MINISTRY//An unanticipated opportunity

Three of us met her four years ago when we taught a group of Christians in an off-the-path village in a mountainous backwoods-area of China.

She and her father were part of a group of about 100 believers who had gathered to listen to our presentation.

Don’t ask casually

She listened closely to our teaching. She noted that what we were saying aligned with the Scriptures. However, she did not introduce herself or take any of us aside to ask questions. She left that day wondering if 316NOW might help her church grow closer to the Savior. But she also remembered her believing father's advice, "Don't ask for spiritual help casually. Look for an authentic pastor."

Three years later, she was ready to ask for spiritual help in a way that was not casual. She reached out to our liaison who had served as the translator for us on the day she met us. She explained, "I am very worried for the welfare of the believers in my church. We have a great need for good preaching and teaching." Of course, our liaison offered our help.

God’s unanticipated plans

Our liaison writes, "I am very touched by the way God works. Sometimes we don't know what the long-term results of sharing God's Word will be. But this is another example of how God created a beautiful opportunity through this believing sister that we couldn't have predicted. She is now taking our on-line courses with joyful thanksgiving. May others in her church soon follow her. And may God use the good reputation he has given our teachers to draw more needy people into this sound study of the truth!"

What you can do: China has blocked 316NOW’s ability to travel, let alone teach God’s Word, inside its borders. We don’t know when, or if, that will change. But there are thousands of Christians in China that the Spirit has introduced to 316NOW, although they have not become part of our online Bible institute. Pray that they are led to our classrooms and, from there, to gospel ministry in their churches and communities.