Editor’s note: Changchun pastors share Scripture passages that they feel exemplify the spirit of what God is doing in their city.
China Partnership: What is the one passage of Scripture you feel is most representative of Changchun?
A Way in the Desert
Pastor Zhu Jiale: The verse that came to my mind is Isaiah 43:19:
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Our God can work in unexpected places, in hard and seemingly desolate places, and pour out rich blessings. The second part, about making a “way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,” especially resonates with me for Changchun.
Continue On Amidst Real Life
Pastor Gao Yuan: For our church, our sense is that we should not be like spiritual lepers – lying down, numb, and insensitive. Nor should we swing to the other extreme of being in a constant state of high-pressure “battle mode,” as if we’ve just been injected with adrenaline every day. Rather, we want to live seriously and faithfully for God and for our faith in the midst of real life.
So, the verse I chose is 1 Corinthians 7:26:
“I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.”
I feel that verse captures our situation.
All Things Are Possible
Pastor Wu Li: My verse is Mark 10:27:
Never miss a story
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’”
In context, this is about salvation, as Jesus is speaking to the rich young ruler. However, the theme overlaps with that of Isaiah 43. In an environment that seems very difficult, where human strength is limited and pressures and challenges are great, this verse calls us to lean on the gospel and on the power of the Holy Spirit, and to watch for God’s work – for with God all things are possible.
God Is Still Working
Elder Huang Yuguo: A verse that particularly moved me recently is John 5:17, where Jesus says:
“My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
Even in today’s environment, which seems so unfavorable, Jesus Christ is still at work. What I want is simply to follow his leading and do what pleases him.
Zhu Jiale, Gao Yuan, Wu Li, and Huang Yuguo are pseudonyms for house church pastors and elders in Changchun.
Pray for God to continue working in Changchun, even when the environment is difficult.
