MINISTRY//A celebration of God's grace
Yesterday (October 25), most members of the 316NOW team came together for a retirement celebration for our only full-time worker. Though scattered across the United States, they assembled online to thank God for the two decades of kingdom service he provided 316NOW and tens of thousands of souls in China through our liaison, our bridge.
Jiao, our liaison
For security reasons, we won't mention our liaison's real name. We'll call her Jiao (it means a loveable beautiful person who loves to teach).
Jiao became part of 316NOW in 2002. Since she grew up in China and emigrated to the United States as an adult, God had marvelously positioned her to become a bridge between the American Christians who formed our ministry and the Chinese Christian leaders we sought to serve. She not only speaks both Mandarin and English, but she understands Chinese and American culture. What a blessing that has been as our 316NOW staff has wrestled with sharing God's Word with people in a culture much different than our own.
Jiao, a passionate servant
Jiao has been a tireless servant. She maintains contact with our students in China, often talking with them in the middle of the night because China is a dozen hours ahead of the Central U.S. time zone. She has served as registrar for our Bible institute, as translation supervisor and translator recruiter, as mission trip organizer, and as advisor to our administrators.
Jiao's passion for bringing the message of God's grace to the people of China is exemplary. And compelling for those of us who work with her. Her passion springs from being brought to faith in Jesus after many years of fruitless searching and then finding the gospel's guarantees in her crucified and resurrected Savior. No one can spend time with Jiao with hearing about Jesus.
Jiao, her service continues
Now Jiao has entered a new phase in her life. But we thank God that, even in retirement, Jiao will have a role in 316NOW's ministry.
What you can do: Please offer your own prayer of thanksgiving for Jiao. And ask the Spirit to continue to use her in remarkable ways in retirement.