We returned to China to build another church in a village outside of a major city. The people in the village were as warm and welcoming as always. It never ceases to amaze us how being in God's family creates instant bonds with people in China.
When we arrived in the village, we had to eat lunch first thing. Before we even began doing any work, we were fed like kings with over 19 dishes to eat. At the jobsite, the first row of blocks was laid and we started working with the local bricklayers to get the walls up as high as possible. Again, we got to about 10-12 feet high with the walls when the locals figured we were high enough. The church is finished by now and is likely full of people worshipping God.
At the building dedication, we got to spend over an hour celebrating this new church building with the people of the village. Over 200 people were in attendance and heard about God's love for them. For over half of the people there, it was the first time they heard anything from the Bible. The local preacher's all shared with the crowd. We had a couple of testimonies from our team. A college group we work with provided a keyboard and guitar for the church to use in services. We provided many other special gifts to the church and local people that they will enjoy for years to come.
This year, we got to visit several churches and preachers. After a quick tour of these little churches, we spent time praying with and encouraging the preacher. It is hard to describe the amount of love shared with these co-laborers in God's kingdom and how uplifted we all were during these times of visiting together.
Thank you so much for helping the people in China. Your prayers and contributions really make a difference in this incredible land. We can't wait to go back. We invite you to join us in this experience of a lifetime.
