This past week my squad and I traveled through Tibet. This province of China is considered the last stronghold within the nation that Christianity has not been able to get into. Missionaries cannot get in, and even Christian natives cannot move into the territory. Our group had the unique opportunity to be let into the province. As racers we go from country to country via tourist visa, which allows us to get into places that others cannot because we are simply seen as tourists. However, the province being as strict as it was we were asked that our ministry for the week simply be prayer.
“Isn’t there more I could be doing during this time?”
This was the question that I had to initially ponder. Then came the question..
“Was I ok if prayer was the only ministry I would be doing for the week, or even the rest of the month as we moved into mainland China?”
Looking back the answer was an easy, yes. If God calls me to do prayer, I will pray. If He calls me to preach or teach I will step into that as well. Prayer as ministry should not be used as a scape goat for not having to step out in obedience to what He is truly calling me to do. However, if prayer is what I am being called to do, then who am I to question the things that God has in store.
“What was the heart behind this decision to do prayer as a ministry?”
There were many reasons the first being that we run the risk of being removed from the country and preventing future teams or other Christians from getting in. Another reason and an often overlooked one, is God calls us to do prayer as a ministry (Philippians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 1:11). Our prayers are powerful, and they unlock doors. A big part of deciding to go to Tibet was so we could cover it in prayer with the intention of breaking down spiritual strongholds. All of this in hopes that it brings about future missionaries gaining access along with prepared hearts.
If the past five months have taught me anything, it’s that prayer is powerful, and Jesus uses it to reveal Himself to his people. There are many instances that I have ran into on the race where missionaries have spent months or even years praying over an area before they were even able to enter it. The results are God moving in these places and hearts being opened. I am extremely excited of being a part of that for Tibet, and I cannot wait to see the impact to come.
Please continue to keep China, and specifically the people of Tibet in your prayers. That strongholds would be brought down, and that the people of China would be ready to have Jesus sown into their hearts.
Below are some pictures from my time in Tibet
My Guardians of the Gospel teammates all asleep during travel.
Pit stop during the Tibet travel.
At our highest point of elevation, 16,000+ft
All Squad picture
All Squad picture
Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet
Below are picture from the last few days during my time in mainland China.
The winding Great Wall
Spending my month with Fellowship of the King
Picture from the top of the Great Wall of China
Watch tower on the wall
View of the Great Wall
Our art project we made that can be seen from the wall
