This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be
glad in it. We praise God for another day that we can gather and
celebrate His name.
Recently, when many church walls came tumbling down across
China, the forced demolition drew widespread international
attention. This was due to photos circulating on China’s version
of Twitter. Now, these photos have documented how local
authorities have continued their campaign to de-Christianize
the skyline of wealthy Wenzhou, one of China’s most Christian
The latest in the report comes from the city of Ningbo, where
famous missionary James Hudson Taylor once worked. Officials
have ordered services to halt at the 1,000-member Xiaying
Holy Love Church, and demolition work has reportedly already
begun, because the church refused to tear down the large cross
at the top of its ten-story building.
Meanwhile, Ian Johnson of The New York Times, offers
a thorough analysis of the much-discussed destruction of
Sanjiang Church. The Telegraph, which has chronicled the
plight of Christians and churches in China’s southeastern
province of Zhejiang this spring, reports that six churches so far
have been completely or partially destroyed.
Reports like these sensitizing us to the plight of our brethren in
other places, should motivate us to pray for them earnestly.
The word of God encourages us to pray for those who are in
bonds. Let us not neglect this most important Christian duty.
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
1. BOARD MEETING
Today; 6:00 p.m.
2. WARFARE PRAYER & FASTING
Wednesday, Lunch Hour Warfare Payer,12
noon. Evening Warfare Prayer 5:30 p.m.
3. PRAYER HOUR
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
4. NEXT SUNDAY
Worship & Ministry, 9:00 a.m.
CONGRATULATIONS:
a. Elder Julian Jackson – Selected by AARP. as one
of four outstanding fathers from St. Thomas.
b. Deaconess Maureen Bryan – Selected by
VI Waste Management Authority as the most
outstanding employee for the year.
CONDOLENCES:
Apostle Edghill and Pastor Emily, along with the
entire FEA. Family, extend our deepest condolences
to Elder Evans on the passing of his eldest brother
and also to Sis. Leta Hanley on the passing of her
Be assured that our prayers are with you in this
difficult hour.
GET IN THE GAME
I LOVE GOING TO CHICAGO’S WRIGLEY FIELD FOR A BASEBALL
GAME—SITTING IN THE STANDS, DOWNING A GREAT HOT DOG, AND
CHEERING THE CUBS ON TO VICTORY!
UNFORTUNATELY, CHRISTIANITY HAS BECOME A LOT LIKE
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS. AS A FRIEND OF MINE HAS OBSERVED, THERE
ARE NINE GUYS ON THE BASEBALL FIELD DOING ALL THE WORK AND
THOUSANDS IN THE STANDS JUST WATCHING. AND AS YOU PROBABLY
KNOW, THAT’S NOT GOD’S GAME PLAN FOR HIS PEOPLE. HE WANTS
US TO CLIMB OUT OF THE STANDS, GET OUT ON THE FIELD, AND JOIN
IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHAT GOOD YOU CAN DO ON THE FIELD,
WONDER NO MORE. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES?
JESUS CAN TAKE YOUR “SILVER AND GOLD” AND USE IT TO
ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS FOR HIS GLORY.
BUT MORE THAN JUST GETTING OUT YOUR CHECKBOOK, YOU HAVE
GIFTS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE. GOD HAS GIVEN EACH OF US SPIRITUAL
GIFTS THAT CAN HELP ADVANCE HIS KINGDOM. WHETHER IT’S
TEACHING, ENCOURAGING, SERVING, SHOWING HOSPITALITY, OR
EXTENDING MERCY, EACH ABILITY CAN YIELD GREAT DIVIDENDS.
LET’S FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL, WHO TIRELESSLY SERVED ON
GOD’S FIELDS FOR THE JOY OF BEING USED BY HIM (COL. 1: 28-29).
BELIEVE ME, IT’S FAR MORE REWARDING TO BE ON THE FIELD THAN
TO SIT IN THE STANDS. —Joe Stowell