We FINALLY arrived in Luo Cheng after a long journey. After a good nights rest, we arrived at the bus station on Monday morning but the bus tickets were sold out. We had no choice but to hire 2 private cars to take us 5+ hours north to Luo Cheng. The drivers got separated and ended up taking 2 different roads. The driver in my vehicle and had never been on this road before. We could tell he was lost and unsure of where to go. I quickly had to become the navigator and I ended up driving ½ the way when the driver was too tired to continue. Quite exciting. Once we arrived, I immediately went to meet the HC leaders that had been waiting for an hour and a half for me to arrive. When I showed up, they were singing and all very excited to see us. I was able to teach them for 1 ½ hours and they were eager to study with me. I began with an introduction of me to help build some report and then he began to study in the book of Acts. A year ago this HC network only had two gatherings. They now have 23 gatherings. Their growth has been very fast. I have been given a passion to teach and train the leaders to strive to look like the New Testament Gathering. After the training, one of the leaders took me back to the hotel on the back of his motorcycle. I met up with the rest of the team and went to eat dinner with a couple that lives in the area that some team members know from San Antonio. The man is American and the woman is Chinese and they have a young daughter. The man has only lived in China for one year so I was able to encourage him with the roller coaster challenges of living in a new culture. After dinner I headed back to the hotel to study for the next day as I would be teaching for 6 hours. Sleeping by 8:30! Excited for a great day of training the HC leaders.
Thanks so much, Jonah, for this update. Sounds once you got there, things will move smoothly. Know how fortunate you are to be there to teach those who are anxious to learn. We are praying for you daily when we start our day. Hope things are working well for the rest of your team. Praying for a wonderful experience for your team as they share with those they come in contact with. How wonderful you are familiar with the culture to help those who are with you to understand the Chinese people. Hang in there – Much love. Nana and Tom
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Awesome update!! We are so proud of you and the work you’re doing! Praying for you and the whole team!!!!!! Love you.
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