All posts by totallylovedbygod67

by BRENT RIGGS PART 1

In Defense of Men

For decades now, we have been immersed in a culture that openly mocks men.

The obvious reason if because Satan wants to destroy Gods order, upend and flip the God ordained roles and purpose of both men and women, and to weaken Christian influence on the world.

Turn on any electronic screen…

  • The father is usually portrayed as clueless.
  • The husband is portrayed as incompetent.
  • The man is portrayed as emotionally stunted.
  • He is the punchline.
  • He is the idiot.
  • He is the problem.
  • He cannot cook.
  • He cannot parent.
  • He cannot make decisions.
  • He cannot function without a woman constantly correcting him.

This has affected not only the reputation of men in culture but in the family court systems where men are only applauded when the parent like women, and are diminished to primary paying for children, not actively being needed as a male role model.

  • This is not me exaggerating a point because I’ve been subject to it… this is me making this well documented and evidenced point having seen just how real and pervasive it is from personal experience, and the countless similar stories I’ve been told.

For generations now, sitcoms, movies, commercials, advertisements, schools, universities, social media influencers, and even government institutions have repeated the same message over and over:

  • Men are immature.
  • Men are selfish.
  • Men are dangerous.
  • Men are unnecessary.
  • Women are wise.
  • Women are strong.
  • Women are capable.
  • Men are the problem.

And after hearing this message repeated thousands of times, many people simply accept it as truth.

  • Young boys grow up hearing that masculinity is toxic.
  • Young girls grow up hearing that they don’t need men.

The modern slogan is often some version of, “Women don’t need men.”

But that statement only survives because it is spoken from the comfort, security, safety, and prosperity built largely through the labor, sacrifice, and protection of men.

The irony is staggering.

  • People sit in air-conditioned buildings built by men.
  • Using electricity maintained primarily by men.
  • Driving on roads built by men.
  • Crossing bridges built by men.
  • Protected by police officers who are overwhelmingly men.
  • Protected by military forces that are overwhelmingly men.
  • Living in houses built primarily by men.
  • Receiving food delivered through transportation networks built and maintained primarily by men.
  • Benefiting from sewer systems built by men.
  • Water systems built by men.
  • Power grids built by men.
  • Oil fields operated by men.
  • Natural gas systems maintained by men.
  • Construction crews composed primarily of men.
  • Electricians.
  • Linemen.
  • Roofers.
  • Welders.
  • Steel workers.
  • Miners.
  • Loggers.
  • Commercial fishermen.
  • Farmers.
  • Truck drivers.
  • Engineers.
  • Firefighters.
  • Military personnel.

The modern world functions because millions of men quietly get up every morning and perform difficult, dangerous, exhausting work that most people never even think about.

The reason society soaked in feminism can afford to dismiss men is because men have been so successful at creating stability that entire generations have forgotten what instability looks like

  • And the reality is the men in our country CHOOSE to ALLOW women the safety and comfort they enjoy because historically at any point men COULD rise up and subjugate women instantly
  • Modern western women don’t experience this, so they have not considered historically this is NOT true, and Christianity is the reason

Despite relentlessly hearing about our “toxic masculine patriarchy”, MEN CHOOSE in our country to honor, protect and provide this wonderful life women and children enjoy because of our Christian values.

  • Let men decide, like many countries and other religions to subjugate, domination and oppress women and children and see how quickly this is realized

We Don’t Need Men

  • Let men disappear for a few day and society begins to strain.
  • Let men disappear for 3-4 weeks and critical infrastructure begins to fail.

Let men disappear for a months or a year and civilization as we know it collapses.

  • Who keeps electricity flowing?
  • Who repairs the power stations?
  • Who maintains the water systems?
  • Who harvests the crops?
  • Who transports the food?
  • Who builds the homes?
  • Who repairs the roads?
  • Who keeps the supply chains moving?
  • Who protects the borders?
  • Who responds to disasters?
  • Who enters burning buildings?
  • Who climbs electrical poles during storms?
  • Who works offshore oil rigs?
  • Who performs the overwhelming majority of the most dangerous jobs in society?

The answer is obvious.

  • This is not because men are better than women.
  • This is because God created men and women differently and designed them to fulfill complementary roles.

The biblical position is not that women are unnecessary.

The biblical position is not that men are unnecessary.

  • The biblical position is that both are essential.

We live in a culture that celebrates women by telling them they can do anything while simultaneously telling men they are the source of everything wrong.

  • The Church must not adopt that spirit.
  • Unfortunately, many churches have even if subtly and unconsciously.
  • Men are often challenged, chided, reminded about their flaws and responsibilities (which is good) while the topic is at best tiptoed around when women are addressed.
  • Many will say “not in my church” but its hard to find sermons, program, or Christian books “getting on to” women and speaking frankly about the flaws and shortcomings of women, mothers, and daughters while it is a constant drumbeat for men.
  • Too much backlash, too much indoctrination, too controversial… so its mostly avoided because its so ingrained our culture: you don’t criticize women.

On Mother’s Day we often hear about the beauty of womanhood, the sacrifice of mothers, the faithfulness of women, and rightly so.

But on Father’s Day, many sermons become little more than lectures about what men are doing wrong.

  • Men are challenged. Women are celebrated.
  • Men are corrected. Women are honored.

And after a while, many men begin to wonder if anyone remembers that God actually created man and declared him good.

  • There is a backlash movement among young men today in response to this that is in some ways good, an “awakening” but apart from the Bible turns into “men are alpha, being a man is money, sex, and superficial ‘manly’ things” which is BAD but predictable.
  • When young men are taught from childhood how wonderful girls are, how they should be treated, etc but you never hear the balance of “how wonderful boys are, and how girls should treat boys” then the message is clear: MEN = BAD
  • The backlash, frustration and hopeless is predictable and we see this being clearly, and mostly negatively, manifested today.

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Biblical Defense of Men

Today, on Fathers Day, I want to defend men culturally and Biblically.

  • Not sinful men.
  • Not abusive men.
  • Not irresponsible men.
  • Not lazy men.
  • Not selfish men.

Those things deserve condemnation. But I want to defend biblical manhood.

  • I want to defend fathers.
  • I want to defend husbands.
  • I want to defend sons.
  • I want to defend the God-given dignity, worth, responsibility, and honor of men.

When God created man, He did not create a mistake. God’s design for male/female roles that compliment each other was PERFCT.

  • He created an image-bearer.
  • He created a worker.
  • He created a protector.
  • He created a provider.
  • He created a leader.
  • He created a husband.
  • He created a father.

And the attack on biblical manhood is ultimately an attack on the wisdom of the God who designed it.

  • Scripture presents men as bearing a sacred responsibility before God.

Genesis 1:27 WEB “God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.”

  • Men and women possess equal value because both bear the image of God.
  • Neither sex is superior in worth.
  • Both are created by God and for God.
  • The attack on manhood is ultimately an attack upon one aspect of God’s own design.

From the very beginning, God assigned responsibility to men.

Genesis 2:15 WEB “Yahweh God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.”

  • Before there was a nation, a city, a church, or a family, there was a man entrusted with responsibility.
  • Work was not a curse.
  • Responsibility was not a curse.
  • Leadership was not a curse.
  • These were gifts from God.
  • Work and leadership are part of God’s design for men.

The biblical man…

The biblical man is not a tyrant.

  • He rejects domineering, self-serving authority.

Matthew 20:25-28 ESV “… But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

  • Jesus explicitly contrasts worldly tyranny (“lord it over them”) with biblical leadership.

He is a servant leader.

John 13:12-17 ESV (Jesus washing the disciples’ feet) …. . If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.’”

Philippians 2:5-8 ESV “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

He protects rather than exploits (and nourishes/cherishes).

1 Peter 3:7 ESV “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

He sacrifices rather than dominates.

Mark 10:45 ESV (parallel to Matthew 20): “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

He accepts responsibility rather than avoids it.

Biblical leadership involves stewardship and accountability (e.g., managing one’s household well as a prerequisite for broader service).

1 Timothy 3:4-5 ESV (qualifications for overseers, reflecting expected male character) “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?”

DR KENNETH MCCLINTON

Psalm 85: Sins Forgiven – Sin Detested

1. Sins Forgiven  Psalm 85:1-3

Text: “Lord, Thou hast been favourable unto Thy land: Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of Thy people; Thou hast covered all their sin. Thou hast taken away all Thy wrath: Thou hast turned Thyself from the fierceness of Thine anger.”

Psalm 85:1-3.

Good morning, pardoned Christian!  By God’s Sovereign grace, you and the author have been gloriously pardoned from all sin – our Adamic sin, sin inherited within our old nature from Adam/Eve; and all the sins we have ever, or shall ever commit against our Holy Lord God of just wrath against all sin.  Hallelujah!  We are pardoned from the guilt and shame of our vile, disobedient and inherited, sins; and shall never ever be punished for our committing them.   Thank you, dear and Holy Lord God!  Amen. In Christ Jesus, we are forgiven.

“And the Blood (of Christ Jesus) shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are; and when I see the Blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt (Egypt is always a type of the world in Scriptures).” (Exodus 12:13)

“Blessed is he/she whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (by the Blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus).” (Psalm 32:1)

Old Testament TYPES (the use of typology, earthly illustrations of Heavenly concepts) are all fully enacted in New Testament actions.  Christ came not to abolish the Law of God, He came to fulfil it, every jot and tittle.

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”  (Matthew 5:17-18)

Verse 1. “Lord, Thou hast been favourable unto Thy land: Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.”  God’s favour, or it could be interpreted as His grace, has been shown in the most profound sense, by the sending forth of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to take the sins of His elect upon Himself, go to that cruel Cross at Calvary, suffer, bleed and die the death that He alone could die – and all for to provide full Atonement for ‘His people’, and save us from the penalties and punishments for our sins.  Hallelujah!  What a Saviour! He has come the first time to do what the Lord God told Joseph he would do.

“And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou (Joseph) shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) (Not ALL people, but His people!)

“…Behold (look, and fully understand) the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

I hear some poor wretch say: “But, Dr McClinton, surely some of my sins are so vile and so blatantly deserving of God’s wrath, and Hell, and the Lake of Fire to follow – surely SOME of my sins will not be forgiven?”

To this sincere question I simply quote God’s written Word on the matter of forgiveness, and God’s Word puts an end to all questioning hearts. (Psalm 85:2)

Verse 2. “Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of Thy people; Thou hast covered ALL their sins.”  Often and often again had He done this, pausing to pardon even when His sword was bared to punish.  Who is a pardoning God like Thee, O Jehovah? Who is so slow to anger, so ready to forgive? Every believer in Jesus enjoys the blessing of pardoned sin, and he/she should regard this priceless boon as the pledge of all other needed mercies.” (C.H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David, page 360)

Verse 3. “Thou hast taken away ALL Thy wrath: Thou hast turned Thyself from the fierceness of Thine anger. When the Lord God, in Eternity, elects a sinner to give to His Son, Jesus Christ, to save in time – He causes ALL His wrath that that sinner deserved and continues to deserve to receive, to be taken away.  The shed and sinless Blood of His dear Son, Jesus Christ, the price of the elect sinner’s ransom, is all that the loving and Holy Father sees when He looks upon us as His redeemed people.  What grace!  What love! What a Father!  What a Saviour we have, in Christ Jesus!  Hallelujah! Thanks be to God for His grace! (John 6:37)

“That in the ages to come (right now) He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works (good deeds, good living), lest any man/woman should boast.” (Ephesians 2:7-9)

Thou hast borne, or carried away, the iniquity. An allusion (type) to the ceremony of the scape-goat.” (Adam Clarke, 1760-1832)

“Thou hast covered ALL their sin. When God is said to cover sin, He does so, not as one would cover a sore with a plaster, thereby merely hiding it only; but He covers it with a plaster that effectually cures and removes it altogether.” (Robert Bellarmine, 1542-1621)

If the Living Lord God Almighty, Jehovah, Creator of all things, be likened unto an Atomic Reactor unto which no human being can approach, without burning up in an instant.  Then, the precious shed Blood of the Living Lord Jesus Christ might be likened unto the thick lead suit of protection, by which redeemed sinners might approach our Father’s throne, without utterly consuming away. Genuine saved sinners are covered by Christ’s sinless Blood.

“Wherefore we, receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

The Lord Jesus Christ, by the offering of His own sinless Blood, has entered into the Holy Place in Heaven on your behalf and on mine – IF we are born again, Bible-believing Christians.  His once-for-all-time sin offering for us, covers ‘His people’, and pays the just penalty for our vile sins.  We are FORGIVEN in Him. He is our Eternal insurance policy!

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own Blood He entered in once into the Holy Place having obtained Eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:12)

Thought: “Therefore (an Eternal conclusion) if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed (or are continually passing) away; behold, all things are become (or are continually becoming) new.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17) Glory to the Lamb!

Dr C.K. McClinton

Ulster Christians Ministry

www.ulsterchristians.org

PAKISTAN PART 1

PAKISTAN PART 1

Population 250 million

Christians 1.3 million

As you can see by the above statistic, the need in this muslim country is very urgent.

Despite the best efforts of radical Islamic groups, the gospel continues to grow, the church is maturing, but faces deep challenges. 

The imposition of sharia/blasphemy laws allow many Muslim’s to persecute the church, but through all this, the church continues to grow.

Deep and powerful revival to sweep over the church, many believers are committed, but many are nominal.

Please pray for the pastors seeking to lead the church in very difficult circumstances, Please pray that more men would be raised up who are humble servants.

Many churches operate in inadequate facilities, as many of the believers come from poor backgrounds. Please pray that the Lord would provide the finances needed.

Pray for unity between the believers, the muslim community needs to see the power of unity in Christ.

Pray that through all the persecution and intimidation, Christians would not live in fear, they would be like Peter and John in Acts 4

Pray that Christians would have a holy boldness to share the gospel.

The church was birthed from the lowest class of Dalits and so most Muslims have never heard of Jesus.  Pray that believers would be outward looking and outreach focused to reach the masses.

This is a massive task, these are just pointers. Check out the internet for more information

FUYANG IN CHINA

This Week’s Prayer Guide


June 21 – This week, pray for personal requests from pastors in Fuyang, for their families and their churches. Pray for God to be with their family and church relationships.

June 22 – The church leaders that we interviewed for Fuyang were mostly deacons because many elders and pastors have been detained by the government. Please pray that the Lord will protect these church leaders and empower them to carry on the work at their churches. 

June 23 – Church leaders are finding shepherding a house church more challenging as people deal with “psychological wounds of modern life” – marriage problems, infidelity, dissatisfaction, materialism.  Shepherding now demands more time and counseling knowledge.  Please pray that God will equip church leaders with adequate time and skills to shepherd their sheep.

June 24 – Church leaders in Fuyang have received updates that their pastors have been sharing the gospel with other prisoners during their detention, and these efforts have been met with surprising openness.  “when they hear the Gospel, it’s as though they’ve found a lifeline.”  Please pray that God will save many souls through the faithful preaching of these pastors even while they suffer for the gospel.

June 25 – One of the leaders of the churches is seeking to balance ministry, seminary study, and work. Please pray that God and the church can continue to support him financially and spiritually through this period of studies. 

June 26 – Thanks be to God, he has blessed one of the church leaders in Fuyang with twins.  However, parenting in the midst of persecution has also been extremely difficult as Christians have limited options to educate their children in faith, and many children have developed mental illness due to pressure.  Pray that the Lord will protect these children, and let the little children come to him.

June 27 – One Fuyang leader described their generation of Christians as “Christian education generation.”  Passing on their new theological understanding and worldview to their children has become a priority.  May the Lord bless the new Christian academy that his church established in the last 15 years, and may the children in Fuyang grow up to carry on the faith of their parents and grandparents. 

BY PASTOR MILES MCKEE

The Wednesday Word

 The Loveliness of Jesus

D.G. Miles McKee

2 Corinthians 5:21.

Christ’s loveliness consists mainly in this …  He knew no sin! If He had had just one tiny sin of His own, He could not Have suffered for ours. Remember, in Hebrews 7:26 we are told that our High Priest (Jesus) was holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners. We would think that such a person should be welcome in any community. But no! He got terrible treatment. The people despised, rejected and hated Him… But Jesus suffered this wretched behaviour on our behalf. That makes Him altogether lovely.

Do any of us hate Him? Hate Him? Yes, hate Him.  Do any of us use His name as a common swear word? If we do, we are speaking as though we despise Him. If we are guilty of that crime, it doesn´t seem that He is lovely to us.

Also, if we will not trust Him alone for our salvation is that not yet another way of despising Him! When you stand before God on Judgement Day, is there anything more that you would like to add to the perfect righteousness of Christ to save you? If there is, you have not yet grasped the Gospel and the Gospel has not grasped you.  However, when believers stand before God, it will be as if they had never sinned.  They will stand before him in the immaculate righteousness of the worthy Lamb.

He is altogether Lovely!

So, how did the Father deal with the spotless Christ? In Isaiah 53:5-6 we are told the shocking truth that ‘the Lord laid on Him the iniquities of us all.’

This is dreadful.

 The Father heaped upon the Lord Jesus the thousands and millions of our sins till at last He was so covered, in God’s sight, that nothing but sin appeared.

He was treated as though He was one entire mass of sin.

He was dealt with by the Father as if He was sin from head to toe.  We tend to think of the agonies of the cross as being merely physical.  But the physical pain was only a small part of His suffering. There was a torrent of torment that hit Him when our sin was imputed to His pure and lovely being.

As the hymnwriter said, “We may not know, we cannot tell what pains He had to bear but we believe it was for us He hung and suffered there.”

He is altogether lovely!

But why was He made sin?

He was made sin so that we would be declared to be the righteousness of God in Him.  Just as Christ, at Calvary, was covered with innumerable sins and, in a manner of speaking, appeared as one mass of sin, so the vilest one of us who trusts in Christ is so covered with the Lord’s glorious righteousness that in God’s eye we, as it were, appear to be one mass of uprightness.

We are swallowed up by the righteousness of Christ. ( see again 2 Corinthians 5:21).

What an amazing provision He has made for us!

He is altogether lovely!

“Thou dear Redeemer, dying Lamb,
I love to hear of Thee;
No music like Thy charming name,
Is half so sweet to me,
Is half so sweet to me.

My Jesus shall be still my theme,
While in this world I stay;
I’ll sing my Jesus’ lovely name
When all things else decay,
When all things else decay.

When I appear in yonder cloud,
With all Thy favored throng,
Then I will sing more sweet, more loud,
And Christ shall be my song,
And Christ shall be my song.”

Cennick

And that´s the Gospel Truth!

‘Til He Comes!

BY DR KENNY MCCLINTON

Psalm 76: God’s Terrible Power.

1. The Power of Christ’s Name                                    Psalm 76:1-4

Text: “In Judah is God known: His Name is great in Israel”                                                                                                          Psalm 76:1.

          “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name: that, at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11.

Good morning, Christ-honouring Christian!  Having been Spiritually regenerated, made Spiritually alive from being a dry-bone natural sinner – you and I have learned the privilege of exalting the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, the risen Christ.  What a truly marvellous privilege this is today.  Hallelujah!  We honour and praise you, Lord Jesus!

“Again, He said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord.”  (Ezekiel 37:1-10)

“And you hath He quickened (made alive), who were dead (Spiritually dead) in trespasses and sins…even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”  (Ephesians 2:1-10)

The Sovereign Lord God has blessed you and I and granted us His gift of genuine FAITH to believe His Word, the Gospel of Christ Crucified for to save natural sinners – and we have been graciously saved; redeemed by the sinless shed Blood of God the Son, Christ Jesus.  Wow!  Now, there’s a thought that should cause our redeemed souls to sing with joy!  Hallelujah!  What a Saviour we have in Christ Jesus!  Thanks be to Thee, great Lord God.

“Here faith sings of triumphs achieved. The present Psalm is a most jubilant war song a paean to the King of kings, the hymn of a theocratic nation to its Divine Ruler.  We have no need to mark divisions in a song where the unity is so well preserved.” (C.H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David, page 325)

What great theme is being song here in Psalm 76?  What is the cause of Israel’s triumphant rejoicing?  Why, it’s the fact that the nation has received God’s enlightenment and come to worship the true Creator Lord God Jehovah; and, furthermore, the acknowledgement that the Lord God has made Himself known to this nation, and hidden Himself from many others!

Verse 1. “In Judah is God known: His Name is great in Israel. Dark is the outer world, but within the favoured circle Jehovah is revealed and is the adoration of all who behold Him.  The world knows Him not, and therefore blasphemes Him, but His church is full of ardour to proclaim His fame unto the ends of the earth.” (C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David, page 325)

For me, this mirrors the Spiritual mystery of Christ’s Eternal Salvation: He saves some, and does not save others.  Fact! Those whom God the Spirit ‘quickens’ (makes Spiritually alive) are Eternally saved and shall go to be with Christ in Heaven.  Those to whom God the Spirit does not ‘quicken’, never get Eternally saved, and go to Hell when they die.  Fact!

Both groups are privileged to hear the glorious Gospel message of Eternal Salvation in Christ’s Atonement at Calvary’s Cross for sinners – but only a portion of those hearers get Eternally saved.  The Gospel message means EVERYTHING to those who are ordained to be saved; the Gospel message means NOTHING to those who are ordained to remain lost. This is an easily observable FACT we can see taking place day by day. God gives the Gospel message out loud and clear to all souls, but only those ordained by Him to ‘…receive power to become the sons of God’; that wonderful Divine gift of faith, ever get Eternally saved.  God’s Sovereign will is, at all times, fully done.

“But as many as received Him (Christ Jesus), gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: which were born, not of blood (human conception), nor of the will of the flesh (humanism and self-will), nor of the will of man (decisionism), but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

“For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the Word did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”  (Hebrews 4:2)

“But the natural man (unregenerate, unquickened) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

This is the power of Christ’s Holy Name!  His Name is GREAT indeed, in Spiritual Israel (the born again, Bible-believing Church).  Others outside Christ’s Kingdom may well seek to blaspheme His Holy Name; use it as a curse word on television dramas, movies, and worldly shows, etc.  But ‘His people’ know and fully reverence the blessed Name of Christ Jesus.  Glory and praise to Him Who sits on the right hand of our Father God!  Amen.

“Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain.”  (Exodus 20:7)

“And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou (Joseph) shall call His Name JESUS: for He shall save HIS PEOPLE from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:21)

Verse 2. “…His dwelling place in Zion. In God’s awesome power, He deems it fit to dwell continually in the hearts of redeemed sinners. What Divine humility!  What Divine grace!

Today’s Zion: Today’s Zion, in Spiritual Christian terms, is the hearts of ‘His people’; we who are privileged to be Spiritually regenerated Christians, are the dwelling place of God the Holy Spirit. He condescends to live within the hearts of those He has quickened, and for whom Christ shed His own sinless Blood on that cruel Calvary Cross.  We are God’s Zion.

“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit (capital S.), if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.  Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.”            (Romans 8:8-11)

Thought:  Verse 3. “There break He the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Over the past 46 years, since the Lord in His Sovereign grace saved a Hell-deserving wretch like me – there have been many ‘arrows’, ‘bows’, ‘shields’, and ‘battles’ raging within my heart.  But the Sovereign Lord God has broken every weapon, and granted me His Victory. All praise, and honour, and glory to His Holy and loving Name! (Isaiah 54:17)

Dr C.K. McClinton

Ulster Christians

www.ulsterchristians.org

BY RON HAWKS

STIR UP JOY

From: Ron Hawks

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law…Galatians 5:22-23.”

In Boston, it’s sometimes hard to get eye contact from others. Many seem preoccupied, most do not seem happy – at least their faces are not exuding very positive feelings. This driven city can press and tempt people to feel as if they don’t measure up and are somehow behind. It “tells” people that if they tried a little harder they might meet the imaginary standards that are floating in the atmosphere. Praise God, we do not have to live under such emotional and spiritual slave masters!

We have been set free from the standards upon which many try to build their sense of worth. We have been forgiven in Christ, we are loved by the Father and the Spirit of God dwells in us! We must be careful, however, to remember who we are in the triune God.

“Now that you know God-or rather are known by God-how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” (Galatians 4:9) “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) Human standards (sometimes empowered by evil forces) can have the appearance of wisdom and strength, but they lack God’s presence and real power.

Rather than seeking approval and validation from others, we would do best to receive our identity in Jesus. In Christ, our future is full of hope. In Christ, our identity is eternal and cannot be shaken. In Christ, we can have joy as a fruit of the Holy Spirit within us. (Galatians 5:22). His joy dwells in us! We can rejoice (and be joyful) always. (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16)

Joy is accessible because our joy is in the Lord. So, it’s OK to be joyful … all the time. Your joy is not imprisoned by your circumstances; it’s founded upon God’s presence and your hope in His future for you. It is good and right for your face to show the joy that is in your heart. So, smile Boston and all of creation the Lord your God is present, and He is mighty to save and give you hope for the future. Allow the joy of the Lord to put a smile on your face today!

Smiling with you,

Pastor Tom

BY PASTOR JOHAN LOURENS

Here is your Word for today: 

Verse:   Romans 14:4b

‘And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.’

– The Lord will sustain you and keep you standing.
– With the Lord’s help you can stand and pass the tests.
– The Lord will strengthen you in the journey of life.
– He will hold you and He will make sure that you don’t fall.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your hand on my life. I recognise that without You I will stumble and fall but with You, I am able to stand and stay standing. Amen.

