I was writing this letter while athletes from worldwide were competing in the much-anticipated Summer Olympic. Thank God for allowing the Chinese to host this historical event. "One World, One Dream", it's about leaving wars, politics, religions and races behind. Competing solely base on individual's physical ability to reach higher, faster and stronger levels of sportsmanship. We are also glad to see that China had transformed from its image of old, they ignored criticisms and bravely accepted the most distinguish architectural designs of the world. The construction of the "Bird's Nest", "Water Cube" and the "National Theatre" symbolized peace and showcased the strength of the country in a tremendous way. China is also well known as a cradle for world-class athletes. As of today, the medals count for China is 9 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronzes.
Lets not just skim at the success on the surface; we ought to pray for the deep-rooted problems in China. May God grant wisdom and strength to the leaders of China so that they will hold on strongly to the ideology "Politic of the people and for the people". It is not easy to run an under developed country of 13 billion population and turn it around to become a developing country. This year began with a snowstorm in southern China; the Sichuan earthquake in May; and the rain and flood in June and July. All these were compounded with the stock market crash, housing depreciation and inflation. The ordinary people are under a great deal of stress and making a living had become extremely difficult. We pray that God's mercy be upon the Chinese people. Alleviate their natural disasters, enable them to become self sufficient, so that they will live freely in a peaceful harmonious environment.
During the snowstorm, twenty-seven churches either collapsed or damaged in Hubei Province. Twelve of those churches needed to be rebuilt. The cost for the rebuilding was just too much for us to consider. The remaining fifteen can be repaired and be available for services. The "Medical Caring Association" in Hong Kong had already been assisting the rebuilding of four churches. Wuhang City and some other Chinese Churches are reaching out to eight of those churches. With God's grace, the F-2 is able to participate in the repair project of three more.
1) Jing-zhou Zhong-shan Road Chapel, rebuilding cost is 70,000 Yuan. The
F-2 will sponsor 50,000 Yuan, while they will raise the remainder.
2) Xian-ning county Yu-hua church, 20,000 Yuan paid by the F-2.
3) Xian-ning county Yang-ju-hua church, 20,000 Yuan paid by the F-2.
In addition, the F-2 is also supporting the ministry of the following five churches by subsidizing the ministers and encouraging new graduate to serve in rural area.
1) Po-ning city Shuang-hu church, Huang Shao-xiong; current graduate from Guang-dong Union Theological seminary. The F-2 is subsidizing 300 Yuan per month for his living expenses.
2) Ren-ai Church, Hong Ling; graduated in the same year, receives the same amount of 300 Yuan per month.
3) Hu-lu-di church, Rev. Lai Jin-dei, a 1990 graduate was feeling the pinch of the inflation. The salary he receives was not sufficient to support the family. A 300 Yuan per month allowance will be added to his salary starting in August this year.
4) Daba church, Li Shao-chun, a 2003 graduate experienced the same situation as Rev. Lai and will receive the same amount.
5) He-nan provice Wu-quan church, their minister Zhang Ai-xiang graduated from He-nan Theological Seminary, had not received any salary since 2004. The F-2 will sponsor their missionary budget and pay the minister 600 Yuan per month.
It is indeed God's grace and your loving support that the F-2 Foundation continue to serve in this capacity. The Sichuan earthquake in May received timely relief effort from around the world. Resources were reaching the disaster area through government and lawful agencies. Now is the time for the rebuilding. Churches in Sichuan also suffered great loss. I just received letter from Sichuan Christian association, listing the situation of churches that are damaged. At this juncture "Separation of Churches and States" is the plausible way. Let the government take care of the communities rebuilding, such as schools, hospitals and roadways. Christian brothers and sisters will be responsible for the rebuilding of churches. May God's abundant grace be upon you; may your love and kindness reach out to those needy churches. May God help us " having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). The F-2 will be contributing to the church rebuilding effort base on our ability and the amount of donations received. I am hoping to deliver more good news in my next letter.
May God bless you and keep you, may His grace be upon you and your families.
