007 Christianity. That’s what we thought we would be doing here in China; secretive ministry, not telling anyone back home where we are or what we’re doing. We expected code language and open eyed prayer. It’s safe to say then, that my whole squad was very surprised when we were told that we would not be secret agents this month. Jake, the founder of Project China, told us that not only does he not have the jaw line to be James Bond, but he also doesn’t have the time; and neither do we.
Our time in China is cut short due to travel days. Harbin is pretty far out of the way from our other locations, and we began travel 10 days into our first month anyway. But even ignoring all of those details, we do not have enough time for 007 Christianity. We have been called to go on mission for the Lord here in Harbin. It is a city that needs the love of Christ so badly, yet so many Christians are scarred and scared from persecution towards Chinese Christians 20 years ago. By no means do I want to belittle the very real persecution that happens towards Christians in China even today, but Harbin is in a season of growth and transition. While there are still a few precautions to be taken, this city is opening up more and more to the Gospel. Being a Christian here is allowed. Going to a Christian church here is allowed. Worshipping God is allowed. Reading your Bible is allowed.
On Sunday we had our own worship service as a squad. In the middle of a courtyard in the heart of Harbin, we worshipped God. We sang, prayed, read scripture, and celebrated his goodness and glory. 
While I’m sure people in America would have stared too, the Chinese people around us seemed shocked. We had a crowd slowly form around us as passersby stopped to see what was going on. It was so beautiful. I never thought in a million years that I would be praising Jesus in a public place in China!
It has been challenging to wrap our minds around this freedom, but we are all so excited and grateful for it. It has made ministry more enjoyable as well. We have been split up into four groups within our squad. Each group has been assigned to a part of the city, as well as to a university. Days are spent making friends with students, and making follow up appointments with them as well. Our hope is to befriend them and to share the most important part of our lives with them, and then to love them no matter how they respond.
We have also had the opportunity to go to local daycares and spend time with the faculty and children. Today we sang, danced, and taught English to some adorable little Asian 3-5 year olds. They totally stole my heart! We made friends with one of the workers and plan to have dinner with her Thursday evening: her idea! I literally feel like the Lord is pouring ministry opportunities out into our laps, and all we have to do is respond.
Thank you all so much for your prayers! Please be praying for U squad as we continue this journey! And please also be praying for China; for the Gospel to reach every corner of the country and for souls to be saved in the name of Jesus!
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
[Matthew 28:18-20]
Love,
Kara
