Modelling the Kingdom

Posted on 25 June 2009.

Today, there are still minority people groups in China that remain unreached i.e. they have few, if any, Christian believers amongst them. Often these people groups live far from the big cities in poorer areas where they may struggle to make a living.

In some such areas, Chinese and foreign Christians with a heart for such people are actively seeking to be ‘salt and light' and witnesses who draw others into His Kingdom.

Such a ministry faces much opposition, as one small group of believers involved in a community development project recently shared with us. Despite their desire to bless the community and help meet needs the local people themselves have identified as a priority, they have been robbed, conned and rejected on a regular basis. Even the local community leaders often refuse to help, preferring that their own people remain in poverty if they themselves do not personally benefit from monetary ‘gifts'.

The Christian workers have also faced major personal challenges in the area of health. Living in difficult and stressful conditions would put added pressure on anyone's health, but it is clear that there is also a strong element of spiritual opposition. One lady was told she needed an operation that would put her out of action for up to six months, just when their project was at a crucial point. The devil obviously does not want the ministry to succeed.

Despite such frustrations, the team of Christians still continue to show love to the people and to seek to be a model of righteousness in the midst of a very unrighteous society. "We have to find strength in the Lord when there is no encouragement from those we are seeking to reach," they told us.

Pray for the small groups of local and foreign Christians who are working amongst unreached people groups. May they find continual encouragement in the Lord in the midst of challenging conditions.

Pray for the Lord's protection over their lives, their health, their belongings and their ministry.

Pray that, as they continue to model God's Kingdom values of love and righteousness, the hearts of the local people would be softened and their eyes opened to the truth.

Pray for young believers from these minority peoples. May they stand strong in their faith and grow ever more in likeness of their Lord. Pray for the planting of local churches that will endure.