PSALM 19 BY RICHARD SHERRER

The Law of the LORD Is Perfect

Psalm 19:7-11


The Law of the Lord is perfect,
His testimony is as sure;
Making wise the simple as direct,
Testifying as being pure.

The precepts of the Lord are right,
His commands rejoice in the heart;
Enables you giving insight,
Enlightens the eyes to impart.

The fear of the Lord is complete,
Since the rules of the Lord are true;
Enduring forever to meet,
Righteously of gathered value.

More desired than that of gold,
Sweeter than drippings of honey;
Words as compassionately bold,
Having more value than money.

By them is your servant is warned,
To keep them as a great reward;
In your worship that is adorned
In reverence unto the Lord.

Copyright © 2025 Richard Newton Sherrer

The Preeminence of Christ BY RICHARD SHERRER

The Preeminence of Christ

Colossians 1:15-22


He is the image of God,
The firstborn of creation;
To whom we honor and laud,
And the route to salvation.

He created everything,
In Heaven and on the earth;
Seen and unseen that does bring,
Resources of priceless worth.

Before all things that exist,
In Him all holds together;
Seen and unseen that consist,
The body holds to gather.

Of the body He’s the head,
And reigning over the church;
The firstborn came from the dead,
And where the righteous will search.

He shall have preeminence,
Superior over all;
Pleasing the Father in sense,
No longer will mankind fall.

For all the fullness of God,
In Him had been pleased to dwell;
Confessions to cleanse where flawed,
The people won’t go to hell.

Appeased by Christ for all,
Whether on earth or Heaven;
Making peace as to befall,
For salvation that’s given.

You were once alienated,
Hostile doing evil deeds;
Penance eliminated,
As to what the darkness needs.

He reconciled through death,
To present you as holy;
Enabled to give new breath,
Above reproach as lowly.

Copyright © 2025 Richard Newton Sherrer

PSALM 100 BY RICHARD SHERRER

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Psalm 100


Make a joyful noise to the Lord,
Let it be heard throughout the earth;
Serve with gladness in one accord,
Showing His essence of true worth.

Come to His presence with singing,
Knowing that the Lord is your God;
Who made us and is bringing,
Being His people to give laud.

We are His sheep of His pasture,
Enter His gates with thanksgiving;
Give thanks to Him for His stature,
Bless His name for our living.

For His mercy lasts forever,
Because His steadfast love endures;
His faithfulness will not sever,
Through all generations is grandeurs.

Copyright © 2026 Richard Newton Sherrer

GOD IS GOOD BY MATTHEW SMITH

God is good

[Rom 8:29 KJV]

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

[Rom 8:30 KJV]

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

We His chosen are the bride

It’s by His grace we have been called

It is in Him all our hope is tied

Before conversion we lived for pride

Sinning constantly rarely appalled

We who are chosen are His bride

To justify us is why Christ died

To make us new sins recalled

It is in Him our hope is tied

Blood soaked tree sins justified

Grace abounds mercy installed

We His chosen are His bride

Jesus makes us new Holy sanctified

Alone we’d never make it even if we crawled

It is in Him all our hope is tied

We long for that day saints glorified

When we meet Jesus hearts enthralled

We his chosen are His bride

It’s in Him all our hope is tied

HENAN/HEILONGJIANG PROVINCES/UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE

SITUATED IN THE FAR NORTH OF CHINA NEXT TO RUSSIA

POPULATION 40 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 7-8%

Praise God for the dynamic church in this province.

Great revivals have taken place, but there is much to be done, with growth comes challenges. Many new believers need good training in the Scriptures. Please pray for the calling and equipping of many pastors who can teach the Word of God with clarity and passion.

This province is home to the Manchu, many are resentful about losing their homeland. Please pray for a powerful work of the Holy Spirit, amongst these people.

Harbin, the capital is famous for its ice sculptures, which bring millions of tourists, from inside and outside China. Please stand in prayer for this needy province, there has been much blessing, but it needs fervent intercession. Parts of the city has Russian styled buildings, and this province is also known for its fertile land and agricultural production.

HENAN PROVINCE

POPULATION 100 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 14 MILLION

Henan is the driving force behind the explosive church growth of the last fifty years, many revivals and miracles have purified and stirred the Church. But now it needs a fresh wave of revival. New leaders are taking over from the men and women, who led the Church through the revival period. Please pray that they would be committed to the Word of God and prayer, the things that helped Henan, become a beacon for the Church in China.

Although massive church growth has taken place, this leaves challenges:

How to disciple such a great number of new converts? Cults are very active here. Please pray for the pastors. They are very overworked. Please pray that more and more lay people will volunteer to lead.

Gender imbalance- Churches are overwhelmingly led by women, please pray for the calling and training of effective men for ministry. Please pray for the establishment of more Christian homes, many Christian men cannot find Christian women to marry because even though there are more women than men in churches, many Christian women do not want to marry someone who is inferior to them in education and income.

Persecution against the church is active, please pray as many church leaders are now in prison.

The migration of many young people to the cities, leaves many churches full of old people. Please pray that young people would be called to the ministry and stay to nurture the church in Henan.

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

My dear friend David, has been a university student, in both China and the USA.

Here are his prayer requests:

There used to be many Christian fellowships run by students in Chinese universities. But with COVID restrictions and tightening political control, a lot of these Christian fellowships have ceased to exist or gone underground. Please pray that the campus Christian fellowships continue to grow.

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Before I left China in 2023, there were a few college students in my house church in China and some coworkers from my church were trying to start a fellowship solely for college students in Guangzhou. My wife’s church in Shanghai is also focused on student ministry and has many students from local universities. Please pray for house churches with student ministries. 

GANSU/SHANXI PROVINCE

GANSU PROVINCE

Situated in the northwest of China

Population 28 MILLION

Evangelicals 3-5%

There is great growth in this largely poor and isolated province through work by Chinese evangelists and radio broadcasts, Praise God for this.

Pray for godly and gracious leadership to be raised up who are servants, who will lead the church in humility and grace. Many sects are seeking to break into the church, please pray the church would be well taught.

The Dongxiang and Bonan people are numerous in the province, but they remain largely unreached, please pray workers would be called to these harvest fields.

The Muslim Hui people are turning to Christ in large numbers, please pray that a strong and vibrant church would be founded amongst them.

Over 600,000 Buddhist people live in Gansu, but there is only one active church. Please pray for the needy people who are desperately seeking hope and peace, that they would find it in Christ.

SHANXI

NORTHEAST CHINA

POPULATION 34 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 6%

The people of Shanxi are kept under strict control, but this hasn’t stopped the church from growing. Continue to pray that spiritual leaders would be raised up, who would lead 

The province has many so-called holy mountains, dedicated to various false religions and ideologies, thousands flock to these mountains, spiritual warfare needs to be waged to transform people’s mindsets and lead many to Christ. Mount Hengshan dedicated to Daoists and Mount Hutai to Buddhism are the biggest.

Shanxi was once the industrial powerhouse of China, but its like a bygone age, please pray that the people of Shanxi, would turn to the true and living God despite strict government control.

HUNAN/INNER MONGOLIA

HUNAN PROVINCE

CENTRAL CHINA

POPULATION 66 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 2%

Hunan is probably the most isolated of all the provinces and is very resistant to foreign influence. It is centrally controlled and the gospel needs fervent prayer if any further advances are to be made.

Great advances are being made, but most churches are overwhelmingly still made up of women, and the few pastors are overworked and have to deal with up to 5-10 churches at once. Please pray for the calling of more men into ministry.

Changsha is where Hudson Taylor is buried, it has between 50-70,000 believers out of a city population of up to 6 million. This city is tough going for the gospel, but there are small fellowships dotted around the city. Please pray for these dedicated churches.

The Tujia do not have a written language and they number nearly 10 million, despite this up to 2% of them have found salvation in Christ. Please pray for the establishment of a strong Tujia church, that will reach the rest of their people.

Many minorities have yet to be reached:

Wunai

Ghao-xong

Mozhihei

These people and more need people to go, please pray for mature workers to go to them.

To do this, the church in Hunan needs to grow and become spiritually mature. Please pray for spiritual breakthrough, this province is very dark. Please pray for the binding of all evil and demonic forces.

INNER MONGOLIA NEI MONGOL.. A VAST GRASSLAND AND DESERT AREA BORDERING RUSSIA AND MONGOLIA

POPULATION 24 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 7%

There is a small and growing Mongolian church, which numbers around 40,000. Many Han Chinese believers have come to the province as it is booming in economic terms. Please pray for sensitive and dynamic ministry to be fuelled by God’s spirit.

Praise God for the effective radio ministry that is broadcast and for many to come to faith through it. Thanks God for the translation of both the old and new testaments and the development of new worship music to fit the Mongolian church. Although church growth has been rapid, cults such as Eastern Lightning have taken over some churches, please pray that all churches would be grounded in the word.

There are many nomadic groups in this area, please remember in your prayers:

Evenki

Oroqen

Little has been done to reach them.

There is a deep hunger for the word of God, many Han believers have several Bibles: but many minority groups do not.

Please pray for the calling of skilled translators to translate the word of God into Chinese. More opportunities are now becoming available because of the onset of AI technology. Please pray the Chinese church would make use of this.

QINGHAI/SICHUAN PROVINCES

QINGHAI PROVINCE

WESTERN CHINA

POPULATION 5 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 3%

This province is a vast province and is dominated spiritually by Buddhism and Islam, but there is a growing and active church.

There are nearly 250,000 believers. Please pray that they would be well taught and able to reach out.

Tibetan peoples are strongly linked to Buddhism and are very resistant to the gospel.

There needs to be fervent prayer for these people groups, these include the Mongour, Oirat and Tu.

The Muslim Hui are numerous and God has worked amongst them.

The Muslim Salar and Bonan are in dire need of the gospel.

Please pray.

SICHUAN PROVINCE 

WEDNESDAY 

THE PANDA PROVINCE IN WESTERN CHINA

POPULATION 88 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 2.5%

Sichuan has the lowest percentage of believers in the Han Chinese speaking provinces, there is much resistance to the gospel.

The province is surrounded by high mountains and it seems that these mountains have to be taken down by prayer.

Chengdu is a city, where much progress has been made for the gospel, but only has 100,000 believers amongst its 10 million citizens.

Revival needs to take hold of the church. Please pray for this.

Groups such as the Qiang and Miao people need the gospel.

NOSU PEOPLE

The Nosu need sensitive ministry, the Jesus film is translated into their language.

Many Han Chinese believers have gone to these people, but they have gone in zeal and had no results.

Please pray for wise and sensitive ministry to break down spiritual strongholds.

GUANGDONG PROVINCE/DAN CHINESE

GUANGDONG PROVINCE

Robert Morrison came to this province in 1807, but Christianity is still seen as a foreign religion. Please pray that this attitude would be broken and that the Christian population of 4% might increase.

The major cities of Guangzhou and Canton need reaching, although there are many believers in these cities, the church is still small. Please pray for the pastors, who are under pressure.

The Cantonese Chinese are some of the richest people in the world and are open to the gospel.

Please pray for the people of Guangdong, who are barely reached with the gospel, these include the Bien Mien Yao, Zaomin Yao and Shaozhou Han.. see below.

Biao Mien

This small minority group numbers 34,000 and lives in Ruyuan province in Guangdong province, they are rural farmers, but they cannot grow enough food to feed themselves, this is not their major problem.

This is a spiritual problem, they worship and pray to worship of their ancestors. The church is very small and not mature.

Please pray that there would be a viable and growing Biao Mien Church.


Zaomin

Away from the major cities live the Zaomin people who number 47,000. A few of them have come to Christ, whilst living in the cities and returned to lead some to Christ. May this be the start of the Zaomin Church.

They worship a mixture of Daoism and Buddhism, dedicated workers need to be called to reach out to them.


Shaozhou Han

These are among the most powerful Han peoples in China and although they number under 1 million, they are found in every position of influence in China.

They have been very resistant to the gospel and they have the lowest percentage of all the Han Chinese people. Please pray for a deep work of the spirit of God.


Dan Chinese

These people are called the water borne people, they live on the water and this makes reaching them difficult.

It also makes forming churches amongst them difficult. Please pray that churches would be founded and that these churches would be grounded in the truth.


Dan Chinese continued

They number 7 million and mostly live in Guangdong province, the Christian population numbers nearly a million. Please pray that the church would grow in grace and the church discipled.

Pray for the ministries that reach out to these people, especially in the Hong Kong area.

GUANGXI ZHUANG AND GUIZHOU PROVINCES

GUANGXI ZHUANG

POPULATION 48 MILLION

NEAR VIETNAM

EVANGELICALS 1%

Pray for this province, it is the least evangelised province in all China. Please pray workers are called to this province.

The Zhuang people number nearly 20 million, their Christian population is less than 1%.

Radio broadcasts are creating interest, but there needs to be an authentic and active church amongst them.

Please pray that this would be a reality.

Please pray for its capital, Nanning and for the other minority peoples in this province.

Please water this province with your tearful prayers.

GUIZHOU PROVINCE

POPULATION 38 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 3%

Thank God for the growth of the church from small beginnings to over 2 million today, but much more needs to be done.

Please pray for a relentless revival to be upon the church and for the Holy Spirit to blow through the church with great power and authority.

The Miao people are the largest minority grouping in the province, God has graciously moved in some of these groupings, but over half have no known believers.

Please pray for a vision for all Christians to reach out to these people.

Pray especially for groups, such as the 3 million Bouyei, who are less than 0.5% Christian and urgently need reaching.

Other groups such as the A-hmao and Gha-mu have large Christian minorities, please pray that workers would be called to go and share the gospel with the Bouyei.

Please pray for the churches in these provinces, these two provinces are probably the hardest for the gospel to penetrate.

Please pray for the believers that they would be salt and light in very difficult circumstances.

CHINESE MILITARY/CHILDREN

Please pray for the lost generation that had their youth taken in the years 1966-76. Many of these people are now in their older years. Please pray for them, that they would come to faith before it’s too late. Pray for my mother-in-law, who is 85, she needs Christ.

The Chinese military is one of the largest in the world, soldiers, sailors etc. are not allowed to have any religious belief. Please pray that God would break into this closed section of Chinese society.

The police number in the millions, but they have very few believers amongst them. Again please pray for a move of God amongst them.

Young people are taught atheism and humanism from an early age. Many of them are then pushed by parents and extended family to obtain high scores at school. Many children are now experiencing depression, mental health problems and even suicide. Young people are obsessed by cell phones, the latest fashion etc. Please pray for a deep move of the Spirit amongst this generation.

Please pray that parents would train up their children in the faith. Many parents still think that academic study is more important than spiritual things. Please pray that Christian parents would train up their children in the nurture of the Lord. Please pray for the restoration of the family altar in every Christian home.

Please pray that every church would have a programme for children, through Sunday school. Please pray for the establishment and protection of Christian schools.

OVERSEAS CHINESE

Chinese live in virtually every country in the world, they are numerous in many western countries and God has worked to establish many thousands of Chinese churches. Please pray that thousands of Chinese would be reached through the Chinese churches that are in these countries such as USA and Canada. In the UK, the Chinese churches are the fastest growing in the UK.

TIAJIN CITY/LISU PEOPLE

TIAJIN

POPULATION 12 MILION

CHRISTIANS 3%

The church is tightly controlled here, as this is the port city of Beijing. Continue to pray for a move of God in this place. Many church leaders are quite old, so there needs to be new godly leaders come and take over. Please pray for this.

MONDAY 

TIAJIN 

As there is in Beijing, there are a large number of foreign nationals. Please pray that they would be able to reach out to the Chinese people, they come into contact with.

TUESDAY 

Achang

40,000 people situated on the border, between China and Myanmar. Praise God that 2,000 + are now saved and now offered training by the more active Achang grouping in Myanmar. Continue to pray for the growth of this church.

WEDNESDAY  

ACHANG HUSA  

A small offshoot of the main group, this group of 7,500, have just one hundred believers. Thankfully they are surrounded by groups, that are strong in the faith and they are offered training by the Achang in neighbouring Myanmar.

THURSDAY  

A CHE  

These people believe in a creator, but say that because their communication with him was broken, they are now unable to enter heaven. Please pray that they would hear that they  can now enter heaven through Christ. There are no known believers among this group., they number 45,000 and are extremely isolated. Will some take five minutes to pray for them?

FRIDAY  

LISU   

Numbering nearly 1 million, these people are key to the whole of western China.

Among them are growing and active churches, that have reached to many other peoples throughout Yunnan Province. Please pray that the church, would be filled with Holy spirit boldness and missionary fire, as it seeks to reach out.

SATURDAY  

LISU  

Although the church is thriving, it continually needs a fresh touch of the Spirit to awaken a new generation. Please pray that the church, would continue to reach out to the current generation and that the Lisu church, would be continually renewed and revived.

ZHEJIANG/YUNNAN PROVINCES

ZHEJIANG

SOUTH OF SHANGHAI

POPULATION 52 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 12%

One of China’s most prosperous provinces, much wealth is in this province. Please pray for the main cities of Hangzhou, Wenzhou and Ningbo.

Wenzhou is a centre of evangelical activity and has seen much persecution.

Several areas of Zhejiang are over 50% Christian, but this can lead to complacency and also alert the attention of the authorities, where there is growth, there is the opposition of the enemy. Please pray for a vibrant expression of biblical Christianity in this province.

Many of Zhejiang’s Christians are very wealthy business owners and they travel around setting up businesses and fellowships as they go, this is a blueprint for the rest of China. Please pray that this method, would be greatly used of God.

Pray for deep, powerful and long lasting revival in Zhejiang

YUNNAN

NEAR THE VIETNAM/MYNAMAR BORDER

POPULATION 46 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 4 %

Yunnan is a melting pot of thousands of peoples, languages and cultures.

Please pray for the main city of Kunming..

Praise God for the work done amongst the Lisu, Wa and Jingpo, these people are central to reaching the peoples of Yunnan.

There are peoples with a large number of Christians, such as the Eastern lipo and Lawa, but many peoples have no believers at all.

Pray that every people group, would have the chance to hear the gospel.

Thursday

Pray that every people group, have the bible in their own language in either written or spoken form, this is long and painstaking work. Please pray for the ministries doing this such as Gospel recordings network and Far east broadcasting company, who are some of the many involved in this work.

The Lisu people are the results of sacrificial ministry over many years from missionaries such JO Fraser and the Morse family they now number 300,000 believers and have thousands of active believers. Please pray for a deep missionary vision and powerful revival to grip this people group, so that they would be deeply moved to go to the rest of Yunnan’s peoples. This work amongst the Lisu is so blessed, because it has been watered by the prayers of the saints, will you water this work with your tearful prayers?

Situated near the golden triangle, leaves Yunnan susceptible to many evils, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and HIV aids. Please pray that this province is known for its love for Jesus. Many of these people groups, are under 10,000, we think, well do they matter?

Well: Yes, because it says that round the throne in heaven, will be people of every nation, tongue and culture.

Please pray for YUNNAN

PLEASE PRAY THAT EVERY PEOPLE GROUP WOULD BE REACHED AND HAVE THE CHANCE TO HEAR THE GOSPEL IN ITS OWN TONGUE

SHANGHAI

SHANGHAI

The booming centre of China, it is its largest city and port and is a magnet for millions seeking work, pleasure and tourism.

Shanghai has many registered churches, not enough for the demand and thousands of unregistered ones, but many need a fresh touch of the holy spirit, what happens spiritually in Shanghai will affect the rest of China.

Many foreigners call Shanghai home and there is a thriving church community amongst them, again pray that these foreigners would come into contact with Chinese people.

Many of them are professional people such as business owners, lawyers, teachers and doctors, please pray for many opportunities to reach out in love and care.

Many in Shanghai are grey, that means they are of an older generation. These older people need loving and careful evangelism to reach out to them. Many are very lonely, there are lots of widows, please pray the church would reach out in compassion.

Millions of Chinese come seeking work, many minority people, who can’t be reached in their own province come to the city. This is an open door, please pray the church would reach out.

There are many universities in the city, please pray for the faithful outreach to the young people in both the universities and schools.

It costs to be a Christian at school or university in China.

Please pray for the pastors, that they would be focused on the word of God and teach sound doctrine.

Please pray for a dynamic revival to take hold of the church in Shanghai and that it may spread throughout China.

WU CHINESE

There are up to eight million Wu believers in China, but many lived in poverty and have no real training in the scriptures. Please pray that the wu church would be based on the bible and founded soundly on strong Christian principles.

There are many Wu people in Shanghai, please pray that many would hear the true gospel and that strong churches would be founded amongst them.

Please pray for a work of grace especially amongst the men of this people group, many men in China see Christianity as a religion for women.

ADI

Located near the China-Indian border, you will not find this people group anywhere else, but on here. This is the people group, that is in the most remote part of China, and although some of the Adi people in India have heard and responded to the gospel, the Adi in China, never have.

Please take a few moments to pray for this people, they number 1200 needy souls.

HAINAN ISLAND/HUBEI PROVINCE/ATHEISTS

HAINAN ISLAND

SUBTROPICAL ISLAND FACING VIETNAM

POPULATION 8 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 4%

Hainan is the pleasure island of China, but it is also a place of great need.

Please pray for the church in this place, that it would be a dynamic force for good and that the glory of the gospel would shine forth through it.

Continue to pray for unity amongst the churches, there are divisions, which hinder evangelism and teaching.

Please pray for many tourists, both Chinese and foreign, who flock to the island, that amongst them would be active Christians, who could encourage the church.

HUBEI PROVINCE

POPULATION 58 MILLION

EVANGELICALS 3%

TUESDAY

Please pray for Wuhan, the capital, this is a strategic city for the gospel, what happens here, truly will impact the whole province.

Please pray for the church and for the pastors in this city.

Church growth has been substantial, but persecution of the church is virulent, this is an ideological battleground.

Please pray that the power of the gospel would shape this province.

Many minorities, such as the Northern Dong and Tujia are relatively unreached, they worship nature, their ancestors etc, so it may be easy to bring them to Christ, but even more difficult to rid their minds of this false teaching.

This is deeply ingrained into many people’s hearts in China.

Saving a person in China is easy, but then the difficult process of sanctifying them starts.

Please pray for Godly men to be raised up.

ATHEISTS

In China, there are between 400-500 million atheists, please pray for them, it is very difficult for a person, who has been brought up through the school system to hear and respond to the gospel.

It needs a transforming move of the Holy Spirit to shake the foundations of this ideology.

Please pray for these people entrenched in this ideology, that many would break free.

Christian marriages

You can go to a certification place and as long as you have the correct documents, the state considers you married, thousands every day get their certification, God has been taken out of marriage.

Please pray that true biblical marriage would be restored in China and that many Christian marriages and homes would be established.

The Chinese need to see the beauty and power of dynamic Christian marriages and homes.

Please pray for the millions of sisters and brothers that have unconverted spouses.

In our church at least three co-workers have unconverted spouses.

ANHUI PROVINCE/CHONGQING/MANDARIN CHINESE

ANHUI PROVINCE

LOCATED IN CENTRAL CHINA

Next door to my province of Jiangsu is Anhui province, you can tell you are in Anhui by the white houses that predominate every village and small town.

Nearly a fifth of the population claim to be Christian, several revivals in the early days of church growth, brought a lot of godly leaders into the church, but now as a new generation starts to take over the leadership of the church, a fresh outpouring of the holy spirit is needed. Please pray for this.

Persecution of the church is very active with many leaders being arrested, but also unity amongst church networks is an issue, as many disagreements over small points of doctrine and how church is organized have arisen, leading to many leaving the church

The church needs to be trained well, there is a lack of trained leaders, and so many church members are open to error, many pastors have to look after 5-7 churches and are overworked and unappreciated,

I heard of a seminary class of 50, now there is one person actively serving God, many go back into the world to seek to earn more money.

Please pray for a deep and powerful outpouring of the Holy spirit 

CHONGQING CITY

LOCATED IN SICHUAN PROVINCE

Of all the cities, I have been to, this is the most amazing, I visited back in 2024, trains going into houses, railway stations in blocks of houses, subways at 300 metres below ground, this city certainly has the wow factor.

Given all these things, there is a growing and vibrant church in this place.

Please pray for the church to be strengthened and increased, again blessing in the past, does not mean blessing in the future. The ground must be watered with the prayers of the saints.

Many people are flocking to Chongqing, not just for work, but as a tourist must see,  please pray that the church would reach out in dynamic power to the people who live in Chongqing and come to visit.

Continue to pray for the city,  it is becoming strategic for the gospel. 

Thanks, may many come to faith in both Anhui and Chongqing.

MANDARIN CHINESE

920 million Han Chinese mandarin speakers, this is the largest people group in the world, although 50-75 million have professed Christ, that leaves well over 800 million without Christ.

Please pray

MANDARIN CHINESE

They have moved to every country on earth, and travel all over the world. They are no longer a closed door, but an open one, please pray that the churches in the west, would reach out to the millions of Chinese overseas.

Pray for a deep missions vision, that not only, would they reach out to the millions of Mandarin Chinese, but also to the many minority groups.

JIANGSU PROVINCE

JIANGSU PROVINCE

Coastal province , west of Shanghai

Population 90 million

Christians number between 8-10%

This is the province, I live in.

