Through their blows, the persecutors and the persecuted came to know one another. This is an important gain for both of us, as we continue to walk through persecution. This is what it means when we Chinese say: “Out of blows, knowledge grows!”
There will always be conflicts for people who grow up in a traditional Chinese education, because a Chinese education is an atheistic education. But I never doubted the existence of God. The existence of God was as natural to me as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. It was as natural to me as getting up in the morning.
I am a subversive patriot because, despite the progress we have made as a nation, America is not my best hope for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." My ultimate allegiance is to a King who gave up his own life, liberty, and happiness to redeem us from the tyranny of sin.
I thought if I had a good family, then I did not need anything else, including God. If my heart was satisfied with life, then that was all I wanted. Marriage was my idol. I am so thankful God was never satisfied to let my desires for my husband or for a strong marital relationship be enough. God used my disappointment with my husband and marriage to point to something more important: the relationship I have with him.
Read MoreAround topics of sex and sexuality, it is not uncommon for conversations to be steeped in shame and fear. The enemy uses these emotions and fears to keep hidden that which God desires bring into the light. Many women approached us and thanked us for boldly and beautifully bringing these topics into the light. They expressed a sincere longing to understand God’s design for them as sexual beings and what it looks like to steward the gift of sex.
While I can’t speak for the larger Chinese population, the women we met were encountering challenges similar to those faced by American women. There app
Read More‘If I had aborted my child, I would be having a good life. But I decided to keep the child and to become a single mother. Single mothers are particularly vulnerable to societal discrimination. Many people think we are promiscuous.’
Read MoreThe gospel’s biggest impact on me is that it changed how I viewed human existence. The truth is that human existence is not random, and life is not without meaning because God has prepared eternal life for us. I was hopeless about life before I heard the gospel because of my own sinfulness and my separation from God. But through Christ’s redemption, I have been restored and am now truly alive having God’s spirit in me.
Read MoreI hope to have my grandmother’s perseverance and her attitude toward her work. It is worth my time learning these things from her. As for my mom, I hope that I can have her strong faith in the Lord and her thirst for the Bible. I am not there yet. I want to learn from both of them.
Read MoreI often wonder when I will be able to step down. Most churches are led by brothers, and in most cases their family members are all believers. So, I wonder whether I am not building up the church with my example. I think about this every day, but every time I pray about leaving my position, God does not allow me to do it.
Read MoreIn my opinion, the key issue is not about whether one wears dresses or heels. It is about how a woman understands beauty. Does she believe that God has given her a beautiful image when he created her? And does she believe that we are a group a women whom God personally created, that we have many fine and beautiful ideas, and that the wisdom we possess is from God?
Read MoreI have learned over and over that when I trust him, I can overcome many more of my deepest sins that are controlling me. Perhaps my family of origin did leave an indelible imprint on me. But the power of Christ, the power of the gospel, can deliver me from such a darkness so that I can have greater joy. Then more of Christ’s character will flow out of my life.
Read MoreThe social, spiritual, and even physical struggles expressed by Chinese women are both familiar and foreign to their Western sisters.
Read MoreAs America participates in national debate and conversation over sexual assault, so too does China. High profile cases involving women and children have at times sparked outrage and at other times, apathy. Recent studies show that 1 in 3 Chinese college students have experienced sexual harassment, and estimates suggest that a potential 25 million minors under the age of eighteen have suffered sexual abuse. Let us pray this week for both of our nations to recognize the statistical realities, repent of sin, heal the damaged, and protect the vulnerable.
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