A Heart For Freedom

This was a book I had a hard time putting down. Chai Ling, the author of A Heart For Freedom documents her life and involvement in the Tienanmen Square movement.

I was 16 years old at the time of these happenings; half-way across the world. I was far from this incredible world disaster; both physically and mentally. I am about the same age at Chai Ling and am amazed at the strength she had to endure what she did.

Her writings in this book are clear and concise. As you read it you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the happenings. But this book is also a memoir of the horrific political and social unrest that continues in China. Chai Ling takes us through the most recent years of her life and the healing that had to take place due to the atrocities she endured.

The most exciting event that took place in Chai Ling's life is her salvation. After being raised in a typical Chinese home and embracing Buddhism, she arrived in America still full of emptiness and hurt. The Lord did some amazing things to bring her to Himself. Her story is one that will captivate you and inspire you to make a difference in the world around us.

Chai Ling, Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us.

As a part of the Tyndale Blogger's Network, I received a free copy of this book.

The Story of Commander Deeds (Part I)

I was mesmerized by this true story that Watchman Nee told his fellow believers in China.

"A young man named Todd was led to Christ by a wise couple from a church in his neighborhood. He had been a rebellious youth, but on the day that he was saved, he asked the couple what he should do to show his obedience to the Lord. Over tea in their home, they told him that the Gospel would never make inroads in their town until a certain battalion commander was converted."

"Young Todd asked who this Commander Deeds was. They said that he was a retired military man over sixty years of age who thought all Christians were hypocrites and who cursed and beat any Christian who dared to preach the gospel to him or even to pass by his house. He kept a pistol at home and threatened to open fire on anyone who preached to him. Having heard this, Todd immediately prayed, 'O Lord. You have shown grace to me. This is the first day of my salvation. I will go and witness to him.' Before tea was finished, and less than two hours after his own salvation, he was on his way to the commander's house."

"Fearing for his life, the couple begged him not to go. The commander's anger grew fiercer by the day, they told him, but Todd would not change his mind. He arrived at the house and knocked on the door. The Commander answered with a rod in his hand and snarled, 'What do you want, boy?' Todd asked if he could come in and for some reason the hostile man allowed him entrance."

"The boy wasted no words. 'I pray that you will accept the Lord Jesus as your Savior!' he blurted out. The commander raised his rod in the air to intimidate the youth, then shouted, 'I suppose you're new around here, so this time I will pardon you; no one talks to me about Jesus, but this time I will not beat you. Now consider yourself fortunate and get out of here quickly!'"

-excerpt from Watchman Nee by Bob Laurent, pg 102

(Part II tomorrow)

Tragedy and Triumph

Our family is reading about the life of Jonathon Goforth. He was a missionary to China. One of those most likely to fail fellows, and yet, God changed him and provided for him in a way that astounds those of us who live in the Western world in the 21st century.

After converting, Jonathon arrived at Knox College in Canada labeled the "Country Bumpkin". He was ridiculed and physically tormented by all of the classmates at Knox College. He persevered. He kept his eyes on Christ.

His testimony had a great affect on those around him. Those who had persecuted him ended up being his sole support in the endeavor to be a missionary to China. Jonathon was a presbyterian and they had no mission posts in China. But his classmates encouraged him to go anyway and financially supported him to do so.

After marrying Rosalind, they set sail for China. Within 3 years of being there, 2 of their 3 children died.

They persevered for the Kingdom.

As the "Ponderosa" reads through this biography, it makes us ponder:

~The pain of loss must have been so great.
~They must have had their eyes glued to the prize; keeping focused on the eternal.
~Jonathon and Rosalind's prayer lives were key. They entered their mission field on their knees.
~Do we pray first or do we just "do"?

Lord, make us doers of your Word, but doers on our knees. When pain creeps in, help us to keep our eyes on the prize. Change our hearts to see through your eyes. Our flesh continues to wage war against the Spirit. Romans 8:24-25 reminds us, You are the victor and overcomer. This is a mental battle we face most of the time. Help us to saturate our minds with your Word and continually meditate on you for the victory.