God has worked in amazing ways in China. We made plans for Friday to meet Chinese angel in the afternoon and talk in his school so the students could practice their English. Somehow the afternoon to him meant 9:30am when he knocked on our doors and told us that he had scheduled us to talk to the junior students at 10am! We frantically threw on clothes and headed over to the school.
Our friend, who by the way greatly resembles a Chinese Fra’nk from Father of the Bride, told us it would be very easy. The students would ask us questions and we would answer them. Maybe at the end we could teach them a song as well. Katherine had a vision of the kids singing “Jesus loves me.” She asked us to pray that our friend would accept this idea.
We were ushered into the school and then the headmaster’s office to wait while the students arrived in the lecture room. Finally it was time to enter a room filled with over 300 applauding students. We sat at a long table with microphones, and I felt very much like I was at a press conference or diplomat meeting.
The students would ask us questions like, “What do you think of China?” and “Do you like pop music?” In response to the latter question, they actually requested we sing “Right Here Waiting for You.” Who knew that song was popular in China? The students sang several traditional Chinese songs for us and even gave a quick Kung Fu demonstration.
At the end of the time, our friend asked Katherine to write the words of a song on the blackboard to teach the students, while Gary talked about some important American holidays, Christmas and Easter. We then taught all 300 students to sing “Jesus loves me.” I could feel God’s presence as they sang the words out in the best English they could.
After that meeting our new friend and several of his colleagues took us to lunch at the nicest restraunt in the city. We went upstairs and sat on couches around a large coffee table. We realized we were in someone’s living room. As we talked with our English speaking friends, more and more dishes came out. By the time the meal was over there were 9 courses and our stomachs were very full!
We then returned to the school to talk to the Senior students. This time there were probably 500+ students and teachers in the room. It was the same drill as students lined up to ask us questions. Similar questions were asked. One student even asked us to explain about Christmas in the U.S!
When it came time to teach the students the song, our Chinese angel, asked if we would explain what a Bible was so that the students would understand what they were singing. God didn’t stop there. They then asked us to
go line by line and explain the song. I sat stunned as all 500+ students and teachers sang out “Jesus loves me!” God incredibly openned doors for the gospel!
As we left we were surrounded by students wanting our autographs. I found out from that short experience that I never want to be famous! We had to be ushered out of the school by some of the teachers after signing more than enough papers, books, and shirts.
That night we went to dinner at the same place. The school treated us again to another feast. This time the dishes were a little stranger (not your average sweet and sour pork). I kindly snuck around eating the pig’s feet and fish dishes. Several of the students, who where daughters of teachers or the headmaster, joined us. By the end of the 3 hour event we were very full, had a Chinese dance party, and had been given several gifts.
Please pray that God’s work continue and that He opens doors for more people to come into this village, which we found out was closed to foriegners…until now! Pray that our relationships deepen and that these people see Christ in us. God has planned step of this journey!
