China Journal
Oct. 30
Sonny met us at 8a.m. -she has a 2 hour bus ride each way. She is working hard to serve us this week.
We went to a Jade factory and then on to see The Great Wall. Awesome!
We enjoy visiting with Sonny during the trip; we can talk freely, the driver cannot speak or understand English.
Sonny has such a vibrant and child like faith, yet faces the very real challenges of being a believer in China with a simple yet strong trust in the Lord. When Steve asked her if she is afraid, she laughs as if to say, "How can you ask that?" I have prayed and trust my God.
I'm sure the example of those who have suffered before her light the way . The 86 year old Pastor said "I am not afraid-they imprisoned and tortured me for 23 years-what else can they do now?
After lunch we drove back to Beijing to "Tienamann" Square-the site of the Student Democracy movement & the Massacre of 1989.
It was chilling to stand there with the clear mental picture of that young student in front of the tank.
From the square to the Forbidden city, an incredible "city" where the emperors lived. Hard to imagine how impressive this was in 1416-It certainly must have been other wordly. Plain to see the importance of the Dragon in this culture.
Believers here see the Dragon as symbol of the source of power for these rulers.
At exit of the city we were literally mobbed by "Free Enterprise" sales people hawking all types of souvenirs.
Saw an "Amway" sign on a building. China may never be the same.
Dinner was shared in an out of the way restaurant on a back street, again in a private room. We were blessed to meet another 80 year old Pastor and his wife. He had been imprisoned for 21 years, for his faith in Christ, subject to torture and hard labor. He is now actively sharing the Gospel.
Also we met "Mable" a 93 year old, medical Dr., a women who has been a believer over 60 years and still travels to Tibet, a very long distance and a very hard trip. This 93 year old woman was a friend of Watchman Nee's wife. She said she heard Watchman Nee preach several times. Usually to small groups.
It seems the "Grace" message doesn't draw large crowds then or now. Watchman Nee has always seemed bigger than life to me, this lady seemed a little surprised at the way we felt about him.