Please pray as although there is great progress for the gospel, there are also severe challenges. We cannot meet in person so all meetings must be virtual Please pray that creative ways to get round these restrictions are found.

Please pray that whatever the persecution, the gospel goes forward on a daily basis and that God would call many Chinese people into his kingdom.

Please pray for the major cities of this province especially Nanjing (my home), Wuxi, Suzhou and Yancheng. Please pray that the church would be revived in these places.

Please pray that the church would become mature and purified during this severe period of persecution.

Jiangsu is relatively prosperous, the danger for Christians to be drawn into the world is obvious. Please pray that the church would be salt and light to their communities.

Continue to pray for deep and powerful revival to touch every area of this province.

Please pray that every housing complex, would have it’s own bible study.

CHINESE OVERSEAS

There are Chinese in virtually every country on earth and in many western countries, there are large Chinatowns especially in North America and Europe.

Please pray that the western church would fellowship and share the gospel with the many Chinese, who are open to the gospel.

Please pray for the growth of many Chinese churches, for example in Calgary in Canada, there are thirteen Chinese churches, please pray that these churches would not just impact the Chinese community, but the whole of Canada.

STUDENTS

Millions of Chinese students study overseas and are an open door to the gospel, please pray that many would be reached with the gospel. Please pray that they would be befriended by local Christians and churches.

Students from many countries are now flocking to China, many Christians amongst them, please pray for divine appointments as they seek to share the gospel on a personal level with fellow students.

The Chinese love to travel, they love to experience new cultures, as they travel, may many be confronted with the truths of the gospel. If there is a scenic spot in your area during the summer, you are sure to find Chinese people there, please get hold of Chinese gospel literature, you can source this on the net AND GO AND SHARE THE GOSPEL.

FOREIGNERS IN CHINA

There are great challenges, but also great opportunities, the challenges are the language, which I find difficult, but there are tremendous opportunities, the Chinese are fascinated by foreigners. I was in a park talking to a group of Sri Lankans and a group of boys, who spoke very good English approached us, they are so interested and are very friendly and open, they will smile and are happy to see you.

The Chinese people are a wonderful people, they have given me, more love and been genuinely kind, than most people in the west, I’m sad to say this.

Finally, you need to come to China, you need to come to China, you need to eat their food, you need to ride on their subways, you need to go to their markets, come and see for yourself.

Be moved for China, the need is beyond words.

FUYANG IN CHINA

This Week’s Prayer Guide


June 14 – This week, pray for the needs of churches in Fuyang. Pray for churches in Fuyang to be transformed by the gospel of Christ.

June 15 – Christianity arrived in Fuyang earlier than most other places in China.  One of the church leaders shared that he himself is a third-generation believer.  His grandfather came to faith at the age of twenty and has been a believer for over seventy years.  Give thanks to God for giving Fuyang such deep gospel roots, and may the people in Fuyang come to appreciate their gospel heritage. 

June 16 – Reformed theology arrived in Fuyang in the last two decades, bringing clear confessional statement, theological structure, and formal church polity to some of Fuyang’s local churches. While we give thanks to God for these new blessings, these churches have also attracted more government attention. May the Lord sustain these churches and give them courage to persevere in their new calling.  

June 17 – With the rise of modernization and political control, persecution of churches in Fuyang has also escalated to a level not seen since the Cultural Revolution. In-person gatherings have become increasingly rare and difficult. May the Lord give churches creative ways to hold in-person gatherings regularly, and help these churches continue to practice the ordinary means of grace of Word, prayer, sacraments together. 

June 18 – One deacon in Fuyang shared, “We’ve become more and more scattered: from a rented space with a small group inside, to two or three families together, to single families worshiping online—atomized by pressure, again and again.” Pray that God will give the churches in Fuyang safe space to worship and gather, and that he will encourage the brothers and sisters to worship freely.  

June 19 – Fuyang has a seminary that has been in operation for over twenty years, which has given the younger generation of preachers an opportunity to receive the theological training that their fathers and grandfathers lacked.  Please pray that these seminary graduates can hold fast to the faith and persevere in their ministry. 

June 20 – One church leader shared, “The government uses the ‘cult’ label to spread false propaganda, and that propaganda effectively covers mainstream house churches too. As a result, many people have built up a strong wariness toward Christianity.” May the Lord dispel the lies of the government, and let the truth of the gospel shine brightly in Fuyang.

NORTH KOREA

THE HERMIT KINGDOM   NORTH KOREA

We all know about this country, but do we really know about it.

This is probably the most dangerous place to be a Christian in the world.

The church in NK has been the subject to the greatest persecution in the last fifty years and yet it survives and prospers.

The prayers that you can give come up before God’s throne as a sweet-smelling savour, they are precious to these believers.

The government paints a picture that all is well, but behind the facade is deep neglect, it has an elite that is pampered for their allegiance to the “dear leader”.

First of all, please pray for this man and his family, they have dominated NK for decades, but God can and will bring all this to an end Psalm 2.

God has a sovereign plan for NK, pray that in his time, he would deal with this country in his way for his glory.

The people suffer greatly, only 20% of the land is able to be used to cultivate food, many famines take hold and this drives many to forage for grass, herbs and to flee to South Korea and China.

Chinese Christians living along the border are a difficult position, some try and help the ones who are fleeing, but this comes at a huge cost to both parties.

Surveillance and Snitching on your neighbours is a constant danger to every NK Christian, children have betrayed parents and vice versa, there are large payouts for anyone who does this.

But still the church continues to grow, the name Of Jesus continues to be lifted up in NK, continue to pray for these small shoots to grow and develop.

Please pray for those who do get across the border to SK and China, would be protected and that they would hear and respond to the gospel.

Radio broadcasts are beamed into NK, but most are blocked, but pre tuned radios are now more available, many of these are flown in by balloon, although the authorities have become aware of this and are cracking down. To own a bible or a pretuned radio can get you a long period of imprisonment or even a death penalty.

There are over 200,000 Christians in prison in NK, many have lost everything for their faith. Their reward is great. Hold these precious believers in your prayers.

Many prayer networks have been set up to pray for NK, please go and find them, join me in praying for NK.

It seems impossible, how can we change a country?

But nothing is impossible with God, let us lift up our prayers for NK.

These prayer points are just primers for you, they are selective not exhaustive. They are written out of a deep love for this people.

The people of NK need people like you to pray for them.. will you stand in the gap for them?

FUJIAN/HEBEI PROVINCES

FUJIAN PROVINCE 

Population of over 75 million

Evangelicals 10%

Sunday 
One of the first provinces to receive the gospel, Fujian has many believers, but the church needs a powerful move of the Spirit to shake the church from its lethargy and to revive it again.


Chinese ancestor worship is seeing a real surge in interest, please pray that the church would respond to this challenge.


Many workers come to Fujian because it is prosperous. May the church reach out to the many who come, especially those from minority peoples who otherwise would be unreached.

Wednesday 
The She people number 400,000, have begun to turn to Christ from idols, but this is a young church. Please pray it would have its own leaders, Bible and church structure.

HEBEI PROVINCE /

Population 72 million

Evangelicals 4%

This province is policed very strictly, but in spite of this, the gospel goes forth. Please pray for continued growth of the church.


This is the heart of the Catholic Church in China, please pray that many Catholics would come to a biblical faith based on the Bible.


This province is very strategic for the gospel. It is a battleground where the truth of the gospel meets head-on with Communist and Catholic ideologies. Please pray for great courage for the pastors and Christians in this hostile environment.

SHANDONG PROVINCE/CANTONESE CHINESE

SHANDONG PROVINCE 

NORTHERN COASTAL PROVINCE, CHINA LARGEST POPULATION PROVINCE, NEARLY 100 MILLION EVANGELICALS 4%

This province is relatively prosperous, please pray for the gospel to spread throughout the province, the church needs to reach out.

This province was the birthplace of Confucius and his influence is still deeply felt. Mount Tai’an is a holy mountain to them and prayer should be focused on breaking down this stronghold.

Please pray for the growth of Christianity in this province, hindrances to this include doctrinal error,  cults and materialism.

Pray for the major cities, such as Jinan, Xintai, Linqing and Zibo

CANTONESE CHINESE 

Robert  Morrison came to China in 1807 through Canton, thank God for over two

hundred years of witness to these special people and thank God for over 6 million Cantonese coming to faith in Christ.

Of all the Han Chinese people, the Cantonese are the most open to the gospel, most homes have spirit altars and Buddhism and Daoism is very strong.

Please pray for the breaking of these bondages, even when people come to faith, it is very difficult for new believers to break these bondages.

The Cantonese Chinese are experts in trading and have moved to many countries all over the world, including Malaysia and the United states.

Please pray that these people would remain open to the gospel and that many would come to faith.

NINGXIA HUI PROVINCE/BEIJING

NINGXIA HUI REGION

Located North China

The Hui region is home to one of the biggest minority peoples in China, they are Muslim by nature and tradition and yet, God is doing a great work among these people.

Resources are being translated and adapted to fit their needs, but this is a time consuming and difficult work.

Hui people move all over China, they are found everywhere, please pray they would hear the true gospel as they travel around China.

Pray for the formation of a Hui church, this will take dedicated prayer warriors.

Beijing

Capital of China

China’s capital is a tourism hot spot, with millions of tourists coming to view its treasures, millions come from the provinces of China and across the world to view the great wall and forbidden city, may they be reached with the gospel. 

The church is tightly controlled, but it is growing steadily. Please pray that this growth will continue and speed up.

Please pray for wisdom for the government, that many in the government, may be reached with the gospel, especially pray for the influence of the gospel on professional people and university students.

Continue to pray for strong godly Christian marriages, most of the church, is made up of sisters, please pray that the power of godly homes may be seen not only in Beijing, but throughout China.

A’OU PEOPLE

These people number less than 3,000 and are poor farmers, they believe strongly in the spirit world and revere and pray to their ancestors.

There are no believers amongst them, so please pray that gifted workers would be called and that a truly A’ou church would be formed.

A-HMAO

There are over 300,000 believers amongst this group, they have been used to reach out to many other groups. Continue to pray that they would be used to reach out to many unreached groups and that they would be a powerful witness.

Having such a large proportion of the group as Christians is great, but it can lead to nominalism. Please pray for deep and powerful revival and for each and every generation to be impacted by the gospel.

Please pray that the people would be defined by joy, prayer and discipleship.

Please pray for the pastors, may many be raised up.

JILIN/JIANGXI PROVINCES/ACHANG PEOPLES

Jilin province

This province is located in the north of China, it is one of the provinces of the once all-powerful Manchurian empire.

It has around 2 million Christians, mainly Korean, but many Han Chinese.

The largest city is Changchun with around 3 million people, but this city and others do not have a large number of believers.

The province is strategic for North Korea, in prayer and witness. Please pray that the church would be ready if this country falls.

Please pray that the gospel would go forth in power, their are many cults operating in this province.

Jiangxi province

A province of around 44 million , with a Christian population of 5%. 

The party still holds great sway in this province, as this is where the long march started, but there has been much growth in the church, but large areas and people groups, remain unreached.

Many believers are farmers and live in poverty and are untrained. They are liable to fall into false teaching, so there needs to be sound biblical teaching in this province.

There is great need in this province, please pray that the Lord, would send pastors and church workers to train up church members in sound theology and practice.

ACHANG

Praise God that there are some believers in virtually every Achang village in China, the Achang is Myanmar have turned to Christ in large numbers and many Achang in China, have been blessed by discipleship classes run by Believers across the border.

ACHANG

The church is now planted and now it needs to mature, it needs to train it’s own leaders, as many of the younger generation only believe in atheism. 

Please Pray that there will be continuous revival to stir the Achang and that the Achang bible, which was completed for the Achang in Myanmar, would be distributed to the Chinese Achang.

ACHANG HUSA

2 % of the Husa people are saved, please pray that they would grow into an active and vibrant church.

They are offered training by the neighbouring Kachin people, pray that they would be able to understand it.

Most of them are stepped in Buddhism and Daoism, but now the younger generation are atheist. Pray for the breaking of these bondages.

CHINA CRY TIBET AND XINJIANG

TIBET

3 MILLION PEOPLE

Christians NUMBER 2-5000 IN SMALL HOUSE FELLOWSHIPS

This area is a contentious political issue for decades, but we are not here to talk about that. We need to pray for this area is it permeated by Buddhism, which is ingrained into the whole fabric of society. There are still many monasteries and thousands of Buddhists monks. They have remained resistant to the gospel, so it needs the powerful and anointed prayers and tears of the saints to break this down.

This is a spiritual stronghold, but can be defeated by prayer 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Although the church is small, it has and is experiencing small signs of growth. These despised believers, who have long met in secret are now coming out into the open, they now have their own worship and leaders. Continue to pray that this church, would continue to flourish.

Please pray that materials in every Tibetan dialect, would become available. Radio broadcasts are every day, the JESUS film is available etc, but they need the bible in their own language.

Han Chinese are pouring into Tibet, amongst them many believers, please pray they would have a vision for reaching the Tibetan people.

Pray for the Tibetan’s who live outside of their own country, in places such as Nepal, Bhutan and other places, that they would be reached.

There is growth in tourism, westerners are now encouraged to come to Tibet. Please pray for the opportunities this brings.

XINJIANG

POPULATION 21 MILLION

CHRISTIANS 500,000 (ESTIMATE)

 Another touchy area, but one we need to pray for.

This is the home of the Uyghur people and many other Muslim people.

Pray for the church here, it is a hard place to be a believer, but there are active churches here, please surround these precious believers with your prayers.

Please pray for the Uyghur peoples, there are less than 1,000 believers in the world and yet  they number in the millions. Please pray that these precious believers, would grow into a thriving and growing church, with it’s own worship and bible resources.

Virtually, all the believers are Han Chinese. Please pray they would have a vision for reaching out to the Uyghur and other Muslim peoples. There was once a thriving church in Xinjiang, may this be revived.

Other groups, such as the HUI and the Kyrgyz are seeing growth in their churches. Continue to sprinkle your prayers upon these people, so that many can rejoice with us, round God’s throne.

CHINA CRY

COMMUNIST PARTY MEMBERS

They number upwards of 100 million and are atheist in their thinking and action.

Please pray for them, they are trapped in a wrong mindset, many of them, haven’t heard the gospel. 

Please pray for the Youth league members, these young zealots are taught that atheism is all there is from an early age.

Please pray that the 500 million of no religious affiliation, would be reached with the gospel.

I have a real burden for these people, please join me as I pray for them. 

Liaoning Province

Southern most of the three provinces of Old Manchuria, bordering on North Korea.

Thank God that he has worked mightily in this province, with the church growing much recently. Continue to water these roots with prayer..

Korean believers make up a large proportion of the church, continue to pray that the work amongst the Korean diaspora.

Liaoning is on the frontline for people escaping from North Korea, please pray for all those refugees that they would find safety and most importantly Jesus.

MANCHU PEOPLE

The Manchu number over 13 million, they ruled China for 300 years, they are a proud people, who have lost their identity. Please pray that many would come to faith in Christ.

Nanjing

This is the city I live in, it is a beautiful city and is the old capital of China.

It is surrounded by wonderful city walls, that are very wide, they overlook Xuanwu lake, which I love to walk around.

Beyond that beauty, there are many Christians and much gospel ministry in this city, the Government TSPM seminary is here as is the Amity press which publishes bibles.

Please pray fervently for Nanjing.

Our area of Yao Hua men is very large, we have over 50-60 complexes in our area, the complex which we live in has 700 flats and ours is not the largest.

Please pray that every complex, would have an active bible study group.

Pray for the other areas of Nanjing, such as Xianlin, which is closest to us, this is a university area, with some foreigners.

Other areas of Nanjing are Jiangning, Xuanwu, Gulou, Yuhuatai and Qinhuai, please pray that solid bible believing churches would be raised up.

Please pray for the many universities in Nanjing, there are many students who come to faith, whilst at university, but go back into the world when in work.

Please pray as there is a lack of godly families in the church, many men are consumed with work.

Please pray for more men to be called to preach.

Although Nanjing is less persecuted than other areas of China, persecution still exists, so please pray for this city, that the work of the Lord would prosper.

POEMS BY RICHARD SHERRER

Pleasing Others, Not Ourselves

Romans 15:1-7


We have a strong obligation,

To bear the failings of the weak;

Not for self-gratification,

But assist others that we seek.

Each of us please our neighbor,

For uplifting enlightenment;

Upon his leisure and labor,

Encouraging to complement.

Christ was not into self-pleasure,

The reproaches that fell on Him;

But preach on heavenly treasure,

To someone that was feeling grim.

Whatever written aforetime,

Were written for our learning;

Avoid in committing a crime,

From temptations you are yearning.

Through patience easing from Scriptures,

That God gives endurance to cope;

Bringing harmony that captures

And enables us to have hope.

Together you may have one voice,

Lauds the Father of our Lord;

Glorifying as we rejoice,

The Triune God in one accord.

Copyright © 2025 Richard Newton Sherrer

Cast Your Burden on the LORD

Psalm 55:16-23


I call for the Lord to save me,

I utter my complaint and moan;

He has heard my voice and could see,

That I was completely alone.

He redeems my soul in safety,

From the battle that I had waged;

Many are arrayed against me,

I feel like a beast that has been caged.

God will give ear to humble them,

He who is enthroned from of old;

If no change then He will condemn,

Since they don’t fear what they were told.

He stretched out His hand such as be,

At peace to who violated;

But that they were too blind to see,

And must be annihilated.

His speech was as smooth as butter,

Yet war had been filling His heart;

His words were softer to utter,

Yet they drew swords to counterpart.

Cast your burden upon the Lord,

Not to let the righteous be moved;

Always remain in one accord,

Sustain your thoughts so they’re behooved.

God will cast them into the pit,

Treachery and deceitful men;

Living out their days to commit,

The distrustful God must condemn.

Copyright © 2025 Richard Newton Sherrer

Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You

2 Timothy 1:6-12


I remind you to fan the flames,

Of which that God gave you a gift;

Through laying your hands that proclaims,

The inspiration to uplift.

God gave a spirit not to fear,

But of power for self-control;

Along with the love to revere,

And of a sound mind for your soul.

Don’t be ashamed to testify,

Testimony of our Lord;

Or suffering that would deny,

That lets the Gospel be ignored.

He saved us and had called us,

Not just because of our deeds;

But His purpose and grace as thus,

Which He gave before time precedes.

Which now has been manifested,

By appearance of the Savior;

Abolish death that infested,

Brought new life through changed behavior.

He brought iniquity to light,

About your life through the Gospel;

As a teacher to bring insight,

For preaching unto the people.

For which causes me to suffer,

But I’m never to be ashamed;

Knowing Christ will always buffer,

In continuing to be proclaimed.

For I know whom I have believed,

I’m able to remain on guard;

The salvation that I received,

Entrusted till earth has been charred

Copyright © 2025 Richard Newton Sherrer

The Value of the Bible

2 Timothy 4:1-5


I charge you before the Lord,

To judge the quick and the dead;

In His presence to afford,

The bread of life to be fed.

Preach the Word for the reason,

Having patience and teaching;

For in or out of season,

Of its value for preaching.

Time is near they won’t endure,

Sound teaching but itching ears;

As their passion will allure.

False doctrine in casting fears.

For they will become uncouth,

Wander towards myths and fables;

No longer hearing the truth,

And built up from arousals.

Always be sober-minded,

And endure your suffering;

Not to become blind-sided,

Use Scripture for anchoring.

Copyright © 2025 Richard Newton Sherrer

BOLD PRAYERS BY PASTOR JOHAN

Bold Prayers!

“And now, Lord, observe their threats [take them into account] and grant that Your bond-servants may declare Your message [of salvation] with great confidence,”. Acts 4:29 (AMP) 

After the disciples were threatened to never again preach or heal in the Name of Jesus Christ, they got together and did the one thing they knew to do – pray. Their prayer, as recorded in Acts 4, was short, deliberate, bold and to the point. They didn’t beg or seek pity. Instead, they prayed God would grant them more boldness to preach the Word! Backing down was not even an option. How someone prays reveals a great deal about what they believe, and their confidence in their God-given authority. Instead of wailing and travailing, they prayed simple, direct prayers that echoed the will of God. Since they approached the very real threats of the authorities in faith, God granted them their request. And no wonder, since without faith it’s impossible to please Him! This is why not one chapter in the Book of Acts is void of the supernatural. Whatever you are facing or going through, go to the Lord in prayer and pray bold prayers. God is moved by our faith and our willingness to obey Him, in the heat of the challenges we face. May the Lord strengthen you as you step out today in boldness

YOUR RESUME BY ROB WHITE

Your Resume

By Rob White 

     What  does your resume say about  you? Recently, someone asked me, “How do you identify yourself? What does your resume say about you?” I quickly answered: 

Child of my Lord, Christian, teacher, leader in the church, student, computer technician, servant, friend, prayer warrior, Bible reader. 

     It sounded good—until I read Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:10-14 (HCSB) about the Pharisee and the tax collector. “The Pharisee took his stand [a] and was praying like this:

“God, I thank You that I am not like other people [b] – greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I  give a tenth [c] of everything I get.”

     The tax collector, standing far off, wouldn’t even lift his eyes to Heaven. He beat his chest and said, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.” Luke 18:13b, NLT

 The Pharisee’s resume would have looked impressive: 

 One of God’s chosen people 

 Pure, just, law-keeping

 • Prays, reads Scripture, does good works

 • Keeps the Sabbath, not a thief or adulterer

 • Thankful he’s not like “that sinner” 

    The tax collector’s resume was far less flattering: 

 . Steals and cheats

 • Recognizes he is a sinner

 • Humble, seeking God’s mercy

 • Ready to trust God by faith 

     My list looked a lot more like the Pharisee’s than the tax collector’s. It didn’t even mention that I am a sinner. Yet if I claim I don’t sin, I make God a liar (See 1 John 1:8-10). That adds two more entries: liar and sinner. 

    Jesus said that the tax collector—not the Pharisee—went home justified. We are no different from the “lost” –  except for our relationship with Christ. “All have sinned and fall short of  the glory of God.”Romans 3:23, NIV

     The only way to be made right with God is through humble faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross—not by polishing our spiritual resume. 

     So here is my revised resume: 

 I am a sinner—yet God loves me so much that 

“…He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who  believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life .” John 3:16,NLT

I am a Christian—becoming more like Christ because the Holy Spirit lives in me, helping me love God and love others.

 I love Him, and I love you. I talk to Him daily in prayer. 

I read the Bible—His love letter to us.

 I serve God and people. 

I teach about God’s love, while still learning it myself. 

I work as a student minister (and sometimes still as a computer technician and manager). 

    No matter what we’ve done, God loves us. The most valuable gift we can share is the Gospel: Jesus died for sinners like us, rose again, and offers forgiveness and new life, through faith in Him alone. 

     Friend, what does your resume say? Does your heart show that you love God and love others? Examine it today. Come to God like the tax collector—honest about your sin, and trusting in His mercy. He is ready to justify you, too. May our lives be lived for the glory of God alone. — Rob 

PSALM 82 BY DR MCCLINTON

Psalm 82: God the Almighty Judge!  Psalm 82:1-8

Text: “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty He judgeth (judges, and continually judges) among the gods (small g.)”

Psalm 82:1.

          “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the Heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the Kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as Head above all.”

1 Chronicles 29:11.

Good morning, well-judged Christian! In Christ Jesus, you and I have been Spiritually awakened by the Lord God to know ourselves to be gross sinners on our way to a lost Eternity in Hell; an Eternity of perpetual torment after that, in the Lake of Fire Created to punish Satan and his fallen, disobedient angels, but which shall also house all sinful souls that knew not Christ as their own and personal Saviour from sin.

“And the angels which kept not their first estate (a state of obedience to the Lord God), but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day.  Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh (homosexuality), are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of Eternal fire.”  (Jude 6-7)

“And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever…And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:10-15)

On the other hand, having, by God’s Sovereign grace and enablement, judged ourselves to be lost; and having been blessed with God’s gift of faith to believe and trust in Christ’s Salvation – we have been born-again, regenerated by God the Spirit to be new creatures in Christ, never to be judged by God again or condemned for sins – past, present, and future sins – committed.  Hallelujah! (John 3:3-8)

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Having been justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and declared ‘not guilty of sin’ by our Father in Heaven as a consequence – we are clearly instructed by God’s Word not to ever ‘…accept the persons of the wicked.’  We are not to ‘judge’ the words and actions of others according to their social or legal positions in society, but according to the laws of the Living Lord God, as written clearly in our KJV Bibles. Wrong can never ever be judged right! The Lord God grants us Holy discernment, to judge what is wrong and right.

God Judges the judges: “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty He judgeth (judges, and continually judges) among the gods (small g.)”  (Psalm 82:1)

Verse 3. “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. It is said of Francis the First, of France, that when a woman kneeled to him to beg justice, he bade her stand up; for, said he, ‘Woman, it is justice that I owe thee, and justice thou shalt have; if thou beg anything of me, let it be mercy.’” (William Price,1642)

Nations which have been founded on the Ten Commandments of God, and the Divine wisdom of the King James Version Bible, have for centuries been characterized by a high sense of justice and mercy shown to their peoples, and especially to those that have become prisoners within a Sovereign territory.

“Prisoners are judged by courts and put into prison AS a punishment, not FOR punishment. Loss of liberty IS the punishment!” (C.K. McClinton 1947 -?)

