“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” John 10:10

 One of the really wonderful things about going on a mission trip is to meet members of the Body of Christ in other parts of the world. You arrive at your destination and Christians are there to meet you, people you have never seen before! They welcome you with big smiles and you can feel the love of Christ surrounding them. On one of our trips, we met an unforgettable young lady named Gretl. She was born in China, the “land of the Dragon.” The government had attempted to destroy Christianity and the Bible and Gretl had never heard the good news of the gospel. Only evolution was taught in the schools and all knowledge of God was stamped out. Her parents had never heard of Jesus.

Friends invited her to a Bible study and out of curiosity, she accepted. We asked Gretl what attracted her to Christianity? She said the first thing was the loving acceptance of the believers. They were different. They were friendly, kind, and loving and were a contrast to what she had known. As she began to meet with them, she heard the message of the cross. As she listened, she heard about the love of God and the grace of God and it overwhelmed her. She realized that Jesus died for her, and that He loved her! It was at that point she accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She gave Him her whole heart, soul and mind. That is what grace does!

Gretl was educated as a Veterinarian, but she felt the Lord tugging at her heart to serve him as a teacher in a newly formed Christian school. She gave up her position to tell the good news to children. She also serves as a tour guide in her home city. People have said to her, “Show us a miracle and we will believe.” Gretl replies, “The greatest miracle is when Jesus saves your soul and turns your life around as He did mine!”  To Gretl, there are only two kinds of people in China:  those who are Christians and those who are “not yet” Christians!

I am happy to say that Jesus Christ is alive and well in China. The land that has been dark for centuries and now under the power of the Communists has been invaded by Jesus Christ! The underground church is strong there and people from all walks of life are coming to Christ. Even the government sponsored Three-Self churches are being taught by believing pastors and teachers! The good news of the gospel is spreading and the government doesn’t know what to do about it! They can’t understand the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives. Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly! Pray for the church in China, that the power of the Holy Spirit would light a fire that will spread across the nation and around the world!

Your friend, Jean