MINISTRY / No Easter greetings

Last Easter -- as well as for prior Easters -- I sent my friends in China a Scripture graphic celebrating Jesus' resurrection. The attached graphic is the one I sent in 2021. It quotes Matthew 28:6, He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

I won't send an Easter graphic like that this year. Since March 1, China has forbidden any posts with religious content in emails, on social media, or on apps like Zoom or Skype.  

What I will do is send a graphic of, perhaps, a morning sunrise or a spring garden. The text will say I am thinking about them. That veiled message will be sufficient to invite them to rejoice that we share our risen and ruling Savior's victory. 

This Holy Week, my heart feels a special burden for my friends and for Christians throughout China. That burden expands to those who are yet to be led to Christ. The restrictions the government there imposes on their faith seem daunting. Yet in my heart I will also celebrate that Jesus' resurrection urges us, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

Jim Aderman, 316NOW Executive Director

What you can do: Pray that the Christians in China, along with those the Spirit is still calling to faith, will find more assurance in Jesus' empty tomb than ever before.