Six people shared their recent ministry trip to China at Partners International's chapel time last week. Jon Lewis, President of Partners International wrote in PI's monthly newsletter that he was "reminded of importance of real partnership - bringing U.S. churches and individuals into a collaborative partnership with our indigenous ministries."
Carol Y., mission elder at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church in California, went on a trip with four others from U.S.A., joining a team from Australia, Canada, and China, to teach English to 300 tenth graders in the mountains of southwestern China.
"The English camp in 'D' was an extremely rich experience for me, my best short-term mission trip ever. To give these young people something they wanted: confidence in hearing and speaking English and the hope for a better future that it brings. And to bring the good news of Jesus to these sons and daughters of the Y and the Z tribes," Carol shared.
Lewis stated, "The fun and friendships, the worship, and one-on-one times helped to open hearts to the Gospel. By the end of two weeks, 50 youth had expressed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and are now being disciple by our local partner church."
Partners International has been working closely with these tribal groups. Last year, in response to a severe flood in 'D', they've also sent funds to help thousands of survivors restore their lives and livelihoods.
"All this is noticed by grateful government officials who grant our ministry partners much leeway to demonstrate the Gospel in word and deed," said Lewis.
Lewis further stated, "The collaborative partnerships develop our indigenous partners in more ways than what can be done with just money."
Don Jarms, a pastor from Spokane, Washington, held a basketball clinc at the English camp; Dr. Roger Mohrlang, a professor at Whitworth College in Spokane and a long-time friend of Partners International, taught a class on Ephesians at Renmin University; and Nurse Nancy Mortlock offered help in our partner¦s medical clinics.
Partners International is helping the indigenous partners to reach 22 of the 41 minority tribes in China.
Dr. Ben, PI East Asia Director, commented on the works being done in China, "Many good things are happening: children are educated and fed, medical clinics and schools are built, un-reached people are coming to Christ, youth and children's work are being started, churches are planted, and pastors are trained."
Ben said, "I marvel at how the Lord is doing all these things through the beautiful partnerships between our prayer supporters, resource partners, Partners International, and the indigenous churches."
To read the travelogue from one of the leaders of the English camp or support the Partners International ministry in China, please go to Partners International website at www.partnersintl.org.
Partners International is a global ministry that works to create and grow communities of Christian witness in partnership people with faith in the least Christian regions of the world.
