We conclude this chapter by reprinting a selection of letters that were received from Zhejiang by various Christian ministries during the 1990s. These precious communications reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of Christianity in Zhejiang, and provide insights into the daily lives and personal struggles of believers as they followed God. Their experiences offer a fascinating snapshot of the ever-changing conditions experienced by the body of Christ at this time.
1991
"I have two children, aged 12 and seven. Three years ago my husband left home on a business trip and never returned. He is still wandering and leading an indecent life. He has written me twice saying he is never going to return and that I should prepare for a divorce. I don't know what to do. Who is going to accept my two children if I marry again? If I arrange for someone to look after them, I'm afraid my husband will create trouble. It's difficult for me to go on like this." 1
1992
"I am 34-years-old and was raised an atheist. I didn't know anything about God; but praise the Lord, I was saved during an illness last year. At first I didn't understand the Scriptures. My spiritual life and knowledge of God was shallow. I was only looking for His might and power because of my sickness. I couldn't see my need for God's gracious salvation, but He did not reject me. The Lord loved me and saved my life. Now He helps and strengthens me both physically and spiritually each day, and I have given my body and soul to God without reservation." 2
"I am a high school student and also a member of the Communist Youth League. According to the law, a member cannot have any religious affiliation. Although I am not a fully committed Christian, I do not doubt the existence of God and His power. Should I resign from the Party? If I quit, I will be accused by my teachers and fellow students. It will also influence my future study and work. What shall I do?" 3
1995
"I have been troubled about whether or not I should join the Communist Youth League. I know that as a Christian, I am a child of God. Thus, joining an atheist organization is absolutely incompatible with my identity. However, my teachers have given me strong recommendations and my classmates have nominated me to become a member. My mind is filled with self-reproach for not being willing to give up such a minor thing for God. How can I be loyal to God in important matters if I am not loyal in trivial ones?" 4
"Preparing and preaching sermons nowadays is a difficult task for me. An elderly preacher taught us from John 5 about the healing at the pool of Bethesda. He said there were three truths in the text about baptism. I took down his words and started giving the same message, but I was not at peace so I consulted two other preachers who told me my sermon was correct. However, when I asked three young servants of God, they said I was in error because the text does not describe baptism at all. I felt very bad because I had taught a false message. I have a deep pain inside and I don't want to preach any more sermons." 5
1996
"An officer from the local police station came on a motorcycle to arrest me and take me to the station for interrogation. At the time I was anxious but God gave me peace. On the way, I asked the officer what crime I had committed. He replied, 'You know very well. At the police station you will have to confess everything!' Once there, it became clear they knew I had written a letter to a Christian organization in Hong Kong. Suddenly everything made sense. My letter had been opened by the customs and forwarded to the police for investigation. I thank God I live in Wenzhou where there is a great Christian revival. Please pray for me." 6
1997
"Here in Wenzhou some government officials are now preventing young people from believing in Christ. Our Sunday school has been dispersed, but we still worship in churches every Sunday. Although we have suffered one attack after another, our love for the Lord has not changed. Many places throughout China are also suffering persecution. Please pray we will not lose faith and that the gospel will spread throughout the whole world." 7
1998
"I like studying but I failed the university entrance examination. I took the self-study test in hope of becoming a university graduate.... After a year of study I encountered many problems. First, since the teachers are recruited from outside, some of them require us to have lessons on Sundays. As such, I cannot attend Sunday church services. My time and effort are limited and I cannot satisfy both.... I have little faith. Please pray for me." 8
"I just graduated from university and have been teaching for a year. I have gradually trusted in the Lord Jesus, but due to a shortage of material, I cannot understand more about Him. There are lots of phrases I don't understand. I have been to the church to look for a Bible but never got anywhere. There are not many believers here and the churches are small. Most Christians don't have Bibles and don't understand the grace and power of the Lord. I hope you can send a Bible to me." 9
"The area north of Xiaoshan City is a land flowing with milk and honey. The economy is prospering, communications are modern, and people are well off. More importantly, the churches have been greatly revived. In our village of 2,000 people there are four meeting points. We belong to the Little Flock (founded by Watchman Nee) and strictly obey the Bible. As Christ is our Head, we reject government control of the Church. Consequently we often experience friction with the government." 10
Footnotes:
1. Far East Broadcasting, May 1991.
2. Far East Broadcasting, June 1992.
3. Far East Broadcasting, June 1992.
4. Far East Broadcasting, April 1995.
5. Far East Broadcasting, August 1995.
6. Compass Direct, December 1996.
7. Compass Direct, November 1997.
8. Far East Broadcasting, October 1998.
9. Trans World Radio, September 1998.
10. Compass Direct, December 1998.
© This article is an extract from Paul Hattaway's book 'Zhejiang: The Jerusalem of China'. You can order this or any of The China Chronicles books and e-books from our online bookstore.