Verse 4. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. It is a brave thing when a judge can liberate a victim like a fly from the spider’s web, and a horrible case when magistrate and plunderer are in league.  Law has too often been an instrument for vengeance in the hand of unscrupulous men, an instrument as deadly as poison or the dagger.  It is for the judge to prevent such villainy.”  (C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David, page 353)

The Lord God Jehovah is an absolutely Holy Lord God, Creator of all things; Sovereign in all issues pertaining to what He has Created.  All that He has Created was perfect, until Adam and Eve sinned the sin of disobedience in Eden’s Garden. 

All since then has been polluted by mankind’s sin.  All mankind since that Fall into sin, are NOT Created by God, but born of sinful man and woman, in Adam’s Fallen image and likeness, with a nature that is at all times very prone to sin.  (Genesis 5:3)

This is why the Lord Jesus Christ taught us, “Ye must be born again!”  We must be Spiritually regenerated, made Spiritually alive, and forgiven of all our sin; redeemed from sin, by the precious, sinless, shed Blood of the Saviour Lord, Jesus Christ.  Praise His Holy Name!  We are made to be Holy by the imputation (putting to our personal account) of the righteousness of Christ Jesus Himself.  Hallelujah!  What a Saviour!            (John 3:3-8)

“For He (God the Father) hath made Him (Jesus Christ, God the Son) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we (God’s elect people) might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

When God, the righteous Judge of all the earth, looks upon those of us that have been, by His grace and faith, born again in Christ – all He causes Himself to see IS His Son, Jesus Christ, and thus, we are passed over for destruction, Hell, and the Lake of Fire. Wow! Glory to God.

“You hath He quickened (made Spiritually alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins…even when we were dead (Spiritually dead) in sins, hath quickened (made Spiritually alive) us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)” (Ephesians 2:1-5)

In Christ Jesus we are judged to be totally innocent from all our catalogues of vile sins!

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from ALL SIN.”       (1 John 1:7)

“I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” (Isaiah 43:25)

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” (Isaiah 44:22)

Thought: God, the Almighty Judge declares ‘His people’, not guilty of sins! Hallelujah!

Dr C.K. McClinton

Ulster Christians Ministry

www.ulsterchristians.org

WHY DOES THE LOCAL CHURCH MATTER

Why Does the Local Church Matter?

From:              Ron Hawks and Bruce Ferris

Not only does the local church matter, it is vital to everything that Christ died for. It is, in fact, His body here on earth (1 Co. 12:27) and Christ is its head. God has placed every member in the body as it has pleased Him (1 Co. 12:18).

The churches whole purpose is to evangelize the lost, glorify God and to continue to meet together to encourage, strengthen and edify one another.

When a church is biblically sound, it provides the environment for spiritual growth, accountability, and congregational worship. It offers support, protects believers from theological error, and focuses on service allowing members to put shoe leather to their faith by using their spiritual gifts to help fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

FUYANG WEEK 2 PRAYER

This Week’s Prayer Guide


June 7 – This week, pray for the needs of the people of Fuyang. Pray for the church to be a Christlike witness to their friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members.

June 8 – Being a third-tier city in China with few universities, many young people leave Fuyang for education or work in bigger cities and do not return.  This causes not only a talent drain for the city overall, but also within churches as young people do not stay to help disciple others.  Please pray that God will give young people alternative options and opportunities to stay and prosper in Fuyang. 

June 9 – Locals used to joke that “There’s no Communist Party in Fuyang” because the city was relatively undeveloped.  But political indoctrination has intensified in recent years and propaganda slogans infiltrate every level of society.  May God give the people of Fuyang critical eyes to distinguish lies from truth, and give people a hunger for God’s Kingdom. 

June 10 – In recent years, there has been noticeable modernization and material improvements in Fuyang.  But as in other places in China, culture and politics are completely intertwined.  May the people in Fuyang recognize the idol of materialism and find true fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. 

June 11 – As in other parts of China, modernization also leads to tightening controls.  More surveillance cameras were installed around the city, local communities adopted stricter social management, which made it increasingly difficult for Christians to gather.  As Christians grow nervous about government surveillance, may the Lord give them comfort that He is also watching over them and protecting them. 

June 12 – The government is growing increasingly concerned about children’s education.  The local government keeps checking to make sure all children are enrolled in public schools, drawing more scrutiny to families who choose to pursue an alternative education model for their children, such as Christian schools.  May the Lord continue to protect the children in Fuyang, particularly children in Christian families, and give them excellence in their studies as Daniel excelled in Babylon. 

June 13 – After COVID, the economic bubble began to deflate in Fuayng. Housing prices have fallen significantly, which is a major indicator of the economic health of a region. May the Lord give people Fuyang hope in their future, and may the people who hunger for material wealth find riches in the gospel instead. 

FUYANG IN CHINA

Editor’s note: Join us this June as we pray for the city of Fuyang in Anhui Province. Fuyang culture is strongly traditional, and most people work in agriculture. Fuyang has many believers, thanks to the rural revival that swept through the area in the 1980s and 90s. Church leaders say they have experienced significant persecution over the last few years, but that God has matured them and their churches through the difficulty.Fuyang: A Long Christian HistoryMeet the Fuyang LeadersChina Partnership: Briefly introduce yourself, your family, and your church.Song Xile: I am bi-vocational, and serve my church as an elder. My wife and I have one child.Our church has faced persecution over the last years. During that same period, I had to set aside ministry for a time because of illness.The last year has been difficult because [after persecution] many were worshiping alone at home. That was not good. Now, we’re trying to gather in person a little more. We are fairly stable, and slowly recovering from persecution. Spiritually, many have grown a great deal.Hu Laiyang: I’m a member serving in the same church. I have two children.Zhang Ping: I’m a seminary student, studying theology. My wife and I both grew up in Christian homes, and we have two children. For now, our church is just a “preaching station” because we don’t have a pastor.Wu Huizhi: My wife and I became Christians in college, through her believing mother. We have several children.We’ve had a lot of outside pressure these last years, but we’ve also had really good shepherding. I think that is God’s great grace.I came to faith in college, and my training and theological grounding came through a traditional house church. But after I finished seminary and began serving the church, I was attracted to the Reformed faith. So, I left my traditional house church, hoping to eventually join a Reformed church.I started out serving a Christian school. Back then, and even still today, Christian schools were springing up all over China. My school was eventually disbanded by the authorities. Now we have been at this church for several years, and I continue to serve our church’s school. Our school’s goal is to educate Christian children so they know God’s word from an early age.We’ve had a lot of outside pressure these last years, but we’ve also had really good shepherding. I think that is God’s great grace.Tan Jianli: Fuyang is my wife’s hometown, and I moved here when we got married. We have very young children, so I’m a little dazed from staying up at night with them. I serve through teaching theology to older students at the Christian school.Long Christian HistoryCP: What makes Fuyang unique among Chinese cities?Song Xile: Fuyang is very populous, with more than nine million people. It’s in China’s Central Plains region. Southerners see Fuyang as a northern city; northerners see it as southern. Fuyang sits in between, so the culture is mixed, not really north or south.Economically, Fuyang hasn’t developed well, and the average income is low. It’s mostly farmland and agriculture; not much industry. Overall, the education level is also pretty low. Not many highly educated or influential people choose to stay in Fuyang.Fuyang has a long Christian history, and was one of the earliest places in inland China to receive the gospel. I’m a third-generation believer – my grandfather has been a Christian more than 70 years.  Many in his generation heard the gospel, but had a weak grasp of the truth. For a Chinese city, Fuyang has a relatively high proportion of believers. But, precisely because so many believe, the depth of faith and its influence on rural background believers isn’t as strong.Faith Grounded in Rural RevivalZhang Ping: I grew up in Fuyang as a second-generation believer. Early evangelism here often came out of Henan Province. Watchman Nee’s Little Flock churches were widespread, and fundamentalist teaching was common. The rural revival of the 1970s and 80s brought a wave of conversions among whole families.Fuyang has a long Christian history, and was one of the earliest places in inland China to receive the gospel.About 10 to 15 years ago we encountered Reformed teaching, and starting moving toward that. Later, we began pursuing Christian education. Now our church is Reformed Presbyterian in structure and governance. In the past decade, Reformed churches have grown quickly in Fuyang, even as traditional house churches still remain large.Over the past few years, we have faced persecution. Right now, we meet online, in smaller, in-person groups.Generational Arc as Christianity MaturesHu Laiyang: Fuyang is a large city with a big population. Transportation is well-developed, and many people work away from home. Cultural and educational levels are relatively low, income is low, and the economy relies mainly on agriculture, aqua farming, and migrant labor.North of the Huai River, most people eat wheat-based foods, but near the Huai, rice is more common. Fuyang has a strong, vibrant night-market and street-life culture.The China Inland Mission arrived early, in the 1880s, and became the largest Protestant group. By 1937, there were more than two thousand believers. Catholicism also came to this area, but that eventually faded. Older believers tell me gospel work in Fuyang was very vibrant in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Believers in those generations were zealous, spreading the gospel widely, preaching throughout Fuyang and surrounding regions.Believers from that time left many beautiful testimonies to the next generation. Many children of those believers were raised up. As they grew, they focused on Sunday schools, theological training, and church-building. In the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, many young people dedicated themselves to seminary. Fuyang has a seminary that has been running for more than 20 years, and graduates from that seminary are found serving faithfully in Fuyang and across China.Over the past decade or so, people began coming into contact with Reformed theology. Although the older generation was fervent, passionate, and devoted, their theology was genuinely weak. But in the last 15 or so years, people slowly began establishing Reformed churches, and focusing on theology and church polity. Traditional house churches still make up the majority of Fuyang churches. Other Christians are in the official, government-sanctioned Three-Self church, and some of us are in the Reformed tradition.Believers from that time left many beautiful testimonies to the next generation. Many children of those believers were raised up. As they grew, they focused on Sunday schools, theological training, and church-building.The generational arc began with the evangelizing generation, then moved to the theology-building generation, and then to the church-order generation. As the Christian children of the 80s and 90s grew up and began starting their own families, they looked toward the faith of the next generation. They wanted to do more than just build up the children once they were grown, more than just Sunday school. Instead, they hoped that from childhood, through full-time education and participation in Sunday worship, all of it would be a process of glorifying God. So, our generation is building up Christian education.Reformed Churches: Small but InfluentialWu Huizhi: Fuyang is a third-tier city. Agriculture is the main industry, and there are not many universities, so local education resources are quite limited. Most young people leave Fuyang and go to cities like Shanghai to find work. Others leave for education. As a result, it’s hard for Fuyang to hold on to talented people. When young people leave for work or study, not many come back, because they find more opportunities for work, study, and even ministry in big cities.Although Reformed churches have been in Fuyang for 15 or so years, these churches are still a minority in the Christian community. Most churches are fundamentalist evangelical, built around a spiritual leader’s life and influence. Reformed churches, with clear confessional statements, theological structure, church constitutions, and formal polity, are few in number. But, although there aren’t as many, Reformed churches have done a lot of work in many areas, especially education. Because of that, Reformed churches have attracted government attention.Strong TraditionTan Jianli: Fuyang people love to eat. There are restaurants everywhere, and popular spots are always packed. People, especially older generations, are very superstitious. During every major holiday, there are all kinds of special rules. I’m from another city, and there aren’t so many rules back home. But here, there are many traditions. For instance, a married daughter returning to her parents’ home has to bring specific gifts, like two fish. There are all kinds of rules like that. I also find that people from older generations strongly prefer sons over daughters. If a married couple doesn’t have children, the older generation finds that very hard to accept.
Song Xile, Hu Laiyang, Zhang Ping, Wu Huizhi, and Tan Jianli are pseudonyms for house church elders and deacons in Fuyang.

APPENDIX 4 OUT OF A SUITCASE AND INTO ALL THE WORLD PART 2

OUT OF A SUITCASE INTO ALL THE WORLD

Part 2 – Reflections and Applications

Psalm 40:5
“Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts which are toward us; they cannot be recounted in order to You; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”


Out of a suitcase and into all the world – Part 2

Language is one of the great barriers to the spread of the gospel. Now God has allowed us to have this remarkable gift of AI. Yes, I believe it can be seen as God’s gift. Through it, sermons in English can now be translated into many languages.

This story is not my story, and I do not write it to glorify myself. It is all for the glory of God—how He takes a broken vessel, restores it, and then uses it to reach thousands of people around the world.

What started as a few tapes in a suitcase has now spread around the world. It is my greatest privilege to be a son of the King. Even more than that, I am His servant, and He is the One who does all these amazing things.

I have no formal Bible college experience. The Lord gives me His words; it is the Holy Spirit who opens the Word of God to me. I have been privileged to sit under several anointed pastors, such as David Green, Richard Scholes, and Mark Johnstone.

Many people reading this may think they are too small or insignificant to be used by God.

I am small and insignificant—but God used me, and He can use you as well.

It is not because I am anything. But my God is everything.

Please do not sit on your hands. Get involved in God’s work. Let Him use you. Seek Him and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

This may cost you. When I had my own tape library, I bought the tapes and people borrowed them. Service for God will cost you—it may cost money, time, or even your reputation.

The Word of God is precious. To the believer, it is like a gold nugget—more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. Amen.

The Word of God is the greatest agent of change in the world. It is a sharp sword that transforms the heart.

Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

To my Chinese friends: you now have the opportunity to listen to English sermons translated by AI into your own language. My prayer is that these resources will be used to glorify our beautiful and wonderful Redeemer and Lord.

Acts 2:7–12
“And they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What does this mean?”

On the day of Pentecost, the people said they could hear the wonderful works of God in their own language. It is my passion in “Reach and Teach Devotions” to share in both English and Chinese, so that the gospel can be heard by as many people as possible.

MY MOTTO IS: THE WHOLE GOSPEL FOR THE WHOLE WORLD
AND
THE WHOLE GOSPEL FOR EVERYONE IN CHINA

The WORD goes out.
The WORK goes on.
The WITNESS goes forth.

Onward and upward, my friends.

Be inspired.

God bless you, my beloved friends, for allowing me to share my heart.

Your friend,
Keith

In the story of SermonAudio, the founder Steven Lee was inspired by seeing tapes of sermons lying in a cupboard. I share the same passion. I started my tape library partly because I saw unused tapes in a cupboard.

APPENDIX 3 OUT OF A SUITCASE AND INTO ALL THE WORLD PART 1

OUT OF A SUITCASE AND INTO ALL THE WORLD – Part 1

The Story of Reach and Teach Devotions

Romans 10:17
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Zechariah 4:10
“For who has despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

Habakkuk 2:14
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”


So why do I share what I do?

The Lord has brought me a long way.

When God saved me, it was just before my 16th birthday. To be honest, I was a hopeless case—the laughingstock of my school, someone who stammered and struggled to speak clearly through life.

I was bullied incessantly at school. Did I deserve it? I certainly asked for some of it, as I tried too hard to impress everyone.

So I was converted to Christ, but I wondered: how could God ever use this poor, stammering, tongue-twisted young man?

I always wanted to be at the front. I saw people reading the Bible in church and, even more daunting, preaching.

Some of my friends were already preaching, and I thought, “Why not me?” Keith would shout that out often. Keith has since preached—but that is not his main gift.

As I grew, I started attending the Keswick Convention, about 60 miles from my home in Morecambe, UK. There I developed a deep love for preaching. I was greatly impacted by a sermon from Eric Alexander on 1 Peter 1 about biblical holiness.

The meetings at Keswick were recorded on cassette tapes and were relatively cheap, so I bought many of them and listened to them on my car stereo on the way to work… this really dates me—haha.

A good friend suggested I start a tape library for the local Christian young people’s group, which then grew into a church tape library. I began by storing them in a small tartan suitcase—much to my mother’s disapproval. Later this was replaced by a large brown box that barely fit into my little Mini.

People were blessed—I don’t know how many—but praise God, they were.

Then came my wilderness years from 1986 to 2001. I still had a few tapes at home, but I stopped listening to sermons altogether.

In that sense, I had lost my faith, my ministry—everything seemed gone.

I remember at Keswick on a Friday morning we had a meeting for those committing to the mission field. I went forward many times, thinking the Lord had forgotten it. But He had not.

When I returned to the Lord in 2001, within a few months He helped me to start writing. Remember, this is someone who still longed to preach.

After a rather dry house group meeting on Esther chapters 8–9, I decided to write my first devotional. It was not very good, but people read it, and some were blessed.

So I continued. However, I was later drawn away again, wasting three years in the USA before returning to the UK.

After that, I began writing again. I still remember walking near my home when the Lord impressed on me that I would have a worldwide ministry.

Fast forward to 2011: I now had my own website, and I was receiving visits from all over the world—including some from Nanjing, China (we all know how that ended up).

By this time, I had discovered SermonAudio on the internet and was beginning to listen to many sermons.

When I came to China, that platform became my lifeline, as I was no longer able to attend weekly church sermons—except through my wife translating them for me.

Now I have a small ministry and the privilege of sharing my devotions and writing this book.

Both SermonAudio and JohnKnoxInstitute.org have become precious treasures to me. They have inspired me to dig deeper into Holy Scripture.

I am deeply thankful to some very kind Chinese believers who have translated for me completely free of charge—you know who you are.

Thank you for listening to my story.

APPENDIX 2 MY TESTIMONY PART 2

But God… A Story of Amazing Grace

My wilderness years were between 1986 and 2001. Yes, I did go to church on occasion—not the best one, to be honest. I picked up my Bible sometimes and prayed, but not with the same love and fervour I once had.

Something was happening, and the Holy Spirit was speaking. At this time, I was back home with my mum after living away for a long period. I had put all my effort into doing things my way.

I had a computer, and through it I came into contact with a Christian who challenged me to repent and return to God. My response was that although God would forgive, He would never trust me again and would never forget my sin.

I remember one day being in my bedroom when I broke down in tears. The Lord restored me. He is truly the God of the second chance, and I was a prodigal who had come home.

I found a church and settled there, but my computer became my enemy. I was drawn away by my own lusts and the devil, and I formed a friendship with a so-called female “pastor” in the USA. Being very foolish, I moved there in 2004 and got married, losing not only my testimony but also my mother, the respect of my family, and nearly my life. The three years spent in America were a sobering experience. I blame no one but myself, but again God was gracious and merciful, giving me mercy and grace I did not deserve.

Thankfully, I was able to spend three months with my brother in Canada, taking time to restore my relationship with him and, most importantly, with the Lord. I then returned to the UK and went back to my old church. They looked shocked when I arrived, and I heard many say, “I told you so.”

Over the next four years, the Lord restored me. I thought that was the end of my story, but God had another surprise for me. I believed I would never move again. Relationships took a back seat, and after another painful disappointment I said to the Lord, “No relationships and no internet relationships ever again, Lord.”

The summer of 2011 was a time of deep fellowship between me and the Lord. I spent many hours in prayer. Fellowship with Him was sweet, and I also had a website that was receiving visits from all over the world, including Nanjing, China. China… that was amazing, but I did not think much of it at the time.

I had an old email account, so I decided to move to Gmail and informed a few contacts on Hotmail that I was changing addresses, never expecting a reply.

But I did receive one—from a lady in China. She did not know whether I was a brother or sister in the Lord, or even a strange person. I assumed she was simply someone who had visited the website and thought, “That’s interesting—she wants to be friends. Wow, a Chinese friend!”

During the summer of 2011, something began to develop. I did not hear from my friend for a few weeks, but then she asked to Skype. I thought, “Okay… we can see what each other looks like, and that will probably end this.”

Instead, we found ourselves chatting every day. Something was happening. I remember thinking, “No, Lord… are You serious?”

We all know how the story ended.

As autumn came, things moved quickly. Our friendship deepened, and on 1 October the Lord spoke clearly to Helen that I was to be her husband. The following Tuesday, He spoke to me that she was to be my wife. I remember it clearly—it was early morning, and His word was direct and unmistakable.

At that time, I had just moved into my caravan and was settled. I wondered what my family would think. My niece reacted strongly, and my brother did not speak to me for two weeks. Everything became increasingly clear, and as we both prayed and sought the Lord, He confirmed it further. Obstacles were removed.

I bought a ticket to China on 29 February 2012. I travelled in June, lost my luggage (though thankfully I had tag and tracking, and it was found), and I was the last person off the plane. Helen must have thought I was not coming—but we met, and everything changed forever.

We became engaged in China, and I returned to the UK after a month. My static caravan had to be sold, along with my furniture, which the Lord graciously provided for.

Now I live in China. Life here is not easy, and the language remains a mystery to me. But I am thankful for my two wonderful girls—my dear wife and our precious daughter.

But God is my story.

I was dead—not just sick, but spiritually dead. I had no hope. Spiritually, we are not merely weak—we are dead in rebellion against God and His ways, lost to His grace and truth, and under His judgment.

I could do nothing to save myself. That is true for all of us. We are spiritually dead, and it takes God to intervene and bring spiritual life.

Someone once said it is all about grace—amazing grace:

G – God’s
R – Riches
A – At
C – Christ’s
E – Expense

I have been saved by God’s grace. It is all about His amazing grace. God intervened in my life. But God… because of this, I have been redeemed.

I have nothing to offer God except my sin. What He offered me was His love, mercy, and grace—all completely undeserved.

I pray that what I have shared will be used by God to open someone’s eyes to the Saviour I love and treasure, and to His finished work on the cross. Because of this, I can sing:


Amazing Grace

1
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

2
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

3
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

4
The Lord has promised good to me;
His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

5
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.

APPENDIX 1 MY TESTIMONY PART 1

My Testimony – Keith Hobkirk 

“But God”… a story of Amazing Grace 

Ephesians 2 

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

I pray that my testimony touches your heart! My name is Keith, but everyone knows me as KK. The first thing to say is that I am just an ordinary person; I am not a pastor; I have no special gifts or abilities: I am what I am because God has showered His grace upon me. 

Well, I had better start at the beginning. I was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, U.K., and then lived most of my life in Morecambe, a beautiful seaside town on the Lancashire coast. My childhood was difficult. My parents were great, but they were consumed with work and as I spent much time on my own, I gained a very rebellious and angry streak from an early age. I was a very troubled and restless child… I craved attention. My parents tried everything, I had serious issues relating to a childhood stammer, which led to bullying. I was in and out of speech therapy/relaxation classes.

(I was) Sent to Sunday school, I listened to the stories of Jesus and thought that they were just stories. My favourite hymn was “There was a Green Hill Far Away”. This hymn said that He died to save us all. “Great,” I thought, “Jesus died – I can live as I want.”

I was in the church; I even did the collection for upstairs at the church. Sad to say, I was a Judas– not just from the church, but from my parents. By the age of 14, I was placed in the lowest class at school; I was a very nasty and angry person; a sinner who had all the appearance of a good person, but was a devil on the inside. . . in all my churchgoing, I have never heard the true Gospel that Jesus saves personally.

At school, I was known as trouble; teachers thought I had no hope, but my parents didn’t give up– they fought for me to be placed in a higher class. They finally got their wish and I was placed in Class 4S, along with two very special people, both whom are close friends today, David and Andrew, the person whom God used to bring me to faith.

As I said, I was trouble at school: if there was trouble in class, it usually revolved around me; Keith had said or done something to upset them. Well, I created havoc in class, tormenting virtually everyone: I was a mixture of Dennis the Menace and Homer Simpson, loveable and dumb but just a pain in the bum: well. . . except for Andrew.

Everything I tried to do to him, it didn’t upset him at all! What is it with this guy? Why is he so calm? OK, he’s a Christian; well, so am I! I go to church, so what’s the big deal? Also, we had R.E. (Religious Education) in our school, led by Mr Curnow. I just sat the back of the class and mocked him. He said at the end of the class, “Jesus loves you and is the Answer!” “What?” I thought, “Why doesn’t he tell it to us through all the class, if Jesus is so good?” Many years later I had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife, who was my French teacher; also, my history teacher, Mr Waterhouse, who were all Believers– the ones I had mocked were Christians.

Andrew was getting under my skin; he invited me to these meetings, and on a Saturday night! “What, you go to these Bible meetings on a Saturday? You are a fanatic, man!” One day he invited me: and to be honest, just to stop him asking me, I said “OK, but look, I have to be home by 10, the football is on.”

So, on Saturday, the 15th of February, I set out to Moorlands Gospel Hall in Lancaster. Meeting me at the bus station, we made our way to the meeting. It was different to everything I had ever been to: this was lively, hymns were sung truly and powerfully, people stood up and told how Jesus had changed their lives, and finally Victor Jack (an evangelist) stood up and preached. He said “If Jesus came tonight, where would you spend eternity? You are a guilty sinner, condemned by your sin; but Jesus has provided salvation through the Cross.” For the first time I had heard the true Gospel. Victor said he was going into a side room, anyone who would like to talk with him, please do so. I remember closing my eyes– the curtain was raised; the light went on! I turned to Andrew, “I want to go into that room!” I got there first, just before someone else; this was something I just had to do. Victor took me through “Journey into Life” (tract by Norman Warren). I said the prayer, and trusted Christ. My prayer was sincere. Something happened that night– something life changing! Thanks, Andrew and Victor!


I remember going home: I shouted out in glee, “I’ve become a Christian!” My parents weren’t impressed. “It will wear off,” they said. My form teacher had said to Andrew, “Keith will never get saved.” Things did change. I went to church and got baptised, but still had many problems. . . but I knew something had happened– I had new affections and new interests; I loved reading the Bible and praying.

