Information on International Pilgrimages with Youth

Thursday, March 06, 2003      

Journal Entry by George Dohm, of St. Louis, Missouri

From hymn singing in the train station with some of the Christians from the Shaowu church to receiving an extravagant sendoff, we ventured overnight via train in sleeping cars, four to a car.  Sleep was, at best, fitful for some; nevertheless, morning found us in Nanjing, the capital city of southern China.  This city is known for its main roads, very wide and straight with large trees on each side.  Such is not atypical of the streets of a capital city.  Nanjing had been the capital of all of China from1911-1949, after which the capital was relocated following the events of the Japanese attack on the city during World War II.  Although a “small” city (by Chinese standards) of some 6 million people, 1.2 million of those residents claim Christianity as their faith and lifestyle.

SACRED SCRIPTURES

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  (Psalm 119:105)

After quickly checking into the hotel, showering and changing clothes, we traveled by heated (a first) bus to the Amity Printing Press.  The Amity Printing Press was founded in 1986 by the Amity Foundation, birthed a year earlier as a bridge between the Church and society. 

Amity seeks to help overcome the perception that Christianity is a foreign religion.  Until recent years it was often quoted, “One more Christian, one less Chinese”; but thanks to Amity and the faithful service of Chinese Churches, Christians and the church have become contagious, causing onlookers to ponder, “what is it they have that makes them so peaceful, so loving, so caring?”  And people are now proud to say of these Christians, “so Chinese!”

I discovered one reason for the above on our first day in China following Sunday morning worship.  A retired pastor pointed out that following the Cultural Revolution (1966-1979) people were empty and wanted more.  Many were finding such fulfillment in encountering the person of Jesus Christ through the scriptures and via His followers, yet this didn’t happen overnight.  Chinese, young and old alike, would get a bible from the church in their community and investigate the claims of Christ for themselves.  Many, at a rate that boggles the minds of those of us in mainline denominations, placed their trust in Christ as Savior and Lord and enlisted in discipleship classes in the church.

When visiting the Amity Printing Press we witnessed with our own eyes one of God’s gifts to Chinese Christians and those investigating the faith here in China.  Amity, in a joint venture with the United Bible Society, has printed over 30 million bibles since their first production in September 1987.  In addition to Chinese language bibles (80% of their production), Amity Publishing also prints seminary literature, hymnals, concordances, bible dictionaries, Braille bibles, English-Chinese Bibles, bookmarks, scripture portions, bibles for churches of other Chinese dialects, as well as bibles in other languages. 

How do people get a copy of the bible?  The Chinese Christian Council in either Nanjing or Beijing receives requests from local churches and submits them to Amity Printing.  Amity then coordinates not only the production but the delivery of Chinese bibles through their 70 distribution centers throughout all provinces of China. 

NO, none of this (production or distribution) is done illegally.  Contrary to popular MYTH, it IS legal to have a Bible in China.  Such has been the case since the government allowed for the reopening of churches in 1979 following the cultural revolution. 

From the distribution centers, bibles are delivered to the churches where they can be purchased for 12 Yuen ($1.50 US dollars).  Bibles cannot be purchased anywhere but a local church because Amity’s aim is to keep costs at a minimum.  ANYONE, Christian and non-Christian alike, can go to a local church and request a bible for 12 Yuen . 

People like you and I are responsible for keeping the cost low, since the bibles are printed on paper which is donated (all locally produced to avoid the high charge of import taxes).  Donations to Amity also help with the purchase and operation of vans to distribute the bibles.  Oftentimes, a van will deliver an average of 1000 bibles per day.  Good Christian stewardship allows for the purchase of paper, printing and distribution, then, as Amity puts it, they “let God do the rest”. 

Amity Printing Press employs some 300 staff and workers who typically work 5 days a week, Monday through Friday.  Although automated machines do the printing, both manual and automated machines are used for binding. 

Yes, God’s word as revealed in the scriptures continues to bring the light of love and grace to many in China. 

SOLEMN SILENCE

“…whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”  (Matthew 25:40b)

            Following another extravagant meal, today in the cafeteria at Amity Printing, we headed toward the Nanjing Massacre Museum.  The Nanjing Massacre was the attempt by the Japanese to “bring China to its knees”.  The Japanese invasion began on December 13, 1937.  Over 300,000 Chinese were killed (in addition to what few soldiers were left in Nanjing after city officials fled the city - the number of dead includes men, women and children). 

Upon entering the museum there is a sculpture which portrays a human laying down surrounded by 5 rings, representing blood.  Memorial markers repeatedly tell the horrific story of the massacre with each incorporating one of the following slogans, “Keep the lesson in mind”, “The tragic past should not be forgotten” or “The past kept in mind is a guide for the future.”  By the end of World War II, China had suffered the loss of over 35 million lives. 

For us American “pilgrims”, mindful of the drumbeats of war in our world, it was indeed a time of Solemn Silence as we learned of the grotesque killings of what others might have considered “some of the least” of God’s people.  But our faith reminds us that the very God of the Universe hurts and mourns when the Lord’s people hurt and mourn.  Thanks be to God who understands us, who hurts with us, and who gives us hope!

SOCIAL SERVICE

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength…and Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 (from Mark 12:30-31)

            From silence to service, service, service.  Our visit to the Amity Foundation Headquarters in Nanjing introduced us to a radically impressive and visionary “Love of God’s People” ministry.  Amity Foundation, with the urging and support of the Chinese Christian Council, is partnering with local churches to enlist and equip members for ministry to their surrounding communities. 

            The Amity Foundation is an independent Chinese voluntary organization created to promote education, social services, health, and rural development from China’s coastal provinces in the east to the minority areas of the west.  In seeking to “Love neighbor as self”, the Amity Foundation gives priority to projects that directly improve life:

(For more information, visit their website www.amityfoundation.org)

In their love for God, Amity ambitiously seeks to love neighbor as self through their tireless diaconal service, realizing “it’s not less abilities, but less opportunities” which they aim to address.

            As our pilgrimage continues, please join us in praying that God would continue to bless the churches in China that they might continue to be a blessing to God’s people in China! 

And all God’s people said, AMEN!!

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