Tending the “Garden”

Posted on 16 February 2010.

It has been holiday time for those teaching English in schools and universities across China, but two of our co-workers involved in this ministry have made use of some of the break from classes to spend time with past students.

They shared:

"We have had an exceedingly busy time since our classes ended, but it has been very encouraging and, we trust, profitable. We found that a number of past students asked if they could come and visit us. This has given us many opportunities to share with them.

It has been just wonderful how many contacts from the past we have met and we can see the value of remaining in the area for so long (nearly six years now). We have been able to do some ‘gardening' - watering the soil where shoots are very fragile, tending the plants that are growing, clearing away some rocks and weeds, and sowing plenty more seeds! Some past students brought friends with them - a great opportunity to cast the net wider and catch a few more hungry fish!

We are constantly reminded that we are, at best, weak and unprofitable servants and it is the Lord Who sees exactly what He is doing in every situation. We give Him all the glory for anything and everything accomplished in His Name. ‘He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power at work in us - to Him be glory'."

This month the new semester begins and these co-workers, along with many other foreign teachers, will be continuing their ministry of bringing God's light and truth to young people across China.

Pray for Christian teachers across China as the new semester begins. May they feel refreshed and encouraged following the spring break and return with renewed vision for all that the Lord has called them to do.

Pray for God's anointing on each of these Christian teachers. May both their words and actions be a powerful witness to the Lord's enduring love and truth.

Pray for many more students to come to know the Lord for themselves. Pray that the seeds sown might flourish and bear much fruit.

Pray for young believers to put down deep roots in the Lord, so that they can stand strong when they are blown by the storms of life.

Pray for more Christians to respond to the Lord's call and go to China as English teachers, bringing His light and truth to these young lives.