For the first 10 years of my Faith walk I went up and down, but I still made progress. But I was now to enter the “wilderness years”. For nearly 15 years from 1986-2001, I went off the rails completely. Not terrible sin, but just rebellion and disobedience: no prayer, no church, living in the world; yet through all that time God Who had saved me, held me.

He was drawing me back to himself. 

During my wilderness years, I saw many things and met many people, I wish I hadn’t. My life was apart from God, I was out of work, depressed and very alone. During that time, I thought about suicide and was on anti-depressants, Ciprail 15mg, eventually I was able to stop taking them, but it took time and prayer.

I was and am a modern-day prodigal, one more thing I saw.

On the 11th May 1985, I sat in the stand at my home town football ground (Bradford City), a fire broke out in the stand where I was sitting (right behind me). Five minutes earlier, something had stopped me going to the toilet at the back of the stand, it was God preventing me, if I had gone, then I would have been trapped by the fire, again it was the hand of God on my life.

I do not tell you these things to make you think, look at Keith, but to let you know that Christ is everything, he is faithful, despite me, despite my failings. He is and always will be ..MY LORD AND MY GOD.

CHAPTER 35

Circumcision Without Hands

Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Recently I had a circumcision procedure done. The foreskin was removed. I did not have it done for religious reasons, but because I had an infection that was causing the skin to stick together.

Circumcision in the Bible was instituted as a sign to identify the people of God. The Jewish people place great importance on this practice; every male child is circumcised before the age of one year. Even Jesus was circumcised.

Romans 2:25–29; 3:1–4; 4:9–12

These passages outline what circumcision is. It is part of the Mosaic Law and is not necessary for salvation.

It cannot and does not save a person. It is like going to church or giving to charity—although these things are good in themselves, they do not bring salvation.

Scriptural passages that support this include:

1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God.

Galatians 5:6
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith which works through love.

Galatians 6:15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

My circumcision does not change anything in my relationship with God.


Devotional Thought

Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

It is good to have had the physical procedure done, although while the surgeon was cutting the skin, my reaction was evidence that it was quite painful.

As a Christian, I have also received the circumcision made without hands when I came to faith many years ago.

I was given a new heart and a new nature:

Ezekiel 36:25–27
25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.

I was also sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is a legal seal of ownership and assurance. When a document is sealed, it is confirmed and binding—so it is with the sealing of God’s Spirit.

We belong to Christ, and He belongs to us, never to be separated.

Romans 8:31–39
2 Corinthians 1:22
Who has also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.


My Question to You:

Have you received a new heart?
Have you experienced the circumcision made without hands?
Have you been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?

To the Christian, these truths are truly amazing. They should cause us to rejoice.

Christian, rejoice in these things.

CHAPTER 34

OBTAINED MERCY AND ABUNDANT GRACE

Have you enjoyed this book?

Writing it has been a labour of love for me, but the story is not finished yet.

As I write these words, I am in my 67th year and, Lord willing, I have many more years ahead of me.

Every day, thousands upon thousands of people die and step into eternity, whether they believe in it or not.

I remember Harry in the film When Harry Met Sally, who read the last page of a book first so he would know how it ended, just in case he died before finishing it.

I hope you have read this story from beginning to end.

Every story has a beginning and an ending. My story is not finished yet, although one day it will be.

Yet when my story on earth ends, another story will begin. I know, like Job, that my Redeemer lives.

Job 19:25

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

The beloved Apostle Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy, spoke words that describe both me and many of the experiences recorded in this book:

1 Timothy 1:13–16

13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

The words obtained mercy and abundant grace perfectly describe what has happened to me.

I obtained mercy. I did not earn God’s mercy through good works or religious effort. In fact, there was nothing I could do that would ever deserve it.

God’s grace was abundantly and lavishly given to me. I cannot give you one reason why He chose to show such kindness to me, except that it was His will to do so.

Sometimes we receive a gift and think, “Surely there has been a mistake.” But there was no mistake here.

The grace and mercy of God are the two most wonderful realities in my life. They are far beyond my full comprehension.

A true believer never loses their sense of wonder at these things. As the hymn writer expressed it, we are often “lost in wonder, love, and praise.”

The path to salvation leads through the Cross. There is no other way.

Jesus said in John 14:6:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The path passes by the empty tomb, where death was defeated, and continues along the road travelled by Christian, Faithful, and Hopeful in Pilgrim’s Progress as they journeyed toward the Celestial City.

Like many believers before me, I have been travelling that highway for many years. I have fallen into the Slough of Despond more than once. I have spent time in By-path Meadow and even found myself in Doubting Castle. Yet by God’s grace I remain on the road, looking forward to that heavenly city beyond anything we can imagine.

The hymn Amazing Grace has been precious to me and to millions of other believers throughout the years. Its message reflects my life, my walk with the Lord, and my hope of glory.

The opening words say:

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”

May those words become your testimony as well.

May you obtain mercy and experience the abundant grace of God.

The Lord has been faithful to me throughout every stage of life. He has carried me through dangers, trials, failures, and disappointments. He has forgiven me, restored me, and given me hope for eternity.

One day this earthly journey will end, but His grace will safely bring me home.

May God richly bless you as you seek Him.

KK

CHAPTER 33

REGRETS

Philippians 3:13–14

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Frank Sinatra once sang:

“Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.”

It is perhaps significant that these words come from the song My Way.

I do have some regrets, and I often ask myself why. When I look back, I realise that most of my regrets stem from times when I strayed from my Lord in one way or another.

Some of those regrets include:

  • After my first two years at college, I did not complete my degree.
  • I bought a static caravan and ended up losing a great deal of money on it.
  • I went to America and never saw my mother again.

All of these things have been painful for me. They are scars that have healed over time, but healing has required patience, prayer, and repentance.

Many people develop deep regrets as they grow older. The words “What if?” are words many of us have spoken at one time or another.

The truth is that we all have regrets. We have all taken wrong turns and made choices that have hurt us or others.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

As you look back on your life, you will probably find some regrets, and those memories may still hurt.

But as a Christian, healing is available. True and meaningful healing can come through Christ. While the memories may remain, God can remove the burden and pain that they carry.

The great hope of the Christian is this: not only does Jesus forgive and cleanse our past, but He also gives us hope for the future.

We can press forward toward the prize of knowing Christ in this life, but that is not the end of the story.

We can experience a full and abundant life here on earth, but even more importantly, we have the promise of eternal life. The Christian can look back and see mistakes, failures, and missed opportunities, but they can also see the gracious hand of God guiding and sustaining them.

The Christian understands that life on earth is temporary and will one day come to an end. Yet there is something beyond this life.

There is eternity.

There is hope for everyone who has placed their trust in the finished work of Christ.

As for me, I have no regrets about trusting Christ. It is the best decision I have ever made.

What about you?

CHAPTER 32

Speech Therapy

Exodus 4:10–12 (KJV)

“And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”

I was in and out of speech therapy from the age of six to sixteen. It affected my education greatly, leading to me being placed in the lowest stream at school and losing two terms in Year 4 of secondary school. I also failed my English exam at college because the oral section was too difficult for me.

So how have I reached the point where I am now able to teach and speak normally?

It is all because of God’s grace and constant help. For years, I was unable to communicate effectively and missed out on many jobs because I could not express myself properly in interviews.

I felt different and difficult — like a walking disaster zone, of no use to anyone. I blamed myself, my parents, and everyone around me for the bullying. Yes, sometimes I irritated people, and sometimes I still do.

How do you deal with all the hurt?

I came to Christ just before my sixteenth birthday, completely and totally insecure. But now, at sixty-six years old, I am completely secure, all because of the Lord.

He has forgiven my past and taught me that, since I have been forgiven much, I must truly forgive from the heart those who have hurt me.

My favourite passage in the whole Bible is Ephesians 1:3–14. In these verses is all the security you need. You have been redeemed, sealed, adopted, and loved in every possible way.

Another passage that has been a great help to me is Psalm 139. To know that God loved me even when I was in my mother’s womb brings me great comfort.

God has seen everything I have been through, and He completely understands our deep hurt and all the tears we have shed. He keeps them in a special bottle.

Psalm 56:8 (KJV)

“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?”

Whether people reject or accept me, I know that my Lord says, “Come unto me.” I do not have to strive for His acceptance.

Matthew 11:28–30 (KJV)

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

He calls me His son — that is a privilege beyond words.

Romans 8:14–18 (KJV)

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Devotional Thought

Lastly, I am able to pour out my heart to Him, because He completely understands.

Psalm 62:8 (KJV)

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”

You may have gone through trauma in your childhood — whether bullying, sexual abuse, rape, or a physical ailment like mine — but there is healing and refuge in the power of the cross. Come to Jesus and let Him cleanse your past.

There are still marks, flashbacks, and memories, but the pain has gone. Jesus has set me free.

Believe it or not, I am now an English teacher, a writer, and secure in Christ.

I am only these things because I came to the cross, and I continually come to be washed by the precious Word of God, which tells me that I am free from my past and secure not only for today, but for eternity.

Praise His name.

May this help someone.

God bless you.

KK

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 31

MIND YOUR LANGUAGE

Genesis 11:1–9

“And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.” — Genesis 11:1

After the worldwide flood — and yes, it did actually happen — you would have thought mankind had learned its lesson. Yet humanity continued in rebellion against God, so He taught them another lesson by confusing the languages of the world.

Language is a fascinating thing. The language spoken in my adopted country of China is still largely a complete mystery to me, just as English is to millions of Chinese people.

When Helen and I first started dating online, we quickly ran into this language barrier. Helen speaks English very well, as does my daughter Sherry, and my son Peter is learning quickly too.

Let me share a few of the funny things Helen once said to me:

  • “Go and change your skirt” (shirt)
  • “You need to shave off your mosquito” (moustache)
  • “I don’t understand his accident” (accent)

These still make us laugh today.

My pastor kindly bought me a translator, and now I also have a translation app on my phone, so Helen and I can communicate back and forth at the dinner table.

I can manage basic conversations in shops and supermarkets, but detailed discussions are still difficult without these technological tools.

Perhaps Helen’s funniest slip of the tongue came during my first visit to Nanjing. She said, “Look at all the locusts on Xuanwu Lake!” She meant the beautiful lotus plants growing on the water!

My attempts at speaking Chinese still create great amusement whenever I open my mouth — as do the attempts of certain Chinese people speaking English, who shall remain nameless.

Devotional Thought

AI and translation apps have made it possible for people from different countries and languages to communicate in ways never before imagined.

The ability to speak another language is a special gift. I am reminded of one of my spiritual heroes, William Tyndale, the first man to translate the Bible into English directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. He spoke seven languages. What an inspiration he is to me.

In Acts chapter 2, the people in Jerusalem heard the Gospel being spoken in their own languages:

“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” — Acts 2:6

Today, through modern technology, the Gospel is still going forth across the world.

The Gospel is being preached, and millions are hearing the good news of salvation. More people than ever before now have access to the message of Christ.

Then in Revelation 7, we are given this glorious picture:

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” — Revelation 7:9–10

Every nation, people group, language, and dialect will be represented there before the throne of God.

Let Me Finish With Two Questions

To My Fellow Believers

What are you doing to reach people with the Gospel?

To Those Who Have Not Yet Trusted Christ

Will you be among those spoken of in Revelation 7:9–10?

The time to trust Christ is now.

Not tomorrow.
Not next week.

You do not even know if you will have those days.

Do not waste another second.

TRUST CHRIST TODAY

CHAPTER 30

Joshua 14:11–12

11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.
12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.

It’s Not Over Yet!

Caleb is my favourite Old Testament Bible character. He has the attitude I want to have as I enter my golden years.

You have come this far in the book, but this is not the end. I am 67, and, God willing, I may still have many years ahead of me — perhaps even grandchildren to guide along the path. One never knows what God has in store.

I have a bucket list of things I would like to do and see, but all these plans rest with the Lord. Above all, I want to serve Him and one day hear His words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

I want to be like Caleb, always striving to go higher, further, and deeper. I also want to be like Barnabas, encouraging others to go higher, further, and deeper with God.

I am reminded of a 400-metre race. Some runners burst ahead for the first 300 metres but fade as they approach the finish line. Often, it is those who were behind who surge forward to win. It is not how you start, but how you finish. I pray that I finish well.

So onward and upward — this is not the final chapter. There are many more yet to be written.


Devotional Thought

We all fear death. It is like the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about, yet it is a daily reality for thousands around the world.

People fear it and prepare for it as best they can, but nothing we do can truly prepare us for it.

Preparation must come through Someone who has defeated death — and that One is Jesus Christ.

Because of what Christ did for me on the cross and through His resurrection, I can say, like the Apostle Paul:

1 Corinthians 15:55–57

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 4:6–8

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day — and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.

One day I will stand before Him. What will I say in the light of the blinding majesty of God’s presence? I will plead the blood of Christ.

In Exodus 12, the Israelites were passed over because of the blood on the doorposts. When the Lord sees the blood, He will pass over you.

The human heart is spiritually dark, but it can be made clean through faith in the finished work of Christ.

Over two and a half thousand years ago, while God’s people were at their lowest point, He gave this promise:

Ezekiel 36:25–27

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Everyone who comes to God in repentance and faith receives a new heart, a new nature, and will spend eternity with God. Those who refuse will face the consequences. Hell is a real place, where there is no mercy, no grace, and no love.

As I close for now, I plead with you: if you have not trusted Christ, do it today. One day it will be too late.

CHAPTER 29

MOTORBIKES, COCONUTS AND CABLE CARS – Part 2

We arrived in Nha Trang late on Saturday night. It was a 45-minute journey from the airport to the hotel. We were tired but glad to finally sleep in a comfortable bed — well, anything would have been an improvement after the night before!

A Room with a View

The following morning, we had to change hotels. After a short walk, we arrived at our new accommodation — and wow, the view was worth it. We had an incredible panorama over the entire bay.

We simply put our feet up and enjoyed the view. I am used to seaside views, having lived in Morecambe, but this completely outdid anything I have seen there. (If you have time, just search “Nha Trang bay view” — it really is that good.)

We went out onto the front, and I took my shoes and socks off, rolling up my trousers to go for a paddle. The water was warm and smooth over my feet, and the sand shifted beneath me so easily that I nearly lost my balance a few times. Thankfully, I stayed upright.

My hometown of Morecambe has a six-mile promenade, but it cannot compare to this. The scenery here is on another level entirely.

There are also no coconut trees in Morecambe, and it usually rains — so this was a welcome change. We took many photos and then enjoyed fresh coconut juice, served straight from a real coconut and drunk through a straw. Amazing.

Street Life and Sunset Rides

One of the great things about Vietnam is the street vendors. You can find giant lobsters and all kinds of delicious food being cooked and sold right on the street.

On Sunday evening, after supper of noodles, fried eggs, and smoothies, we decided to take what can only be described as a motorised carriage for two, with the driver seated behind us. It was a thrilling ride through the streets, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Snorkelling and Coconut Trees

On Monday, Helen wanted to go snorkelling. She booked a trip as her birthday treat (her birthday was the following Thursday), and she had a wonderful day.

Now, I am not really a “water person,” so I took the opportunity to walk the entire length of the promenade instead. I strolled beneath huge coconut trees, eventually sitting on some steps watching the waves crash against the sea wall. For a few minutes, I was taken right back to my childhood.

I also saw many kite surfers — it looks like great fun, but perhaps only for the truly adventurous!

I have a feeling a certain former Skerton School “Tarzan” will be trying it one day soon.

Cable Cars and Vinpearl Island

Just off the coast lies Vinpearl Island, which has many attractions. The only way to reach it is by one of the most spectacular cable car rides I have ever experienced. I have been on cable cars over mountains before, but never one stretched across the sea.

To say this was one of the best experiences of my life would be an understatement. The island itself was equally impressive. We boarded a small train that trundled through the clean, polished streets while we admired the crystal-clear water and the beauty of God’s creation.

We even had ice cream made right in front of us — fresh fruit crushed and blended on the spot. Another magical moment.

Helen’s Birthday Week

Sadly, this was our last full day in Nha Trang. As it was Helen’s birthday week, I took her to a Vietnamese restaurant. As expected, she had beef noodles and another dish, while Keith did what Keith does best… fish and chips — Vietnamese style (with a smoothie).

We returned to the beach one final time. The night air was cool. I was asked by two Chinese tourists to take their photo, and later by four burly Russians. They were very grateful. There are many Russians in Vietnam — some on holiday, and others, depending on your perspective, avoiding the war.

Sleeper Bus and a Run for the Plane

The next morning, we had a six-hour journey back to Ho Chi Minh City on a coach. Normally, you cannot sleep on a bus — but this was a sleeper coach, and it was very comfortable. We both managed to get some rest.

Our flight from Ho Chi Minh was in the early hours. We thought we had enough time to make our connection in Kunming, but we were delayed leaving Vietnam. As a result, we had to run through Kunming Airport like Usain Bolt.

It did not help that, upon reaching Chinese customs, we had to complete an online form requiring many details. Helen was slightly ahead of me, but I caught up — completely exhausted by the end.

Our departure gate, of course, was the last one at the far end of the terminal. As always happens when you are in a hurry, we heard our names being called over the intercom. We were, quite literally, running on empty as we boarded the plane.


Devotional Thought

As we near the end of this book, I am reminded of heaven.

We live in a beautiful world. I have been to Switzerland, Vietnam, Indonesia, the USA, Canada, and many other places, but none of them compare to heaven.

John, in Revelation chapters 21–22, describes its glory. It is beyond imagination — beyond words. The greatest superlatives in every language cannot fully describe it.

There is only one entry into heaven: faith and trust in the finished work of Christ. God gave His Son so that we might have eternal life.

The offer is for everyone. Yet it still surprises me that many try to reach heaven through their own efforts.

It is like trying to fly under your own power to Vinpearl Island. Why would you do that when there is a cable car provided?

Some people do not believe there is a God. They believe we are an accident — the result of random mutation or cosmic chance.

But if that were true, then we would have no real value. Yet we are uniquely created by God and carry great worth.

A leading physicist once told Ray Comfort that design is merely an illusion.

Let me ask a few simple questions:

When you read a book, does it have an author?
When you eat a meal, does it have a cook?
When you see a painting, does it have a painter?
When you use an app on your phone, was it intelligently designed or did it simply appear?

You are not an accident. The invitation of heaven is open to you.

John 3

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (v.3)

“Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (v.15)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (v.16)

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (v.36)

CHAPTER 28

MOTORBIKES, COCONUTS AND CABLE CARS – Part 1

In the previous chapters, we travelled through the UK and Europe during 2024, but due to a wedding, we did not travel in 2025.

As Chinese New Year approached, as it does for many in China, we planned our next holiday destination: Vietnam.

Of course, when I was growing up, all I ever heard about Vietnam related to the war. But we had also heard that it was a very beautiful country, so we decided to go. Helen needed a visa, but Keith did not.

So we set off one Wednesday night, ready to catch our flight to Shanghai and then on to Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City. We arrived in the early hours, and Helen exchanged 100 RMB into 350,000 Vietnamese Dong. A very good exchange rate — I wish I could get as much when I change pounds!

We finally found a taxi and headed to our first hotel. We collapsed onto our beds and tried to get a few hours of sleep.

Ho Chi Minh City – First Impressions

The next morning, we transferred to a hotel in the city centre. The first thing you notice in Ho Chi Minh City is the sheer number of motorbikes. At one major junction, we were surrounded by a moving wall of them, weaving and flowing like a river. Crossing roads becomes a zigzag adventure through constant traffic.

Our hotel was down a side street lined with flowers on both sides. Our room was on the first floor, and the reception offered delicious snacks, which we both enjoyed.

We went out into the city and found a Pho restaurant. It was very crowded, but we managed to find a table. We both had noodles — Helen had beef noodles, and in fact, that is all she ate for most of the trip.

As we were finishing our meal, I felt something wet running down my back. One of the waitresses had accidentally spilled leftover soup on me. It wasn’t hot, just uncomfortable. They were very apologetic, and in the end, our meal was free.

Churches and Street Life

Helen had located an evangelical church, so we went to see if it was open. We knocked, and the caretaker welcomed us in. We were able to see the sanctuary. It was encouraging and special to see an active church in a communist country.

Later, we had supper at a small café near the hotel and ended up sharing a table with an American and some Australians. People from all over the world are drawn to Vietnam.

We sat again on the street outside our hotel drinking mango smoothies. We also met a man from Italy. Our interesting conversation was interrupted several times by extremely loud firecrackers. Cars and motorbikes continued flowing through the streets, completely undisturbed.

Money, Markets, and Mistakes

The next day was Friday. After breakfast and another smoothie, we went to exchange more money at a tourist shop across the street. When they offered a poor rate of 340,000 Dong, we declined. The man was not pleased and rather abruptly showed us the door with a few choice words.

Journey to Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a seaside destination about three hours away, so we took a mini bus from the station. The journey was slow, travelling along one of the longest main roads I have ever seen, filled with endless traffic lights.

Helen is usually budget-conscious, but she really outdid herself this time. We were only staying one night — and thankfully it was only one night — in a shared six-bed dorm in a surfers’ hostel.

If you have ever stayed in a youth hostel (or, as some might joke, “visited one unexpectedly”), you’ll know they vary greatly. This one took “budget accommodation” to another level entirely.

Cheap and cheerful would be the best description. However, the people running it were amazing — a mix of Russians, Ukrainians, and Germans. There is a lesson in unity there somewhere.

Vung Tau – Crowds, Motorbikes, and a Giant Statue

Vung Tau has a large statue of Jesus high above the city. We did not have time to climb the 800 steps to reach it, as the city was absolutely packed. Crossing the road took careful timing, patience, and a lot of prayer.

We rented a motorbike for an hour and explored the area. You may think there are many motorbikes in China, but Vietnam takes it to another level entirely.

The beach was incredible, especially at night. Vung Tau is beautiful, but it is best avoided during peak holiday periods.

We settled in for the night, though it was not particularly comfortable. People were constantly coming and going, making for a disturbed sleep. At around 3 a.m., two girls began giggling loudly. Helen’s voice eventually cut through the noise: “Please be quiet.”

Early Morning Encounters

The next morning, I found Helen in the lobby sharing the gospel as usual. She was speaking with a Chinese man and a German man named Stephen, who recommended a good place for breakfast.

To get there, Keith had to ride pillion on a motorbike. It was only a short ride, but speeding through backstreets and main roads was unforgettable — and the breakfast was excellent too.

Back to Ho Chi Minh City

We soon boarded our mini bus back to Ho Chi Minh City, as we planned to fly to Nha Trang on Saturday night. After more noodles, baguettes, and smoothies, we arrived at the airport around 7 p.m.

We landed in Nha Trang at midnight. Everything was dark, but thankfully our hotel was decent — although, to be honest, almost anything would have been an improvement after the hostel.

But more on Nha Trang in the next exciting instalment.


Devotional Thought

Travelling through Vietnam opens your eyes. You may read or hear news about a country, but seeing life on the ground is completely different. It becomes a real, lived experience.

During our visit, it was a national holiday and Vung Tau was filled with thousands of people.

High above the city stands a statue of Jesus with His arms outstretched. Below Him, the city is busy — a place of activity, entertainment, and distraction. Very few take the time to climb the 800 steps to reach Him.

Jesus is often treated the same way today. He is acknowledged in the background, but for many, He is considered irrelevant — yet He is the Saviour of the world.

He calls people to come to Him, but it requires a decision, time, and willingness to respond.

He is Lord over all creation. He made all things, yet many of His creation do not acknowledge Him.

Like the statue overlooking Vung Tau, He stands with His arms outstretched — waiting to receive all who will come to Him.

His invitation remains:

Matthew 11:28–30

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

CHAPTER 27

Back in the UK

In 2024, we made a three-month trip to the UK. We were blessed to stay with my cousin Elaine and her children near Cambridge. We were able to get around and see so much, and we thank Elaine for her love, hospitality, and care during that time.

It was wonderful to visit Morecambe again, to see my hometown, meet up with my dear old friend Andrew, and return to my old church, Heysham Free Methodist. A big thank you to Pastor Mark, his wife, and Sandra for helping us during that time.

We also stayed with an old friend from Lancaster Baptist Church and his wife just outside Lancaster. They both own Porsche cars, one of which is a sports model.

One day he said, “Fancy a spin in my other car?” Of course, I agreed, not knowing it was a Porsche. When he opened the garage, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. As he sped down the country lanes at breakneck speed, my stomach felt like it hit the floor. When we arrived back, I was shaken — and very stirred.

We had previously stayed in the Ribble Valley and even had a visit from the Altrincham Rambler, who came bearing gifts — ginger nuts, actually.

We visited Clitheroe, Blackpool, and other places. Blackpool is very sad now; it feels like a poor man’s Las Vegas.

After travelling back by train to Cambridge, we were off again. This time, we were invited by Victor Jack, who had led me to the Lord, to his home and church in Bury St Edmunds. Although he is not the pastor, he is still heavily involved in leadership. We shared our testimony and were able to speak about our church in China.

The next day, Victor took us to his golf club for lunch. He still plays golf at 87! We went onto the putting green, and the first putt Keith took went straight into the hole. “Beginner’s luck,” we said — but not really, as he had played before.

