Report from China

Below is a letter from our dear friend who is a Chinese student from Chengdu in Sichuan Province. I've left his name off for his protection, but many of you probably know who this is. Pray for lives to be saved in this country!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am a Chinese graduate student currently living in Chengdu (city), Sichuan (province), China. I have studied in an US college for about 5 years and became a Christian in my second year there. As you know, multiple cities in Sichuan and several other provinces suffered greatly after a devastating earthquake. Thousands have been killed; thousands are still buried under the ruins, their chance of survival dimming as each second passes; thousands are wounded and suffering great pain, many without medical treatment; thousands have lost homes and are living in tents on streets; thousands cannot be reached by rescuing workers due to sliding mountains, blocking rocks, broken bridges, rainy weather, etc.; thousands are living without water, food, and shelter; thousands... Words cannot describe what these precious souls are going through, and just seeing and hearing what's happening through the media makes a living person like me- deeply heartbroken. I have no way to get to the rescuing frontline where the disaster has occurred, but as a Christian I can ask my Lord who is over any disaster to save, heal, and restore. I believe that God hears my prayers, and even more so when thousands are gathered to pray in unity. There is power when believers come together and intercede for suffering souls because they are the very ones that our Lord loves and cares for. Time is urgent. One second lost may be the end of a beautiful life. Please, dear brothers and sisters, I plead for your fervent prayers. Pray that lives be saved, wounds be healed, and broken hearts be restored. Pray for the rescuing workers who are risking their lives to break through the ruins in search for survivors. Pray for the medical workers who are caring for the injured without rest. Pray for more hearts of love, of giving, and of sacrifice in China. Pray for the churches of China to stand out in love and unity, to be the salt and light in this tragedy, to walk in the Spirit, and to speak and act in the name of Jesus. Pray for this nation to be changed by the love of God. Particularly, please listen to and hear from our Lord as to what and how you can pray for the suffering Chinese people.

I am Chinese, and I love my people, but I know that Jesus loves them much more. Brothers and sisters, would you please ask Him how He would have you show His love to these lovely people?

Here's the latest death toll according to China's official news website: http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/6409713.html. It should help you pray more specifically.

I thank the Lord for you all, and may He bless your lives abundantly! May His Kingdom come, and His will be done in China!

Your brother in Christ,

****

Anthony Skinner in Zagreb

Anthony Skinner came through town this last week! For those of you who are not familiar with him, he's a great worship leader/song writer. Check out his website at www.anthonyskinner.com.
They invited him in for a big youth conference called Srcokret which roughly translated means something like heart movement. This conference brought in 1000 youth from the former Yugoslavia and was really a success! Anyway, back to Anthony. Anthony and his band BROUGHT IT on Friday night at the concert! Not only were they musically great, the Lord also used them to transform the main square (the equivalent of Time Square in NYC) into a temple of worship. People were dancing, singing, praying, shouting...all forms of prayer and worship were being lifted up. It was spiritually significant for this country. Above are a few shots from the show. Hope you enjoy. Also, be sure to purchase some of Anthony's music on iTunes. He has some great current albums and new ones on their way as well.

I also had a chance to go pick up Anthony, his wife (Mary-Keith), and their drummer (who's also the drummer for Matt Redman) from Sibenik on the coast. This was a great chance for me to connect with them and to receive from them as a worship leader as well.