December 17, 2007
We want to celebrate with you this season of the birth of good news into our world.
This month I celebrated with the Amity Foundation, the China Christian Council and the United Bible Societies (UBS) on their printing of the 50 millionth Bible to come off their presses in Nanjing since 1987. At the same time, I witnessed the signing of the next ten year extension agreement between the UBS and the Amity Foundation in this ministry to share God's word in China and around the world. Yes, of the 50 million, more than 41 million in Chinese and in languages of minority nationalities in China were printed for people right in China, while the additional almost nine million were printed for Bible Societies in other countries around the world. I also had the opportunity to see the new, larger printing plant that will soon be completed and will double printing capacity in the future. Through the Amity Printing Company, China may, in fact, become the largest printer of Bibles in the world, both for the people of China and for the people of the world. The good news is continuing to spread.
Christmas will also be an active time of sharing the good news in Nanjing, with churches and seminary having many services and activities. There will be a program with gospel skits and Christmas music at the seminary on Friday night, a candlelight service of Christmas music at a local church on Saturday evening, regular Sunday services (2-4 services at each church), a massive outdoor Christmas Eve program at the seminary and huge Christmas Eve services at the local Churches on Monday evening, and services at the seminary and at the churches on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve in particular, many who have heard that something special takes place will come "to see this thing that is happening." It is indeed an exciting time to see the Holy Spirit at work!
In July I visited the medical
clinics we helped to build in Ningxia Province. Many American Baptists have
helped fund these clinics through the One Great Hour of Sharing, by raising
donations in their regions. AB Women have also helped with medicine through
their White Cross donations. In fact, a new distribution of medicines has
gone out to the clinics this month, good news for those who are ill and
especially good news for those who would not be able to afford the medicine
they need on their own.
I will be completing my first semester of
teaching at the seminary in mid-January. Developing skills in Biblical and
Theological English gives students access to theological and Bible study
resources in English, as well as opening avenues for in depth theological
dialogue with other believers and theologians around the world. In addition,
some of these seminarians will also have opportunities to share the gospel in
English with young Chinese initially simply seeking to improve their English
by attending English worship and bible study activities in local churches. So,
bringing language to the students also helps them bring the good news.
Seventy-eight of the thousands of children who have lost parents through the
AIDS problem in Henan province have the good news that American Baptists will
help fund their school fees, provide some clothing and extra food. I will be
visiting many of these children from January 27 through February 4, to share the
warmth of your love and care with them personally in the coldest season of the
year.
You can share further in bringing good news by volunteering for the Summer
English Program in July. You can
read on this website the experience of six volunteers from Madison, WI who
taught last July in Jinan, Shandong Province. Program information for the Summer
English Program is on the
Amity
Foundation website.
Our six SEP volunteers with 126 Chinese teachers in Jinan, Shandong province.
The good news is that Jesus has come to bring healing to the sick, clothes and food to the poor, and communicate love and peace to his people around the world. May you celebrate this good news with joy.
Love and Peace to all,
Judy