After we returned from Bury St Edmunds, Elaine said the children wanted to take another trip. We had two choices: the Norfolk Broads or Cornwall.

“Oh, where in Cornwall?” I asked.

“Padstow,” she replied.

Immediately I said, “Padstow!” because I know someone who lives there. Any guesses? Yes — the Cornish Rambler, David Hobbs, has a second home there. As soon as the trip was booked, I was on the phone saying, “We’re going to Padstow!” Sadly, he was busy with business — or some other lamentable excuse — and couldn’t join us.

So we descended on Cornwall. On Sunday, we found another dead Anglican church, but this one had the added celebrity of presenter Fern Britton from Ready Steady Cook fame. She had to leave early, as she had to cook dinner in twenty minutes!

We travelled around Cornwall. I had spent a wonderful week here with my parents when I was 14, so this was a journey back in time for me. Newquay especially, as we had stayed there for a week.

The Cornish Rambler has walked the South West Coastal Path twice (600 miles long), so Keith wanted to walk a small part of it. I was dropped off near where we were staying and had to walk 10–12 miles into Padstow. This was high summer in the UK, yet we experienced all four seasons in one day — in fact, every half hour!

The path ran right along the coast. Rolling waves crashed against the sharp rocks below, wide bays stretched out with silky sand, and the constant ups and downs of the path (the downs being the most difficult) tested the legs. Finally, after descending a winding path, I reached the beach at Padstow. I took off my shoes and socks and paddled in the water, just as I did later that week at Falmouth.

The following weeks, as we prepared to set off back home, were sad. On the final Tuesday, we quietly left the house at 5am so that Elaine’s children would not know we were leaving.

So our European adventure came to an end. We did more than we ever imagined or expected.

Going back to the UK after nine years was a culture shock — not just for Helen and Sherry, but for me as well. This was a land I no longer recognised, and, to be honest, I did not feel at home there. It had changed, and I felt like a stranger walking into a world I didn’t really know.

Do I still love it? Yes, of course. I am a proud Brit. But it is now a place of memories, not of the present or the future. Sadly, I cannot see myself going back permanently — unless the Lord calls.


Devotional Thought

Have you ever felt like I described in that last paragraph? For the Christian, as we live out our lives on earth, we need to keep an eternal perspective.

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:20:

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We should not become overly attached to the country we are from or the colour of our skin, because we are sons and daughters of the King of Kings — citizens of heaven.

We are sometimes told that if we think too much about spiritual and heavenly things, we will be of no earthly use. In reality, it is only when we think on heavenly things that we can be of true use here on earth.

The more we focus on spiritual matters — the things that truly matter — the less we will be distracted by earthly matters, which may be interesting but are not beneficial to our daily spiritual walk.

Yes, we must live in the here and now, but we must also keep sight of the bigger picture.

If you have not yet trusted Christ, remember that there is an eternal perspective to life. Please trust Him today.

CHAPTER 26

JUST ONE CORNETTO SHORT OF AN ICE CREAM

When I was growing up, there was a very famous television commercial in the UK. The punchline was, “Just one Cornetto from Walls Ice Cream!”

So our next stop was Italy — the home of ice cream and, of course, pizza.

We flew into Rome at about eight one evening and took the train into the city. We found our hotel and settled down for the night.

The next day, we took a bus to see the Colosseum and the surrounding Roman ruins. They were very impressive. We were looking at a place where many Christians had been killed for their witness to the Gospel. It was very humbling. We did not go into the amphitheatre, but we could imagine the scenes from those early years of the Church.

One of the things about Italy is the toilets. It’s not that there aren’t any — there are — but you have to pay for the privilege, and in euros too! You either need a very strong bladder or a bucket!

We did all the usual things in Rome. We had pizza and visited the Trevi Fountain, where the crowds were enormous.

Rome is amazing — but too hot for me.

We then travelled to Florence. We had booked a coach, but we were dropped off at the wrong place and faced a half-hour walk in the blazing sun to the bus station. Eventually, we caught the bus to Florence.

Florence is beautiful. The cathedral is incredibly ornate, but the queue went around the block. The city is full of quaint streets and beautiful houses.

On that particular Sunday, the museums in Florence were free to enter. For Sherry, this was wonderful.

We found the museum housing the statue of David by Michelangelo — the Accademia Gallery of Florence. It was quite amazing. Sherry thoroughly enjoyed these places. For me, it was interesting, but once you have seen one naked statue, that is enough.

The Italians love fountains. They had one in Florence where the statue had water coming out of the usual place. They also have churches that are incredibly ornate and beautiful, with stunning artwork.

Climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo, we saw the most iconic view of the city. We could see the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio, which we had seen and walked over shortly before.

Florence is a beautiful city — indeed, one of the most beautiful I have ever visited.

We all wanted to see Venice, but since we had no Wellington boots, we leaned toward going to Pisa instead. Get the joke?

So we arrived in Pisa and, the next morning, took a bus to the site. And there it was — still standing. Rumours of it falling down had clearly been exaggerated. It was an iconic sight and a place I could never have imagined visiting.

Our hotel was less than accommodating. They provided no towels, and when we asked for some, they demanded an outrageous fee. This was met with a sarcastic comment from a grumpy Brit — they always complain!

On our last day, we went to the seaside and dipped our feet in the beautiful sea. The next morning, we boarded a plane back to Stansted Airport in the UK.


Devotional Thought

As we travelled through Italy, we saw many churches in the three cities we visited. As I have said, they were beautiful, ornate, and architecturally stunning, filled with frescoes and artwork.

But they lacked one thing — the presence of God.

They felt cold and lifeless.

You can have all the trappings of religion. In the Gospels, the harshest words Jesus spoke were directed at religious people. They had the Law, they had temple worship, but they misused it and abused their position.

In Matthew 23, Jesus strongly rebukes their religious hypocrisy. Jesus does not live in ornate churches; He lives in the heart of every true, redeemed believer.

Do you go to church?
Do you pray?
Do you read your Bible?
Do you help others?

All these things are good — but they are not enough.

In the Bible, we see people who considered themselves good, yet still needed salvation, such as Nicodemus in John 3 and Cornelius in Acts 10.

Good works are not the root of salvation; they are the fruit of salvation. They flow out of a living relationship with Christ.

Jesus called the religious leaders “whitewashed tombs, full of dead men’s bones.” When I visited these churches, I was reminded of those words.

Religious leaders who have long misled people through false teaching will one day be held accountable.

Jesus brings freedom from sin, Satan, and death. He does not bring bondage — He brings freedom to the captives.

Let me finish by asking this:

Are you relying on religious effort to gain salvation?

You cannot earn salvation. No attendance at mass, no penance, and no confession can save you. Salvation comes only through faith in the finished work of Christ.

CHAPTER 25

IT’S NEW YEAR… AGAIN

As I mentioned earlier in this book, I have always loved classical music. I remember playing vinyl records on my parents’ radiogram — that certainly dates me! And if you remember such things, then you are really old.

Every New Year, my mum and I watched the world-famous concert by the Vienna Philharmonic from the Golden Hall in Vienna. And now, that was our next stop on our journey.

Vienna is a beautiful city with many trams, like many Central European cities. So we all got on one and went to the Golden Hall. There was a concert on that night — the Mozart Orchestra was performing in period costume.

Having watched the New Year’s concert year after year, I had always wanted to attend a performance at this venue. And now, I was there.

Although we could only get standing places at the back, that was fine. Helen was actually offered a seat in one of the boxes. Sherry and I stood and listened to the music.

Then came the finale. They played The Blue Danube, followed by the familiar drum roll of the Radetzky March. If you know anything about this piece, you know that your hands will be sore — but very happy — by the end of it.

The next morning, we explored Vienna. We bought a picnic and sat in front of one of the museums.

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to attend a concert in the Golden Hall.

Another item ticked off my bucket list.


Devotional Thought

I have always loved music, although I cannot sing and have never played an instrument.

Why did God give us voices?

Surely it is to praise Him.

The last verse in the book of Psalms says:

Psalm 150:6
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Why should we give Him praise?

Because every breath we take comes from Him.
Every gift we have comes from Him.

How can we live our lives without saying “thank you” to the Giver and Sustainer of life?

People who have an attitude of gratitude are known to have a sunny approach to life. But it is even better to have a thankful heart toward God.

I am thankful for everything — not just the good times, but also the difficult times. It is during those times that I have learned the most.

When you woke up this morning, did you thank God that you were alive?
At the end of each day, do you thank God for every experience, good and bad?

Thank you so much for reading this.

CHAPTER 24

COME TO THE CASTLE
Prague was our next stop on a whistle-stop journey across Europe, and it quickly became one of my favourite cities—alongside Edinburgh, Nanjing, and the wonderfully chaotic Chongqing.
This ancient city is dominated by its magnificent castle, set high above the rooftops. To reach it, you climb what feels like endless steps. With every step, you seem to travel backwards in time by several centuries. The climb up is demanding; the descent, somehow, even more so. For an old timer like me, a few pauses to catch my breath were unavoidable.
I have been fascinated by castles since childhood. Near my school in Lancaster stood the imposing Lancaster Castle, and my love for history began there. In fact, I was the top history student at Skerton—something I occasionally feel obliged to remind people of!
But nothing quite prepares you for the scale of the castle in Prague. Once inside, you realise how vast it is. It is practically a city within a city, with walls so high and strong that it could withstand a siege for months, even years. It was built to be a place of refuge.
We also walked across the 14th-century Charles Bridge and attended a service at an English-speaking international church.
That Sunday, as we wandered through the streets, England were playing in the European football championship. Keith was desperate to know the score, but with no cellphone signal, he searched from place to place. Eventually, he found an Irish pub showing the match. England were losing 1–0 deep into stoppage time. Then came a throw-in, a flicked header, and an extraordinary overhead kick into the net. The room erupted—especially Keith. England went on to win 2–1. Helen and Sherry practically dragged him out before he turned into a football hooligan.
Everyone was celebrating—except the Scottish gentleman standing in front of him, who sat with his head in his hands. The poor man.


Devotional Thought
While standing within those ancient walls, I was reminded of the great hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther, often called the battle hymn of the Reformation.
The imagery is powerful: God as a fortress, a refuge, a place of safety in the midst of conflict and danger.
This brings to mind the words of Scripture:

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” — Psalm 18:2
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Just as the castle of Prague was a place of protection for all who fled to it, so God is a refuge for all who turn to Him.
We live in a world where many place their trust in false securities—possessions, status, or beliefs that cannot save. But true safety is found only in the living God.
It is like the ark in Noah’s day. Noah was called a preacher of righteousness, yet people ignored his warnings. When the flood came, the only place of safety was inside the ark.
One day, there will be a final refuge for all who have placed their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. That refuge is heaven—a place beyond our imagination, prepared for those who belong to Him.
When enemies approached Prague, the cry would go out: “Come to the castle!”
Today, the call is far greater and far more urgent:
Come to Christ—while there is still time.

Chapter 23

THE GRAND TOUR — Part 1

Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

We were planning to travel back to the UK in 2022, but due to COVID restrictions, we were unable to go.

As soon as the restrictions were lifted, we began thinking about and planning our trip back to Europe.

During the Chinese New Year of 2024, we decided to take a trip to Sichuan Province to visit several places. The first of these was Chongqing — the cyberpunk city.

You may think your city is crazy, but not like Chongqing!

Trains go through apartment buildings, petrol stations sit on the 20th floor of skyscrapers, and every night the city comes alive, lit up like a Christmas tree. Especially amazing is Hongyadong, an eleven-storey structure built into the mountainside overlooking the river.

Not far from Chongqing is Chengdu, the panda city and home of hotpot. You are given a large pot of bubbling broth and a selection of raw ingredients to cook in it yourself. Sherry and Helen loved this because of the spicy food, but Keith survived mostly on rice and bread for two days.

While planning the Europe trip, Helen — who loves organising these journeys — worked with Sherry to obtain a Europe-wide visa for one month. With that in hand, we travelled to Europe for nearly three months.

We travelled with several large suitcases, and our pastor kindly drove us to and from Nanjing Airport.

We arrived at Heathrow and collected our cases. It was only halfway to my cousin’s home that Keith asked, “Where’s my case?” Yes — we had left it behind.

We contacted the airline and asked them to deliver it, but they refused. The following Tuesday, while we were all in London, Keith made a detour back to Heathrow. After much discussion, he retrieved the case and met the ladies near the Houses of Parliament.

We visited Tower Bridge and then returned home — relieved to have the missing case.

We had a very interesting day in Cambridge. Sadly, most of the colleges were closed for special events. Keith tried to persuade them that he was a former student (has anyone from Skerton School ever been to Cambridge?), but he was unsuccessful. As far as we know, no one from Skerton has ever studied at Cambridge — only visited to watch the football!

Soon after, we set off for Norway to visit Helen’s cousin in the picturesque town of Årdal near Bergen. To get there, we first flew to Oslo. The airport was far outside the city, so we travelled in by train. As it was high summer, daylight lasted almost around the clock. Oslo was wonderful, and we found a small hotel for travellers.

The next day, we travelled on to Årdal. The bus journey was extraordinary as we climbed high into the mountains and then descended into the valley.

To say I fell in love with the place is an understatement — waterfalls, mountains, and complete peace and quiet.

Situated at the end of Norway’s longest fjord, Sognefjord, there is a lake at the end. Every morning during our stay, I walked to its edge. What a place to pray and meditate.

On Sunday, we attended a church service in the forest and later walked up to two of the highest waterfalls in Norway.

Our wonderful host drove us along mountain roads to crystal-clear lakes where the snow had not yet fully melted. I remember one lake with clear blue water. Keith put his feet into a mountain stream — the water was pure and freezing cold.

One of our visits was to a small circular wooden church dating back to the 11th century. It was tiny but remarkable. Memories like these are priceless.

We also viewed Sognefjord from high above. My father had always wanted to visit Norway but never had the opportunity. I felt very privileged to experience it.

Our hosts treated us royally. One evening, we were served delicious reindeer meat. We were sad to leave Årdal, but it was time to move on.

Next stop: Prague.

See you there.


Devotional Thought

Årdal must be one of my favourite places. Each morning, I walked to the edge of the lake to pray and meditate. Being in a place of complete peace is a true blessing.

Psalm 46:10 (KJV)
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

It is so easy to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life that we forget how to be still.

One of the best things we did was attend the small church service in the forest. Only a few people were present, but God was there. Worshipping in the midst of His creation was deeply special.

It took many hours to reach Årdal, but it was truly worth the journey.

Beautiful britain 5

Sunday

Lets take a trip down the coast of my adopted county, Lancashire. 

Lancashire is the red rose county and its coastline is dotted with seaside towns and pretty little villages.

The next town down from Morecambe is Fleetwood, this town is known for fish and fisherman’s friend sweet.

This town needs deep revival, again the church operates in this place, but is in deep need of a revival move of the spirit of God.

Monday

The Fylde coast as it is known, is a magnet for retired people, two of these towns are Thornton- Cleverley’s and Lytham St Annes.

Please pray that these people who come to retire in these places, would come face to face with the living Christ.

Tuesday

Blackpool

The Las Vegas of the UK, this is like Vanity fair of the book Pilgrim’s progress, three piers, a tower, pleasure beach rides and hundreds of amusement arcades add to it’s decadence.

A Christian crusade was held there by Franklin Graham, in 2017, under great opposition. Please pray for the churches in this place would be salt and light.

Street pastors operate in many places in the UK, on weekends Blackpool is overrun by Hen and Stag parties, please pray that this town would be challenged and transformed by the gospel. Please pray for Christian young people growing up in this environment.

Wednesday

Half way down sits Preston this small city has a number of strong evangelical churches, which we praise God for.

It does have an increasingly large and vocal Muslim community, so please pray that the churches would reach out to them.

I know Preston well, as I studied there many years ago, I have given out tracts on its streets. 

Please pray for this city.

Thursday

Southport, Formby and Ormskirk

Sleepy and retired focused seaside towns that need God to move, all of these places are commuter towns with people who work in Liverpool and Manchester living there.

There is great need, people are hurting. Recently, three young girls were stabbed to death at a kindergarten in Southport, which led to race riots, please pray for the deep hurt between communities be healed by the power of the gospel.

Friday and Saturday

We come to Liverpool, home of the best football team and pop group ever!.  but more than that it needs dynamic spiritual healing.

It has many vibrant churches and much outreach to university students and minority groups.

Please pray for the work of Liverpool city mission.

Several of the current Liverpool players have strong and active Christian faith including members of the current first team and their former manager. Please pray that these men, would be good role models.

Beautiful britain 4

Sunday

Morecambe

My home town situated in North Lancashire, has several great evangelical churches such as Heysham Free methodist church and Heart church. 

Morecambe is a seaside town, which has seen better days, but the Lord is working in it. I lived in the town for many years and so I ask that you pray for this town. It has the best view and sunsets, across Morecambe Bay, so please pray for this special place.

These churches and others are seeking to reach out, Morecambe is full of retired people, so please pray that the gospel would go out to these people in their Golden years.

Please pray that many young people would be challenged by the Gospel, There is a great outreach to schools through sports reach

Please pray for this unique outreach.

Monday

Lancaster

This is the city nearest to Morecambe, they are virtually interconnected.

Lancaster is a historic city, the castle is over 1000 years old and is magnificent.

Like Morecambe, Lancaster has seen better days, financially and more importantly spiritually.

But there are strong and dynamic churches that are active in the city, so please pray for dynamic revival in the city.

University students from all over the world, come to the university and they are open to outreach. Please pray that the Christian students amongst them, would integrate and strengthen the churches, many have stayed on in Lancaster, as it is a tech hub.

Please pray for this city, it has seen better days, but again, it is like many cities in the UK, it needs a powerful move of God.

Tuesday

The Lune valley

The river lune flows through Lancaster and into Morecambe bay, dotted about in that valley are many small villages, some like Caton, Brookhouse and Burton in Lonsdale have active evangelical churches, but others such as Halton, Halton, Melling, Wray and Hornby do not.

Please pray for the establishment of churches in every small village in the UK

Wednesday

North Lancashire

Carnforth is the major town in this area, this town has an evangelical church, which is active.

Small villages near it such as Silverdale, Warton, Arnside and Sandside have Church of England churches, many of which are not gospel preaching.

Capernwray hall is an Evangelical bible college, which is a great bonus to the area, as students are motivated to help the churches in the local area.

Thursday

The Bay area

As you look across the bay, you will see the hills of the lake district, as I said, this is the best view in the UK.

The two main town are Grange over Sands and Barrow, the former is a retirement hub, but Barrow is more industrial, please pray for the churches in these two towns.

They are a little isolated, so pray that the powerful wind of the Holy spirit, would not miss these places.

Friday

The Trough of Bowland

A wild and beautiful are, that is very unspoilt, roads here, aren’t the best and it is dotted with many small villages.

This is an area that needs God to move, some say, it doesn’t matter, but it does to God.

Please pray for little hamlets such as Walker fold, Dolphinholme, Chipping and Oakenclough.

Saturday

Hurst green

Situated in the Ribble valley, is the small village of Hurst green, we stayed for a week in 2024. We on Sunday, went to the small Church of England church, which like many was lifeless, cold and dead. Please pray for this small church, that God’s spirit, would break through. There are thousands of villages like this in the UK.

This village has a famous Catholic boarding school, indeed the biggest in the UK, Stonyhurst College.

In 2024, I spent many early mornings, walking up the drive to the gate and praying, this place is closed to the gospel. Please pray that the true gospel, would have free course and that the bible would become the pre eminent book in this school. If you go on it’s website, you see all about helping the whole person and academic and sporting excellence, without mentioning the main agents of this, God, Jesus and the Holy Bible. May God’s holy spirit break into this place.

Please pray for these places, these children need to be exposed to the true gospel, not to the sacraments and false teachings of the catholic church.

Beautiful britain 3

Sunday

London

This is the capital of the British isles, it is one of the world’s mega cities, it is a financial and cultural powerhouse.

It is a melting pot of many cultures and peoples, but now Muslim’s are seeking to take over and it is now being called LONDONSTAN.

White people now make up only 30% of Londoners, but this creates an opening for the church. There is now a great opportunity to reach out, please pray that the church would be bold enough to take it.

Please pray for all the churches in London, that they would be outward looking, seeking to reach out. Please pray for the many ministries that are seeking to reach out such as Open air mission, London city mission and tell -a tourist.

Monday

Birmingham

The second city of the UK, this city sits in the industrial heart of the country, this city has re-invented itself. But it needs strong and powerful revival.

Again, a large and vocal Muslim minority are seeking to take over, many councillors and mayors in these cities are now Muslim. Please pray that God’s people would rise up in prayer and outreach.

They are seeking to impose sharia law by legal means, by being elected to be councillors etc. You see the cleverness of the enemy, not many people vote in local council elections, so they can gain power by covet means.

Tuesday

Manchester and Liverpool

Two cities closest to my home, the former is known as the  party capital of the UK, again the mayor of this city is a Muslim as are many council leaders.

Liverpool is the home of the beatless and a seaport. Both these cities need revival and for the church to arise.

Again both are very multicultural, please pray for the churches and for the ministry of Liverpool city mission and Manchester city mission.

Wednesday

Bradford and Leeds

The major cities of my home county of Yorkshire, indeed Bradford is my birthplace.

Both made their wealth, through the wool trade, but now that industry has largely died and they are now service orientated.

Bradford has a large and very vocal Asian community and Leeds a large West Indian community. Bradford has many mosques, and sharia law is now being taught in the schools.

The West Indian community in Leeds is nominally Christian and needs a dynamic touch of the Holy Spirit.

Thursday

Bristol

Situated in the South west of England

Another city that like Liverpool, gained its wealth from the sea.

Another city that needs a powerful revival. There have been riots in this city, as there has been in many other cities of the UK

Friday

The north eastern cities of Newcastle and Sunderland

These were strongly industrial cities based on mining and shipbuilding, but now they are largely service orientated.

Revival is the major need for these cities, these cities are the battleground for the church.

Saturday

The cities of England were once it’s heart, but many if not all of them are turning into Muslim controlled cities.

Saturday night, they are not safe as drink and anti social behaviour takes over the streets.

The churches in the inner cities are few and far between, and Christians, need to be bold and go into these churches, many churches have retreated to the suburbs.

Please pray earnestly for these cities outlined above, may the gospel take over these cities, many churches in the cities have been taken over and made into entertainment venues and other so called places of worship.

Please remember the four churches we are praying for

West street community Church/ Westley community church Bury st Edmunds

Godmanchester Baptist Church In Cambridgeshire

Heart Church in Morecambe

Heysham free methodist Church Heysham near Morecambe

Please pray that each church has 30- 50 new believers come into fellowship during 2026

Thanks so much

KK

Fuyang in China

The city of Fuyang lies on the Central Plains of China. A third-tier city in Anhui province, Fuyang is a center for agriculture. Its population is large, yet it has not developed as quickly as other cities in China. In the 1880’s, Hudson Taylor’s China Inland Mission arrived in the city, planting the roots of the gospel.

Today, there are still house churches in Fuyang. This month, we will spend time praying for their needs and challenges. Will you join us in praying for Fuyang this month?
This Week’s Prayer Guide
May 31 – This month, we are praying for the city of Fuyang, an inland city located in the northwestern border of the Anhui province.  Pray that the gospel can take root in this city and extend its reach far and wide.

June 1 – Fuyang, being a city in central China, doesn’t neatly fit the definition of a northern or a southern city.  “It’s quite marginal in that sense, with a certain inclusiveness.”  Please pray that the mix of cultures can be fertile ground for the gospel. 

June 2 – Being a mostly agricultural city with relatively little manufacturing, Fuyang is not an economically well-developed city.  Nevertheless, may the Lord never overlook this city and have mercy on its 9 million inhabitants. 

June 3 – Being a less developed city, not many highly educated people choose to stay in Fuyang, thereby depriving the city of talents and development opportunities.  Please pray that the people of Fuyang will develop a love for their hometown and work for the good of the city of their city. 

June 4 – Wheat is a main agricultural product in Fuyang because the Huai River runs through the region.  May the agricultural identity of the region help its people connect and understand the many agricultural parables in Jesus’ teaching. 

June 5 – Early evangelism in Fuyang often came from preachers in nearby Henan, many of them were part of rural house churches like Watchman Nee’s Little Flock.  Fundamentalist and moralistic teachings were quite common in that generation of revival.  May the Lord refine his church in Fuyang and let the beauty of the gospel shine through even imperfect teachings. 

June 6 – The older generation of Christians in Fuyang had a passion for evangelism and left behind beautiful testimonies, may the new generations of Christians carry on the banner of faithfulness as they face a new round of persecution. 

Chapters 21-22

Chapter 21 – Special Gifts

In the eyes of the world, I was born because my father wanted a girl. Although he did not get one, he loved me in his own way. But to God, I was never an accident. I was uniquely formed and known in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139).

I see some of my father in myself. I admit I have a fiery temper at times. I remember how easily he connected with people in the street. My brother Peter had the same gift. Both of them were naturals at engaging with others. I admired that greatly.

For many years, I said that if I ever had a child, I would want a little girl. As time passed, that dream faded into the background.

Then, just before I met Helen, while walking near Heysham, a small village close to Morecambe, the Lord spoke clearly to me: “You will have a daughter.”

When Helen came into my life, God did more than give me a wife. He gave me Sherry.

