“When I think of how others have suffered for the faith, a little [discomfort] or unkindness seems a mere trifle, not worthy of mention.” C.H. Spurgeon
A Chinese proverb comes to mind as I write this update. “The snake should not try and swallow an Elephant.” I feel very much like a poor snake trying to cram an elephant down his throat. In a report such as this one has such little space to mention the myriad of impressions which burn themselves into your memory on an hourly basis. There is too much to tell so I will not try. I simply wish to tell you of the goodness of our God!
First, He has given us an incredible team. I wish you could meet each one. Daily I am challenged by their passion, humbled by their selflessness, and amazed by their love. Second, He has given us incredible children and Chinese Friends. I wish you could have seen them all sing “Father I adore you”, hear them laugh, or hug them goodbye at the end of each day. Finally, God has given us Himself.
My goal in coming on this trip was to “know Christ in the power of His resurrection the fellowship of his suffering, being conformed unto his death.” God has answered many prayers, and even in this short week I have known him in a new and deeper way. I have felt the power of his resurrection coursing through me, as I actively participate in putting death my flesh, as my will is conformed unto his. There is no feeling like it in the world, for the first time I can understand what Paul meant when he said “though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day!”
Ben Jacob
