MINISTRY//Lord, look at those buildings!

Buildings! The economy in China seems to be slowing, but the building boom continues. Huge buildings. Skyscrapers of awe-inspiring design. Foresting land that a handful of years ago was tilled by farmers.

One of our teachers who traveled in China for us last fall relfects on those buildings.

Impressive construction

I was so impressed by the buildings that I kept on uttering, “Wow. Amazing.”

It made me think of the day that Jesus and his disciples were walking down the streets of Jerusalem and his disciples were impressed by the grandeur of Herod’s magnificent buildings. In Matthew 24:1–2 we read: “Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Impressive kingdom

When I saw the economic prosperity in China, and the amazing cities it has produced, I couldn’t help but be impressed.

But one day, just like Jerusalem, it will all be destroyed. All of these monuments to human ingenuity and willpower will disappear — in China, in the United States, everywhere. The kingdoms of this world will all fall and end in ruin. Only one kingdom will truly last.

In China, the kingdom of God is still like a small mustard seed. But it is growing. The Christians I’ve met here are strong, loving, and devoted to the cause of Christ. They lack the resources and training that we have in America, but their faith is vibrant and alive.

Impressive opportunity

Our team has come here to offer the rich resources and encouragement that we have to give. It is through this small band of Christians that the gospel will come to the nearly countless people in China. What a privilege to serve Jesus by serving these church leaders. We must help them in every way we can.