When I first entered her life, she was fifteen years old and navigating the challenges of teenage life. For both of us, it was difficult. Suddenly, a strange man had appeared in her world. Stepparents must understand how hard this adjustment can be for a child.

Just before I left for the Philippines in 2016, Sherry said very simply, “You are my father.” I know that those words came after much prayer and inner wrestling on her part. I will never forget that moment.

My daughter is a beautiful and strong young woman. She has faced many challenges in her life, and I say this as a tribute to her courage. Leaving home just before her 18th birthday to pursue a BA in Fine Arts in another country, making new friends, and overcoming countless obstacles—she has proven herself remarkable, talented, and resilient.

When she plays the piano, her fingers seem to dance across the keys. When she paints, her brush strokes are careful, deliberate, and graceful. I have often sat quietly, listening to her play, overwhelmed with gratitude. What an honour it is to be her father.

When Covid struck, she returned to China and endured three weeks of isolation in a hotel. Returning home was not easy, but she found work and even helped me with my students.

Like many young adults in China, Sherry found it difficult to meet the right life partner. That changed in August 2023 when Helen mentioned that a young man who had attended Sherry’s school was coming for lunch. He was two years younger and serving in the army.

He came once, then returned two days later. Soon, Sherry was receiving constant messages and phone calls, and we heard squeals of joy from her room at all hours.

He visited again at New Year 2024. There were several visits throughout the year, including trips to see Peter in Xiamen. During this time, we prayed much. Peter is a wonderful young man, and I am privileged to call him my son. We have become the best of friends.

In February 2025, Peter was discharged from the army, and we met him at the airport. From then on, he was with us almost every day. He is also an excellent cook!

In May, they became engaged. They organized everything themselves, showing maturity and independence that made us very proud.

Throughout the summer, parcels arrived, plans were made, and preparations continued. Through it all, my special daughter had found her sweetheart. Sherry, petite and graceful, and Peter, larger but gentle, make a beautiful couple.


Devotional Thought

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”

I see this verse fulfilled in my own life. God has given me more than I ever imagined possible.

What were the chances of me coming to China?
What were the chances of me meeting someone named Helen—my favourite name?

Prayer is not a lottery. We do not ask in vague hope. We ask with confidence, knowing our Father delights in giving good gifts that exceed our imagination.

God has given me more than my wildest dreams: my family, my life in China, and blessings too numerous to count.


A Chinese Wedding

Luke 14:8
“When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room…”

Much of the year was spent preparing for this day. Peter returned to Nanjing on March 1st, and we met him and his parents at the airport. KK, once again, wore a suit.

Sherry and Peter organized everything themselves—photographs, the venue, the arrangements. It was a tremendous blessing to watch them take responsibility.

Chinese weddings differ from Western ones. The day began very early. Peter’s family and friends arrived to take Sherry to his parents’ home for breakfast, following tradition.

For months, KK had been asking for a waistcoat to go with his suit. Helen went further and bought him a new suit complete with a bow tie. He looked very smart.

The wedding took place at Nanjing Guest House on Purple Mountain, an enormous venue capable of hosting multiple weddings at once.

Chinese traditions added joyful uniqueness to the day. Peter had to find Sherry’s hidden shoe, make a speech, and even dance with the best man before the assembled family. They presented special cups of tea to both sets of parents and received red envelopes in return.

Although tradition often has the groom escort the bride, I had the immense privilege of walking Sherry down the aisle. When the doors opened and I saw her for the first time, my heart skipped. It is a moment I will treasure forever.

The ceremony was beautiful. Our pastor spoke, vows were exchanged, and speeches were given. Helen spoke warmly, and Peter’s father delivered what was surely an excellent speech—though I understood none of it!

At one point, red envelopes filled with cash were thrown into the crowd. Peter’s father and I tried to assist, but we were quickly overwhelmed by enthusiastic guests!

By 10:30 pm, we were the last to leave—utterly exhausted but deeply happy.


Devotional Thought

This was a day I once thought would never come.

Sherry is my delight—the cherry on top of my cake. Having a wonderful wife like Helen would have been enough, but God added another precious blessing.

Though I am not her biological father, she calls me “father,” and it has been my joy to watch her grow from a shy teenager into a confident, gifted young woman.

After losing my Peter years ago, God has given me another Peter. He truly is a special man whom I love dearly.

James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”

God delights in giving good gifts. I have lost count of how many I have received, but I remain thankful for each one—especially my family here in China, both close and extended.

Helen’s mother is kind to me, even though we cannot understand each other’s language. Her brother and his family often invite us to wonderful meals.

Every good gift comes from God.

Chapters 19-20

CHAPTER 19

OPEN THE DOOR, KEITH!

Psalm 24:1

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

While in China, I have been able to travel throughout Asia and around the world.

In 2015, we returned to the UK for the first time. We took a five-day trip around the country, starting in London and travelling up to the Scottish Highlands. We ended in Cambridge, where we met my cousin Elaine, her husband Clifford, and their children Claire and John. They warmly welcomed us and took us to Ely to see the beautiful cathedral.

We had booked two nights at a Holiday Inn in Bradford to see my niece Victoria and her mother Carol, along with my nephew James.

They agreed to meet us at the hotel and arrived on time. They all came up to our room, and then there was another knock at the door. Standing there, grinning like a Cheshire cat, was my brother Peter, who had travelled over especially to surprise me.

That day we visited our birthplace and drove to Haworth, famous for the Brontë sisters. We also rode on the steam train made famous by The Railway Children. What an amazing day.

It was Chinese New Year’s Eve, so Helen cooked authentic Chinese food for my family. The sceptics were completely won over by Helen.

We then travelled to my hometown of Morecambe to stay with Brian and Sandra, who had helped me complete my visa application for China. They took us back to my home church, where we shared what was happening in China.

We were also able to share the gospel on the streets of Lancaster, even meeting a university student who came from Nanjing.

Over the next few years, we visited Helen’s relatives in Indonesia, where we saw Lake Toba, the second-largest lake in the world. We also travelled to the Philippines, where Helen and Ming swam with whale sharks and enjoyed delicious seafood, especially crabs.

In 2017, we travelled to the USA and Canada. We visited iconic places such as Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, and even the more chaotic side of life in Las Vegas.

We then went to Canada, where we experienced the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, especially in Jasper and Banff.

However, 2017 was also a painful year, as my beloved brother Peter died after a very short illness. It was a great blow to me, as we had shared many phone calls and Skype conversations.

I know he died peacefully, knowing his younger brother was settled.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Having my brother come and visit me was a great joy.

Losing him to cancer in 2017 was deeply painful. He passed away after a very short illness of two months, caused by a rare cancer that usually affects children.

When he died, many people said they missed him and that a part of their lives was gone. For me, it was more than that.

It felt like losing my right arm. We had the same blood running through our veins and came from the same parents. Although we were very different in many ways—especially in matters of faith, with me as an evangelical Christian and Peter as an atheist/humanist—we were still brothers.

Some of the things we did together still make me smile. For example, when we were returning from Tadoussac, I put a CD into the car player. He said, “Let me do that,” and promptly inserted it into the wrong slot above the CD player, breaking it completely.

Small things like that stay in the memory. He was a character. When his wife visited her parents in the UK, he once took his two children straight to the sweet aisle at the supermarket and then fed them baked beans on toast for seven days in a row!

I miss him deeply. I used to tell him I loved him, and he would reply, “Yeah, me too.”

Now I cannot say that to him anymore.

The things that truly matter are love, hope, and faith—especially love.

What would it have been like if God had concealed His love from us?

But He did not. He revealed His love through the Cross.

God did not remain silent; He expressed His love in Christ.

Romans 5:7–8

“7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Thank God, we are loved.

The most important thing we must never stop doing is telling people we love them—because one day, we may not be able to.


CHAPTER 20

JUST TESTING

Ecclesiastes 3:1–2

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”

Life was idyllic as we entered the third decade of the century, but danger was always lurking. In early 2020, we began hearing about a virus called COVID-19.

We were used to seasonal flu-like illnesses in winter, but this was different. Before January ended, Helen was home all the time, and we had to be tested everywhere we went.

Some mornings, as I ran errands and did chores, I was tested up to five times. I tested negative each time—there is a first time for everything!

I remember going out one evening at 8 p.m. Normally the streets would be busy, but now there was an eerie silence—no cars, no people, no activity. Everything was closed. It felt surreal.

Everywhere we went, we were tested. We were unable to travel freely for two to three years. Our entire complex was even placed under isolation for two weeks. We could not go in or out, although we were thankfully provided with food parcels every two days. We were grateful for that small mercy.

Other places had even stricter regulations, so we were blessed in comparison. Still, tensions sometimes rose, as I witnessed at the gate of our complex. It was a difficult time for everyone.

We did eventually contract COVID, though my case was mild. I remember walking near our flat when I suddenly felt hot and began to sneeze.

Everyone wore masks, and some still do, but I never did. We also chose not to take the vaccine, trusting the Lord for protection.

Everything moved online—school, teaching, church, and meetings all shifted to Zoom. It feels like a distant memory now. When restrictions finally lifted, it was a great relief to return to normal life.

The previous year, in 2019, we also lost Helen’s beloved father, Baba. He had his stomach removed due to cancer and gradually became weaker until he passed away in August after a brave fight.

One of my favourite memories of him was just before Christmas 2016. We went to eat beef dumplings in town. On the bus home, Bing Crosby’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas came on. We quietly sang together. That is how I remember him.

He was one of the finest men I have ever met. One day, I will see him again, as he came to trust Christ as his Saviour and Lord later in life. It is never too late to trust Christ.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Everything seemed to be going well before 2020. We were even planning to return to the UK.

But those plans were suddenly disrupted when COVID-19 arrived. It caught the whole world by surprise.

It reminded us that life is fragile and uncertain. We make plans, but God remains in control.

As James writes:

James 4:13–15

“13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Life is short. We are only here for a brief time, and we have one life to live.

What are you doing with yours?

Helen and I are committed to loving and serving our Saviour. That is the best use of life.

As Solomon concludes:

Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

The offer of salvation is still open—but it will not remain open forever.

Hebrews 2:3

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?”

One day we will all stand before God.

Hebrews 9:27

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

Death is not the end.

Christ has defeated death through His resurrection so that believers can say:

1 Corinthians 15:55–57

“55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Can you say these words?

I know I can.

Chapters 17-18

CHAPTER 17

EPHESIANS 5:25–28

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

ONE WEDDING AND A WHITE SUIT

Arriving back in China in early October, we had to organise the wedding. Lots of friends helped us. People from Helen’s church took care of the photos and video. My friend from Chinese class, Adam, who was already in China, came and served as my best man.

Another church leader acted as host, and Pastor Ji Tai married us.

In China, you can get legally married very quickly. As the country is not Christian, a marriage certificate can be obtained in just a few minutes. However, many couples still want a wedding ceremony, which usually takes place in a large hotel.

Helen and I, along with our friend Samuel, organised the wedding. We had photos taken at a photography studio and ordered a cake from a local bakery. We managed to transport it to the venue, but not before half of it had collapsed!

Helen had a beautiful wedding dress and looked stunning. She spent a long time getting ready, while I took about thirty seconds—although I did have my hair dyed, and it turned orange!

Samuel decided to wear a white suit. He looked very smart. I expected everyone to come dressed formally, but most people arrived in fairly casual clothes.

We said our vows and then I was invited to speak. Helen’s father spoke, as did Adam (in fluent Chinese) and Pastor Ji Tai.

We had our own little choir made up of church members and friends who sang some of our favourite songs.

There were twelve tables, and everyone enjoyed a good meal—except us. We had to go around and toast everyone twice, so we ended up with almost nothing to eat.

At Chinese weddings, instead of giving gifts, people usually give red envelopes filled with money. The usual amount is 500–1,000 yuan (around £50–£100 at the time).

Our wedding took place on 28 October 2012. This year we celebrate our 14th anniversary. Despite many obstacles and challenges, we are still happy together, and I thank God for the gift of my wife.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Things are very different at Chinese weddings. We will have a full update on our daughter’s wedding later in this book.

Marrying Helen was probably the second-best decision I have ever made, after trusting Christ as my Saviour.

Marriage has not always been easy for either of us. Remember that marriage is between two sinners. Christian marriage can be especially challenging because the devil hates it and does all he can to disrupt it.

The difference in a Christian marriage is that the Lord is right in the middle of it. He is the guiding and controlling influence.

What helps more than anything else? Praying together. We have found that praying together strengthens our marriage greatly. It helps us focus on the same things and seek God’s direction together.

When we do not pray together, we tend to have more problems.

Recently, we have spent time sharing the gospel together. Doing things together is one of the best ways to strengthen a marriage. We make dumplings together, travel together, and have recently visited Vietnam together.

So pray together, serve together, and do life together. These are some of the keys to a happy marriage.

CHAPTER 18

A PIGEON, A KING, AND MICHAEL JACKSON

Proverbs 22:6

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

By now, I was living in Nanjing, but what was I going to do? I had not yet mastered the language, so it was suggested that I help Chinese students improve their English.

Our friend Chen said she knew some teenagers who wanted to learn English, so one Saturday morning I went to her house, accompanied by Samuel for moral support.

We met eight teenagers. To break the ice, I suggested they introduce themselves using their English names.

The girls went first. We started with Catherine, then Celia—both perfectly normal English names.

Then came Pigeon.

Who calls themselves Pigeon?

“Okay,” I thought, “who’s next?”

“Michael.”

Good.

The boy sitting next to him introduced himself as “Jackson.”

So there I was, with Michael Jackson in the room—and he could actually moonwalk!

The final boy introduced himself as “King.”

Yes, that’s right. My first English class in China included a pigeon, a king, and Michael Jackson!

I remember asking the students to describe how they travelled to class. Jonah said he arrived on a motorised elephant. I actually thought he might have come by whale power!

I gradually started gaining students. There was an Australian-Chinese couple living in our apartment complex, and they had two sons. The boys told their Chinese mother, “We saw an Englishman in our complex.” She did not believe them until we bumped into each other a few days later.

Over the years, I taught many students. I remember with great fondness Fiona, Seven, Andy, Rain, and many others, all of whom are now in their twenties. When I first arrived, Helen was always bumping into former students. Now I find myself doing the same.

At one point, I had around thirty students and taught four or five classes every weekend. I have since reduced my workload, but I remain thankful to the students and parents who allowed me to teach them.

I cannot speak highly enough of my time with students such as Sophia, Anthea, Kevin, Rose (both of them), Adam (whom I taught for six years), Jack, and Jerry, to name just a few.

I am gradually slowing down and reducing the number of classes I teach, but I will continue as long as God brings students my way. My current students include little Rui, Bowen, Joy, Jerry, and Mary.

I charge a modest fee. I could charge more, but my goal is to help Chinese children learn English.

I thank God for all His blessings and for allowing me to touch so many lives.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

God certainly has a sense of humour.

You may remember that Keith was a terrible student. He drove his teachers absolutely crazy.

Can you imagine what some of those teachers would think if they knew that Keith became a teacher?

“Keith, a teacher? You’ve got to be kidding!”

I sometimes joke that I hope he gets back what he gave—ha-ha!

Whenever I have a badly behaved student who refuses to listen, I remind myself that I was exactly the same many years ago.

Being able to help Chinese children learn English is a great honour and privilege, but it is nothing compared to teaching them the precious Word of God.

Parents, it is your responsibility to teach your children. The buck stops with you. It is not primarily the church’s responsibility.

If you do not teach them the Bible, the world will mould them into its own image. The education system will fill their minds with atheism, humanism, and worldly philosophies.

The place where all these “isms” can and should be challenged is the home.

You cannot be an absentee parent, constantly pursuing more money or another promotion while leaving your family to cope without your presence and leadership.

Many families in China are led primarily by the mother. While mothers play a vital role, God’s design is for the husband to provide spiritual leadership within the home.

Men, are you leading your family?

  • By setting a godly example?
  • By leading family devotions and prayer?
  • By providing spiritual protection through prayer and sacrifice?

Men, life is not all about money.

The next generation must be taught the Scriptures. We must pass on the truths of God’s Word to our children and grandchildren.

If we do not fill their hearts and minds with biblical truth, someone else will fill them with something else.

Chapters 15-16

CHAPTER 15

EARLY IN THE MORNING

Song of Solomon 2:7

“I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”

Both Helen and I knew that this relationship was different. We continued to talk, Skype, and email back and forth.

I was about to move into my static caravan and had no internet connection for a couple of weeks, so I used the local library to stay in touch.

On 1 October 2011, I went to the library to check my emails. I found a message from Helen explaining that the previous evening, China time, she had not been feeling well. The Lord had prompted her to get up and pray. As she prayed, she felt the Lord clearly say to her:

“Keith will be your husband.”

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.

I was overjoyed, but I still needed my own confirmation from the Lord.

The following Tuesday morning, at around 4 a.m., while everything was perfectly still and quiet, the Lord clearly confirmed it to me.

I remember the words as clearly as if they were spoken yesterday:

“I am the God of Abraham, Isaac…”

I knew that voice. It was unmistakable.

Now we had a problem.

Helen had a teenage daughter and parents whom she would need to tell.

Not long afterwards, my niece and her mother—Philip’s first wife and a good friend of mine—came to see my new static caravan. I cautiously introduced the subject and mentioned that I had met someone.

My niece immediately asked, “Is she in Britain?”

I replied, “Well… not exactly.”

She looked suspicious.

“I’m not going to like this, am I? Where is she from?”

I answered, “China.”

Her response was immediate:

“Are you completely nuts? We’re not going through all that again!”

Her head practically exploded, and she stormed off like a rocket.

Then came the equally difficult task of telling my brother in Canada. On two separate occasions, he refused to speak to me for two weeks. Several angry phone calls followed from family members and even some church friends, all convinced that I had lost my mind.

Yet through it all, Helen and I continued to pray, and the Lord continued to guide us.

I remember one evening when we had been talking online at about 9 or 10 p.m. China time. Helen said, “I’m going for a shower. I’ll be back soon.”

I left my computer on and sat eating something while I waited.

Suddenly, Helen’s daughter appeared on the screen.

She was there to talk with me.

It took courage for her to do that, but it marked the beginning of a beautiful and deep relationship that we still enjoy today. We were both nervous, but the ice had been broken.

The question remained: would we ever meet in person?

Eventually, I booked my flight to Nanjing on 29 February 2012. I planned to stay for the whole of July.

As our relationship grew, I decided that I should learn some Chinese. I borrowed language tapes from the library, and my friend Brian from church took me to a Chinese class at the local adult education centre.

Everyone in the class had to explain why they were learning Chinese. Some worked with Chinese students at the local university.

Then it was my turn.

I said:

“Well, I’ve fallen in love and I’m moving to China.”

That certainly got everyone’s attention!

The day finally arrived, and in late June 2012, I set off for Nanjing.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

What is impossible with man is possible with God. I would not be telling this story if I had not seen it with my own eyes.

I have always been fascinated by China. As a child, I read about it in a weekly magazine called Look and Learn. I later studied twentieth-century Chinese history for my O-Level examinations.

Interestingly, my favourite girl’s name had always been Helen.

Many years earlier, at the Keswick Convention, I had committed my life to missionary service. Later I completely forgot about that commitment—but God had not forgotten.

Helen and I both watched God remove obstacle after obstacle. It was astonishing.

God is the God of the impossible.

He brought us together.

No human being could have arranged it.

Only He could.

CHAPTER 16

TAG AND TRACK TO NANJING

As I mentioned earlier, I booked my ticket on 29 February 2012.

While making the booking, the travel agent suggested that I purchase a luggage tracking service called Tag and Track for £10 per year, just in case my bags went missing during my journey from Manchester to Amsterdam, then to Guangzhou, and finally to Nanjing.

It was the best £10 I have ever spent.

Sure enough, my luggage was misplaced in Guangzhou.

My late brother Peter, who had a wonderful sense of humour, had advised me:

“Take an extra pair of kegs” (underpants to the rest of us), “just in case you get caught short.”

Thankfully, I followed his advice and packed an extra pair in my hand luggage.

I arrived in Nanjing and immediately began searching for my bags.

Nothing.

I searched everywhere. All the luggage had been unloaded. Every passenger had gone through the arrivals gate.

Still no bags.

Meanwhile, Helen was waiting outside and probably wondering whether I had arrived at all.

Eventually, I walked through the arrivals gate.

Then I heard a voice shout:

“KEITH!”

Suddenly we saw each other.

We hugged and hugged.

At last, we were together.

I explained what had happened with my luggage, and Helen kindly accompanied me to the airline desk to try to locate my missing cases.

Afterwards, we caught a bus back into the city.

Since I only had the clothes I was wearing, Helen took me to a market where we bought a few essentials—including, of course, some new kegs!

Thankfully, my luggage arrived the following day.

One of my first experiences in Nanjing was riding on the back of a motorised scooter.

The first thing that struck me was the heat and humidity. It was incredibly hot.

Afterwards, we took a taxi back to Helen’s apartment.

Shortly after arriving home, Helen’s church co-worker Samuel arrived, accompanied by Ming, who took one look at me and immediately disappeared into her room.

That evening, Helen’s mother came to meet this strange foreign visitor.

I made the mistake of trying to hug Mama.

That is not generally done in China!

The following morning we attended church. Thankfully, several people spoke English, including Mr Yen and Yanchen.

We had a wonderful time during my visit.

I met Helen’s family and formally asked her parents for permission to marry their daughter.

We spent time with Helen’s pastor and his wife, both of whom spoke English, and enjoyed memorable trips to Shanghai and Suzhou.

On 14 July 2012, we found a quiet place in the apartment complex grounds.

I got down on one knee and asked Helen to marry me.

She said yes.

Soon afterwards, however, I had to return to the United Kingdom.

Helen was preparing to travel to Thailand with her parents and Ming, and there was still much for me to organise back home.

When we reached the airport, I was heartbroken. I did not want to leave her.

But there was work to do. I needed to prepare my static caravan for sale and sort out my affairs in the UK.

We decided that I would return in early October.

This time, however, it would be on a one-way ticket.

Everything was falling into place.

My static caravan did not sell for another two years, but it eventually sold in December 2014—a time when very few people were buying property.

Another miracle.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Although God is the Creator of the universe, He still cares about the smallest details of our lives.

It amazes me that He thinks ahead of us.

Before I ever set foot in China, He was already preparing the way. He knows every detail.

Living in China has always been an eye-opener.

You can read about China in newspapers, books, and on websites. You can watch countless videos online. Yet nothing truly prepares you for the reality.

The cultural differences are enormous.

However, one thing remains the same wherever you go in the world:

People are people.

God does not look at the colour of our skin; He looks at our hearts.

To those reading this in the Western world, let me say that the Chinese people are a remarkable people—full of warmth, energy, and joy.

China has become my home.

These people have become my people.

There is a great need here. Millions have never heard the name of Jesus.

Being here allows me to play a small part in reaching a few lives with the gospel.

That is all any of us can do in our corner of God’s vineyard.

The Lord places people in our path for a reason. These are God-given opportunities wrapped as everyday encounters, allowing us to share His love and truth.

Please pray for China.

Shortly after arriving in China, I felt the Lord impress upon me the importance of praying for this nation.

We are like sparrows pecking at the Great Wall. One sparrow makes little difference. Even ten thousand may seem insignificant. Yet over time, millions can accomplish something remarkable.

Join me in praying for this magnificent country—my second homeland.

When God’s people pray,

MIRACLES HAPPEN.

Beautiful britain no 2

ROMANS 9

 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers,[a] my kinsmen according to the flesh.

NEHEMIAH 1

3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

5 And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.

Why should you pray for the UK?

It’s just a little island, surely, its too small to be concerned about?

Please use this daily prayer diary:

Sunday

Please pray for the Sunday services of the church in the UK, that God would strengthen the church and speak clearly to it.

Please pray for Revival to come to the UK,  the church in the UK needs to repent. Please pray that repentance would happen in the church.

Please remember our four churches in the UK that we are praying for:

Heart church In Morecambe

Heysham Free Methodist Church near Morecambe

West st church/Westley Community church in Bury St Edmunds Suffolk

Godmanchester Baptist Church Cambridgeshire

Please pray that these churches, would have deep and powerful fruit especially as they reach out at Christmas.

Monday

England

This is the largest of the countries that make up the UK, it has given the world many powerful Christian leaders, but now the established Church of England is very weak, many churches are like social clubs, there are strong Churches, but many small rural churches have lost their fire.

It needs a powerful wave of revival to sweep through these rural churches. We went to two whilst in the UK last year, they were completely dead.

Tuesday

Wales

This is the home of revival in the UK, the last one being in 1907. But now the flames of revival have nearly died out.

Again a move of God is needed to shake this nation, to return it to it’s biblical roots.

The new archbishop of Wales is a woman, but worse than that, she is a lesbian, she is in an active relationship with another woman. This is terrible, this is clearly God’s judgement.

Please pray for a national repentance.

Tuesday

Scotland

This is the land of John Knox and has a great Christian heritage, but sadly now the Church of Scotland advocates same sex marriage and homosexuality.

Again powerful prayer is needed to change Scotland, the last revival in the Isle of Lewis in 1949, was started when two elderly ladies prayed fervently.

This shows that the Lord only needs one or two committed prayer warriors to change a nation.

Please pray for Scotland.

