Pacing myself, I tried my best to stay centered in prayer and watch my steps. I wanted to be fully present in the journey with Him and not get distracted by the destination – if that makes sense. My feet crossed the path of many shrines and offerings of idols, as incense wafted up from doorways and alleys. Ancestor worship easily disguised as beautiful buildings of dynastic motif and red glowing lanterns under shingled roofs to the unsuspecting eye – but I knew better. Eastern spirituality is beautiful to behold and alluring in a way that tantalizes all your senses and can take your breath away: Christians beware.
Ahead of me, loomed the prospect of entering the land where 1.3 billion people call home and the government is watching (and listening) to everything. The path before me would be strewn with red bits of paper smattered against the cold, wet cobblestone roads where firecrackers had been ignited the nights before. A flame of fire that had been flickering for Asia was now being fanned deep within my soul. My soul would soon be amidst the billions. “Time to let this little light of mine to shine…” was a whisper which meandered from my heart to my mind, and I smiled against the wind nipping at my exposed face.
(photo by Abby)
With each step, I contemplated how I was going to revamp my vocabulary and think in code so I could speak worry free. The thoughts tumbled in my mind, knowing that it wasn’t illegal to be a Christian, but organized religion was. I had to be careful to not set into motion anything suspicious that would endanger the work of faithful saints who had been claiming spiritual territory for the Gospel in the last 30 years!
I looked onward, seeing my team forge ahead just trying to get to the next mode of transportation.
We walked to an intercity station, and patiently waited to crowd onto the correct bus, remaining hopeful that we’d get to where we wanted to go and keep our team and luggage intact.
From village to metro we departed Hong Kong and its dazzling array of big city lights against the rolling rainclouds of the night, jostling in a bus for nearly an hour. We were on our way; we were not the first and we would not be the last. A way had been made to bring Jesus across that border – that way was every believer whose feet obeyed the calling. Jesus has the key to every gateway and His love is beyond borders.
“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” {The Revelation of Jesus Christ 1:18}
