Tuesday, July 10
China
Gao Qiao Church is seen from under the new highway. Photo by Lynn Yarbrough.
Gao Qiao Church began in the early 1990s as a small gathering of Christians in the semi-rural outskirts of Nanjing, and by 1995, they were able to build a small church. However, in 2008 it was announced that the church was located squarely in the path of a planned highway. Some local government officials wanted to simply compensate the members for the property and move them to another city church. However, one influential government leader was impressed that the church had twice been officially commended for its assistance to elderly people and poor students in the community. So he initiated a successful campaign to find a new site nearby for the church.
The new church, opened on June 17, 2010, serves as a community landmark and is clearly visible from both the new highway and railway. Its congregation of approximately 300 includes rural people, migrant workers, and people who were resettled in the area due to construction projects. Many congregation members are elderly, and most are relatively poor, so another city church, St. Paul's, has not only provided substantial financial assistance, but also organized a team of young volunteers who go to Gao Qiao Church each Sunday afternoon to assist with worship and with visitation, choir, a band, and a literacy class. These volunteers not only provide service, but also a substantial youth presence in the church that will make it easier to reach out to younger people as the population of the area grows.
- Don Snow, former PC(USA) mission co-worker, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) People in Mission
Korea Vocational School: Rev. Ho Ban, computer science teacher * Juno Lee, dental lab technician, Hi-Tech Vocational School, Amity Foundation
Partners/Partnerships
Amity Foundation: Mr. Qui Zhonghui, general secretary * China Christian Council: Rev. Gao Feng, president, Rev. Kan Baoping, executive associate general secretary * Nanjing Union Theological Seminary: Rev. Gao Feng, president, Rev. Chen Yilu, vice-president * National Committee of Three-Self Patriotic Movement of Protestant Churches in China: Elder Fu Xianwei, chairman, Rev. Xiaohong Xu, general secretary
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Marc Lewis, PPC
Mary Lewis, GAMC
Let us pray
Lord, we thank you for the growth of your church. Continue to bless and guide the growth of the church in China, and to inspire us all to serve you faithfully so that the world may turn to you in praise. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 12; 146
First Reading Numbers 35:1-3, 9-15, 30-34
Second Reading Romans 8:31-39
Gospel Reading Matthew 23:13-26
Evening Psalms 36; 7
