MINISTRY / The Spirit is answering our travel prayers

"I can't tell you how excited I am that you are going to visit our friends in (a Chinese city we won't name)."

That's how our administrator for 316NOW's Education Division reacted at an online meeting this morning when our Chinese liaison described his April travel plans. (Our liaison is the Confessional Lutheran Chinese pastor who is our ambassador to our students and friends in China.)

Treasured memories 

I treasure my memories of spending time with these Christians on two trips to China. They were caring hosts who enjoyed showing me some of China's wonders. Most of all, they were eager students of God's Word and exemplary evangelists.

After three years of very restrictive travel rules in China, it is now possible for people there to travel more freely. Our liaison has arranged to spend time with this group of Christians who, for most of the last decade, have studied together in our Bible institute. This visit is an answer to our prayers.

 A Thessalonian lesson

Over these years, we have felt Like Paul who desperately wanted to visit the believers in Thessalonica. He wrote, Brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20).

Now we are able, like Paul, to send our Timothy to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3). Would you keep our liaison’s travels in your prayers? Pray for a safe journey that will benefit our Christian brothers and sisters. But also pray that his travels escape the eyes of any Chinese officials that would disrupt his visit.  Thank you.