Friends and family, I would like you to meet my Chinese sister Simona:
God has given me a beautiful gift to connect with people, and during my two weeks of ministry in China, God led me to grow in close relationship with Simona; aka my little bear. Through our friendship God used her to teach me so many things, and I pray that fact holds true for her as well.
I first met Simona during an optional evangelism opportunity our first evening in Harbin. After that evening, I was blessed to have Simona as an assigned ministry guide for our group during the remainder of the month.
Beyond the time we spent together during ministry days, one of the things that grew us closer together and closer to God was going through a Bible study on the book of Ruth. In our two weeks, my teammate Addison and I were able to meet up with Simona and lead an open discussion on the first three chapters of Ruth. Reading through Ruth was a powerful reminder for us to always put God first, trusting that in our obedience He is faithful to provide. The three of us were in awe of Ruth’s obedience and devotion as she followed Naomi into a foreign land where she was subject to a difficult life. In her loyalty to serve Naomi and worship the one true God, He was faithful to provide protection, food, work, and a safe refuge for Ruth.
“…For where you go I go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
After our discussions about Ruth, Simona would often ask Addison and me common questions regarding the accuracy of scripture, and assurance that Christianity is truthful in declaring that Jesus is the only means of salvation. As Simona opened up to us in confidence about her questions and search for truth, I could hear God nudging me to reassure her, “It is OK to ask questions.” Often times it is easy for people to connect questions with doubt or lack of faith. Simona is a perfect illustration that asking questions doesn’t equate to disbelief; she is a faithful believer in a season of growth as she continues to gain confidence about her identity in Christ. I know that as she matures in knowledge, her heart and story will give hope to the many people she guides towards truth in the future.
“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29
God, thank you for my time and ministry in China. Thank you for all the people I met and the connections I was able to have with locals in Harbin. Please be with the church and protect them from all those in opposition of your work. Bless the believers in China, and grow them to be bold in leading those open to your love towards Christ. Amen.
