pathway forward was clear.
And so it turned out that Jeff and Jennifer, with a working knowledge of Chinese, arrived in a Himalayan city in the late 1990’s. Before long, with the help of local officials, the Home of Love came into being and 7 orphaned children aged from 7 to 11 joined their household.
Whilst they had to control their evangelistic instincts in public, their home (later homes) provided a secure caring environment with a strong Christian influence. Many of the children became followers of Jesus.
Of course there were challenges but God was in control. Visas, finance, Christian helpers, relationships with the Government – none of these ever became an issue. The story of the Homes of Love is inspiring with many testimonies of young lives changed – but more of that another time.
The lesson of this story is that when God knocks on your door don’t be surprised if He comes with a challenge. You may think you are too old, unqualified or even have no interest. God has never been concerned about the first two and He has His ways of dealing with the third. Ask Jeff and Jennifer!
Jeff and Jennifer, now well into their 80s, continue to share the Gospel in their home town. They retain a great love for China and its people. They stay in touch with many of their China children. Having helped establish CCSM in New Zealand they continue to be prayer warriors and faithful supporters of our Ministry. They are a true blessing. (Please note: for reasons of privacy, names have been altered).
Pray that many will hear the call to China and respond without hesitation.
Lift up Jeff and Jennifer as they continue to serve as He leads.
Pray for the Chinese orphans like those who lived in the Homes of Love. Pray that Government programmes would grow so that all disadvantaged children are able to have a chance in life.