Wednesday

Northern Ireland

This small part of the island of Ireland, has been through many horrific things, in the last forty years, but now the troubles are over. Please pray that true peace through Christ, would reign in both the protestant and catholic communities.

Please pray that the falseness of the catholic church, would be exposed and that the true gospel of grace would become the central focus of this nation.

Continue to pray for dear Pastors such as my dear friend Dr Kenny McClinton.

Thursday

Islands of  the UK

There are several islands around the UK, such as the Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and the Sicily Isles.

These islands are small, they have evangelical churches, but they need a deep and powerful revival to transform them.

Friday

London

One of the world’s mega cities, it is reckoned that London will be 30% immigrant very soon.

Now some of them are strong Christians, but many are Muslim and now London is now being called Londonstan.

Please pray that Londoners would respond to the gospel.

Saturday

Please pray for the pastors and church leaders in the UK, they are under serious pressure, due to pressure to become more inclusive and tolerant. Woke culture has taken over the UK, but now a backlash is starting. Please pray for a spiritual revival among pastors.

It is reckoned that 50% of pastors are struggling with pornography, please pray for pastors to be clean vessels and that they would stand strong and preach the true gospel. Please pray for such pastors as Dan, Mark, Victor and many others who preach the true gospel.

Please pray that many godly men would be raised up.

Beautiful britain no 1

Beautiful Britain No 1

ROMANS 9

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers,[a] my kinsmen according to the flesh.

NEHEMIAH 1

3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
5 And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.

Why should you pray for the UK?

It’s just a little island, surely, its too small to be concerned about?

LETS JOIN IN DAILY PRAYER

COUNTRY AND CHURCH

Sunday

Britain has a long and glorious history, but time seems to have caught up with this country.

It is a pale imitation of what it once was, all is not well with the country.,

National repentance is needed, a thorough cleansing of the church, must take place.

Please pray for this.

MONDAY

The present government is not a friend of Christianity, it bows down to special interest groups, please pray for the members of local, national and regional government, who serve Christ.

It has brought into law, things to help assisted dying etc.

Tuesday

Please pray for King Charles, a very confused man, who has recently met with the pope, he thinks all religions lead to God. Please pray for the monarchy, that God would break into this family.

I went back to the UK in 2024 after nine years away, I saw a country broken and divided, one that had lost it’s identity.

Please pray that the church would arise in boldness.

Thank God for the growing churches in the UK, especially amongst Chinese and African peoples.

People complain that there are too many immigrants, when in reality, this is an open door for the gospel. Please pray the church would reach out.

Wednesday

One hundred years ago, the British empire covered a quarter of the world, but this is now largely discredited,

Please pray that there would be national repentance about the hurt caused by the actions of previous generations.

Thursday

The established church is spilt, there are strong evangelical churches, but most churches are dead or dying.

Please pray for these evangelical churches within the Anglican communion that they would preach the gospel.

Please pray for the many dead Anglican churches, which are no more than glorified social clubs to be transformed by the Holy Spirit’s power.

Please pray for the leaders of the Anglican churches, that they would return and repent. Recently the Anglican church has elected a woman Archbishop of Cantebury and is now closely aligned to the false Romish doctrines. Please pray for repentance for this once great church.

Friday

There are many denominations especially the methodists, due to the ministry of the Wesley brothers, but many are dead and dying, indeed my own denomination, the Free methodists broke away from the established Methodist church because of their deadness.

Many independent churches are growing such as Heart Church in Morecambe and West Street in Bury St Edmunds, please pray for these churches.

Saturday

The UK has a long history of great men and women of God, such as Spurgeon, George Muller, Whitfield and Hudson Taylor.

Please pray that God would raise up many dynamic Christian men and women, who would shake the UK.

Pray for Zhengzhou

How can we pray for churches in Zhengzhou? Believers are weary and worn, exhausted by the challenges of everyday life and the additional difficulties of following Jesus in China’s restrictive environment. Pray for church leaders to experience God’s strength, for the Spirit to move, and for Christians to preach the gospel to themselves. Praise God that he rules and reigns, and ask him to move in Zhengzhou for the glory of his name.Zhengzhou: Praying for the ChurchChina Partnership: How can we pray for your church and your families?A Move of the SpiritPastor Cui: Pray for my spiritual state and for my wife and children. Even in this challenging environment, may we still rely on the Lord. May we have strength and a steady, settled resilience.As for the church, I keep thinking: when God revived the rural church in Henan [in the 80s], that was the mighty work of his Spirit. So, pray for the churches. Pray that they will be led by the Spirit. Pray that once again, through the preaching of God’s word and through pastoral ministry, the spiritual lives of believers would be revived. Pray for believers to have spiritual hunger and a willingness to keep growing. Some of them really do want to grow, but in this fast-paced urban life, with work and family and children, time and energy are really limited.Pray for the churches. Pray that they will be led by the Spirit. Pray that once again, through the preaching of God’s word and through pastoral ministry, the spiritual lives of believers would be revived.Pray also for seekers in our church, that they would come to know God and turn to faith.Serving in Peace and JoyPastor Wu: Pray for my family to be able to serve in an atmosphere of peace, steadiness, and joy.I consciously try to shield my wife in church life, because I hope she can simply be an ordinary believer. May she offer what she is able and willing to give in caring for other believers, and not feel crushed by the expectations of others. When she is under pressure, that affects both of us, and then we end up raising our children under that same weight. I don’t want our children to grow up watching their father and mother constantly anxious and burdened because of the church. So, pray for our family to serve more freely, in the freedom of the truth, carrying the calling as we serve.Pray that the Lord would help our church grow together in our hunger for the truth and our understanding of the gospel. May the gospel not only be preached to unbelievers, but to every one of us believers. When we meet challenges in life and work, may we respond to those challenges through the gospel, applying it with our eyes fixed on Christ rather than looking for solutions outside of him. More than anything, may we seek the help of the Lord Jesus Christ.A Giving ChurchPastor Lu: Over the past two years, I have often prayed together with these other laborers here that our church would be a more blessed church. As Paul says in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”When we meet challenges in life and work, may we respond to those challenges through the gospel, applying it with our eyes fixed on Christ.Over the past years, God has led our church to focus on children’s education and on passing on our faith to the next generation. It has become clear that we can’t just fix our eyes on our own family or our own small flock.Our church’s ultimate vision is to become an Antioch-style church, an outward-facing church. We’ve been praying for that continually. When others ask how to pray for us, this calling is always what I tell them about. May we become a church that is able to give – not just a church that stays in this city, but a church that reaches beyond the city. True blessing is in giving; pray that we would become a church that can give.As for my family – well, ministry is a lifelong calling. As Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That has always been our heart’s desire.“Restore Us, O God”China Partnership: Our final, bonus question: is there a passage of Scripture that represents Zhengzhou?Pastor Cui: Psalm 80 comes to mind. In verse 3, then again in verses 7 and 19, there is this refrain, that is like a prayer and a cry: “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!”As I get to know Zhengzhou and its churches, this is a very personal prayer before God.Pastor Wu: I think about the development of the gospel in Henan over the years.An article describes the Henan church by saying, “Henan is both for the true and for the false.” Over the decades, Henan has had many true believers, but it has also produced many cults and been deeply affected by heresies. Over the years, God has continued to work in this province, and has continually built up the churches.John 15:2 says: “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” Heresies arise and challenge the faith, pressing gospel-rooted churches to dig deeper in theology and build on pure truth. There is also external persecution, and the cultural and economic challenges today’s urban church faces. I think that, when God allows these challenges, he is pruning and shaping us so we can bear more fruit.Pastor Lu: When I was in student ministry, we often used to say that China is a populous nation, Henan is right at China’s center, and Zhengzhou is Henan’s central city. Zhengzhou is a city God pays attention to. In Paul’s missionary work, he also placed special emphasis on strategic center cities, because the gospel radiates outward from the center.In light of what this city has gone through over the years, I think of Psalm 60:4: “You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be raised up for the truth.”[1]There is external persecution, and the cultural and economic challenges today’s urban church faces. I think that, when God allows these challenges, he is pruning and shaping us so we can bear more fruit.We have mentioned this: “Henan is both for the true and for the false.” There have been many failures, but God has also raised up many people. An army needs a banner to rally around after defeat, and they need it even more before going into battle.CP: Thank you! Pastor Cui, would you close with a benediction?Pastor Cui: Loving Heavenly Father,Thank you for giving us this precious time to reflect on the city of Zhengzhou, the current state of churches in Zhengzhou, and to see your heart for this place. We remember the works you have been displaying here all along. Although there are many challenges – like serving in a modern city, or working within China’s religious environment – we believe you are still the God who reigns. Lord, you are able to renew your people and enable them to bear witness for you in this very environment.So, we pray for you to have mercy and compassion on Zhengzhou. Please strengthen every church, every pastor, every laborer, and every believer. If it’s your will, we pray that you would once again revive your church in Zhengzhou, and use the churches here to become a greater blessing in your kingdom.We pray all this in the name of Jesus, Amen. [1] The translation of this verse varies from version to version. The ESV says: “You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow.” However, Pastor Lu is quoting the wording in the Chinese Union Version, which focuses on raising a banner for the truth.
Pastor Cui, Pastor Wu, and Pastor Lu are pseudonyms for house church leaders in Zhengzhou, Henan Province.

Small islands and countries

Revelation 7

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands

John 12:32

32 And I, if I am [a]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

SMALL ISLANDS AND COUNTRIES

These are some of the smallest countries in the world, but they are to God, please pray and make sure you access the links

US VIRGIN ISLANDS

Although the island is very Christianised, it is very nominal. Please pray for the fire of the Holy Spirit to sweep through this island.

Thousands of tourists especially Spanish speaking come to these islands, please pray for a dynamic outreach to them

Wallis and Futuma islands

Thank God for growth in the church and continue to water these seeds with prayer

Please pray for more resources in the mother tongue of the islanders

AMERICAN SAMOA

Thank God for the growth of churches and ministries on these islands and for the ministry of Youth with a mission base, which serves all the Pacific.

Mormonism have grown and this false teaching needs to be refuted, please pray the believers would be equipped to do so.

ANDORRA

Please for the Andorra people trapped in materialism and catholic culture, that they may be set free in Christ.

Biblical Christianity has never taken root here, please pray that a strong Andorran church would be birthed. There are about 20-30 believers.

Anguilla

This small island is a relic of a bygone era, but it still needs gospel revival, please pray that the church would be touched by the power of the Holy Spirit

Antigua and Barbuda

Although heavily Christianized, the islands are full of sin, please pray for the power of God to sweep through the church.

Praise God for two Christian radio stations, may these agencies continue to preach the true gospel

Aruba

Thank God, the gospel is being proclaimed and the church is growing.

Unity is essential for church growth, please pray for this

Vietnam part 2

Revelation 7

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands

John 12:32

32 And I, if I am [a]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

VIETNAM PART 2

THE NORTH

This part of Vietnam is less evangelised than the south, but church growth is increasing rapidly, please pray the gospel would have free course.

Please pray for the Muslim Cham and Buddhist Khmer of the Mekong delta, they have the buds of active churches amongst them.

Churches have to be registered, but many choose not to, discrimination towards Christian’s in the areas of jobs, property etc are difficult obstacles for churches to confront and overcome.

Please pray for the leadership of the church, some are in prison, please pray for them. Please pray God would raise up new vibrant leaders.

The Hoa Hao and Cao Dai number in the millions and have a unique culture, it needs Christians to cross cultural divides. Please pray for the calling of missionaries who will go to them.

There are opportunities for tent making missionaries, a few Vietnamese speak English and there are opportunities in business and especially teaching. Please pray that God would call people who have a calling to the people of Vietnam

Millions of Vietnamese live outside the country, please pray that active churches would be come reality.

Please pray for Communist party members, government officials and military personnel.

We visited Vung Tua and Nha Trang, please pray for these amazing places and also Da Nang, these are tourist centres, please pray that active churches would be created amongst in these cities.

Please pray for dynamic revival to hit the church.

Pray for the provision of good bible teaching materials in the Vietnamese language that relate to the Vietnamese people.

Continue to pray for the impact of Christian radio broadcasts and for the relevant follow up work.

The Muong people are situated in the mountain area of Vietnam and there are the buds of an evangelical church amongst them, but this must be watered with prayer.

The Nung are a group situated on the China/Vietnam border, they have deep belief in the spirit world, but do have active Christians amongst them. please pray for the growth of this church

Vietnam part 1

Revelation 7

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands

John 12:32

32 And I, if I am [a]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

Recently we have returned from the country of Vietnam.

Vietnam part1

Population 100 Million

Evangelicals 1.2 Million

Vietnam is a communist country and all aspects of the country are controlled by the party.

Once governed by the French, you see their influence everywhere especially in the south round Ho Chi Minh City.

Although much reform has happened in social and economic terms, Christianity is viewed as a foreign religion, which has brought war and pain to the country.

Please pray that the country would be spiritually liberated and completely free of its past.

Please read the website below to know this country.

Monday

The two major cities are the Capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, we visited the latter and indeed found an evangelical church, although no one was there, we did speak to the caretaker, who shared with my wife, that the church is full most Sundays and they have ministries to various groups. Please pray for these two cities, that this little churches would grow and mushroom, they are under surveillance and ongoing persecution, having to register with the government.

We met many foreigners, who come either on holiday or to live, please pray that many true Christians would come and live in this country, as Many Vietnamese people need to see the beauty of a true Christian walk.

As we went into restaurants, shops, hotels, we saw idols, that smiling fat man who is dead and unable to help these people was venerated and offered food and drink.

Please pray that the people of Vietnam would have their eyes opened to the falseness  of Buddhism.

We saw a Roman catholic church in Vung Tua, many people both inside and outside, nationals and foreigners, again please pray that the light of the gospel would shine brightly, exposing all false religions in Vietnam.

Vietnam is very beautiful and welcome thousands of tourists to view its stunning coastline and scenery.

Places such as Da Tang, Vung Tua and Nha Trang (the last two which we visited), are pleasure playgrounds, indeed Vung Tua has a large statue of Jesus situated above it.

Please pray that Jesus would be revered and loved in this nation.

Please pray for the major people grouping in Vietnam

Pray for the calling of not only missionaries, but also English teachers, business peoples to take up the great opportunities available, especially in the south.

The Hmong people live mostly in the North, near the border with China and God has done a great work amongst them, please pray that they would reach out

Millions of Vietnamese are scattered across Asia and large communities are located in many western countries, please pray that they would be reached with the gospel.

Informal training is available but no formal bible schools exist, please pray for the training of more pastors.

Please pray for the Tay People, there are a few believers amongst them. Please pray for a deep movement of the Spirit of God amongst them.

Bible translation and effective ministry materials are a great need, now with the invention of AI, please pray that these resources would become available.

Much of the growth of the church, has come through Radio Broadcasts, continue to pray for the effectiveness of this ministry and especially for the follow up

Pray for Zhengzhou

This Week’s Post from China Partnership
Editor’s note: Just like others in their city, Christians in Zhengzhou struggle to balance work, family, children’s education, and struggles between traditional mindsets and the modern world. Believers face another challenge, too: continuing to follow Jesus in a society that alienates or even persecutes them for their faith. Zhengzhou: ChallengesChina Partnership: What are some common challenges, fears, and struggles that you and your church encounter as you minister to people in your city? How can we pray for you?Challenge: Evangelism and ShepherdingPastor Cui: We face two main challenges: outreach, and shepherding the church.Evangelism is a big challenge. Although traditional churches like ours emphasize building up life and missions, gospel understanding isn’t a full part of life. We often try to rely on law, merit, and moralism for sanctification. When someone’s spiritual life doesn’t have the vitality it needs, it’s even harder to evangelize.Outside the church, as cities develop, you see something that probably happens all over the world: people are colder to each other, it’s hard to build trust, and strangers hardly speak. Believers are also consumed with the pressures of city life. Just staying above water and steadily participating in the church’s teaching, worship, life, and service is already a lot. So, people don’t have much motivation to evangelize.On top of that, because this is China and religious policies are what they are, people can pay a price for sharing the gospel. A lot of people feel a kind of shame about the gospel. It’s fine for them personally to believe, but it becomes very hard if they’re going to pay a cost, or face persecution, or get called in and questioned by officials and have their family and co-workers see them differently. Evangelism has always been tough.Believers are consumed with the pressures of city life. Just staying above water… is already a lot. So, people don’t have much motivation to evangelize. On top of that, because this is China and religious policies are what they are, people can pay a price for sharing the gospel.Right now, motivation is weak, and fear keeps us from being bold. But in the church, we’re always re-thinking this. Everyone wants to share the gospel – but it’s hard to break through these weaknesses.The other challenge is shepherding. I come from a traditional house church background. We were mainly trained as evangelists, not shepherds. So, once we started church planting and pastoral ministry, I’ve been challenged to grow in my shepherding capacity: preaching consistently week after week; giving counsel in life, family, work, and raising children. All of that is shepherding. You also need to build the church into a healthier community.Pray for us. We need the Holy Spirit, through worship and preaching, to revive his church and the spiritual lives of believers. May Christians willingly put down roots for God, so they will again be ignited by the gospel and respond to God’s love with power. May they not be fearful, but join in the Great Commission.Pray for each pastor. May they be given vision and strength in service. Amidst all kinds of challenges, may they be made resilient in the gospel and be faithful to the ministry God has given them.Challenge: “The Loneliness of City Life”Pastor Wu: We are trying to plant a church, and our church is pretty young. The upside is they’re full of energy, but our weakness is our faith isn’t yet stable and mature. That feels like a big challenge.On one hand, we have job pressure. On the other, everyone has a deep relationship hunger. The loneliness of city life makes us long even more for connection. On top of all that, Henan is an inland province where the underlying culture is heavy on human relationships. So, in the church, it’s a big challenge to handle interpersonal dynamics, to respond to the different expectations people have of their pastors, and to help brothers and sisters well.With employment pressure and relational expectations, brothers and sisters have shaky commitment.On top of all that, with employment pressure and relational expectations, brothers and sisters have shaky commitment. Layer together education and employment pressures, finances, pastoral expectations, plus the fact that in the city it’s really hard to plant your feet anywhere, and it’s very hard to stabilize numbers as the church grows. Spiritually, believers are also going through real struggles, both in the workplace and in general.As we serve the city, my wife and I are prepared to say to do our best to shepherd this church, but we don’t know how long the church will last. At some point, our church might fail. Of course God gives us hope, but sometimes we still feel anxious. Brothers and sisters move around all the time, and we’re never sure who will stay. People come and go. That’s just how it is.Challenge: “Internal Friction”Pastor Lu: Zhengzhou is highly mobile, and that creates a big challenge for pastoral ministry. Because this city is shaped by railroads, people constantly move in and out. Another issue is the exhausting internal friction [内耗 nèihào, “internal friction”] in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou has “996” work rhythms [working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week], and this province is also known for intense gaokao [China’s college entrance exam] pressure, much heavier than many others places. So, the pressure of work and anxiety surrounding children’s education leave many believers worn out.The same things are true inside the church. Under the weight of competition and a depleted culture, many people serving in ministry are close to empty. As faith presses against so much pressure, faith can easily get pushed to the margins. That creates real difficulty in shepherding.Because people are mobile, it is especially important – and especially tough – to build relationships. We often feel we can’t keep people with us. The continuity of long-term ministry is constantly interrupted, and that easily produces fatigue. This is a major challenge.At an even deeper level, there’s also tension between traditional assumptions and the city’s pluralistic culture. People come to Zhengzhou from every direction, but most have the traditional family culture of Henan and the Central Plains. That creates shepherding tension. You have to navigate the influence of secularism and the traditional thinking of the older generation.Because people are mobile, it is especially important – and especially tough – to build relationships. We often feel we can’t keep people with us.So, how can a pastor be balanced? How can we care well for the older generation? They’ve already done their part, and now they need us to care for them. At the same time, how do we shepherd the younger generation amid the pressures of secular emptiness and nihilism? How do we keep older and younger generations from living in tension? How do we bring them into a healthy balance? These are great challenges, and pastors feel a lot of pressure.Add to this the uncertainty of the broader environment. There is another layer besides just church life. As space keeps shrinking, we never know when our meeting place or even our ministry pattern may need to change. We may have to relocate or shift course at any time. We simply have to watch where the Lord places us. That uncertainty puts real pressure on the heart – especially for people who are more sensitive to the broader environment.When I think about prayer, I think of praying honestly into these things. I also think of John 8. We long for brothers and sisters to be set free in the truth, not drained dry by the pressures of survival and education. We want them to see that God called them to this city, and their being here is not in vain. How do we help them know this?I want to pray for Zhengzhou in the spirit of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17: may he give us “the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation.” Then, in the face of pluralism, in spite of the powerful pull of a secular, nihilistic culture and the pattern of exhausting internal competition, may we build up the church and serve this city well.
Pastor Cui, Pastor Wu, and Pastor Lu are pseudonyms for house church leaders in Zhengzhou, Henan Province.

Zhengzhou in China

This Week’s Prayer Guide


May 24 – This week, pray for personal requests from pastors in Zhengzhou, for their families and their churches. Pray for God to be with their family and church relationships.

May 25 – Pastor E shared, “I come out of a traditional house church background, where we were mainly trained as evangelists, not as stable shepherds of a church. Once we moved into church-planting and pastoral ministry, I’ve felt a lot of challenge in needing to grow my shepherding capacity: things like preaching consistently, giving people counsel in all of life, building the church into a healthier community.”  Please pray that God will equip Pastor E with skills and resources to meet these pastoral challenges.

May 26 – Pastor H shared, “We really emphasize personal relationships here in Henan; the underlying culture is heavy on human relationships. Handling interpersonal dynamics and different expectations believers place on pastors is a really big challenge for me. Plus, because of employment pressure and relational expectations, the stability of commitment among our brothers and sisters is also shaky.”  Pray that the brothers and sisters in Pastor H’s church will grow in their love for each other, and give Pastor H patience and grace.

May 27 – Being at the intersection of traditional house church and pluralistic urban environment, pastors in Zhengzhou have to balance caring for the older generations with more traditional thinking, and caring for the younger generation who are under the influence of secularism.  Please pray that the pastors can have the wisdom to preach to both types of audiences, and may the gospel defeat the idols in both camps.  

May 28 – Several pastors shared the desire to shield their families from the pressure and expectation of the congregations, so that their wives and children can participate in the life of their churches as ordinary believers.  Pray that the Lord can grant these pastors’ families with space, rest, and renewal in the Spirit.

May 29 – One pastor expressed that one of the biggest concerns is passing their faith to the next generation, “Many young people who came out of college fellowships stayed in this city, got married, and had children. What matters more is not just pastoring adults in the midst of pluralism, but also how we pass on the faith to the next generation.”  Please pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of the church’s children, that they will come to know the Lord from a very young age.  

May 30 – Pastor C shared, “What’s become clearer to me is that we can’t fix our eyes only on our own family or on our small flock. We want to become an outward-facing church. Pray that we would truly become a church in this city that is able to give, that is an Antioch-type church, that we not only stay in this city but reach beyond it.”  Amen.

Shaanxi province China/Xian

SUNDAY

SHAANXI PROVINCE

LOCATED IN NORTH/CENTRAL CHINA

EVANGELICALS 7%  POPULATION 40 MILLION

Christianity gained it’s first foothold in China in the 6th century in this province. Please pray for a return to God in this vital province.

Poverty exists all over this province and much fruit has been gathered in by the loving response to this by the church. Please pray for the church to continue to witness in power.

Although the church numbers over 3 million, there is a lack of good strong bible preaching, which leaves individual christians and whole churches prone to error. Please pray for the calling and training of godly men.

X’ian is a centre for education with over one million students, some come to faith, but when they leave university, they go back into the world. Please pray for fruitful student ministry and that the fruit would grow and impact all China.

X’ian was the capital of China , a thousand years ago and today, millions are drawn to it’s massive city walls and world famous Terracotta army. Please pray that as many minority people from around China flock to the city, they would be reached.

ADI RAMO

These people number 200 and live on the Chinese/Indian border. Their counterparts in India, have come to faith, but not so in China. Please pray that this small group, would have a strong thriving church.

NAZA

These people do have some knowledge of God, as they worship the sun, moon and stars, but this is mixed with worship of ancestors. These beliefs have kept them bound for centuries, please pray that believers from other people groups, would go to these people.

China 7 day prayer guide

2 Thessalonians 3

Finally, brothers,[a] pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured,[b] as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.[c4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Sunday

Please pray that the Chinese church, would be filled with purity, power and boldness as it meets today. Please pray for the pastors as they preach, for boldness and empowerment. Please pray for the protection of all services.

Monday

Please pray as the church is 80-90% women. Men need to be challenged and activated into leadership. Please pray that each church would have a group of godly men, who fear nothing but God, and who are prepared to sacrifice themselves for the gospel.

Tuesday

Please pray for the next generation, most of the church is made up of middle-aged people. Please pray that there would be an influx of young people and children into the church. The next generation is only interested in the latest fashion and cell phone. Please pray for the children of China, who are under severe pressure to achieve a good score at school.

Wednesday

Persecution is real, but we can and do share the gospel. Please pray that God would open up opportunities to share the gospel. People are in great need. Many people have mental problems, the society seems stable, but people are hurting very deeply. Please pray that the church, would be salt and light.

Thursday

140 million are unreached. The size of the task is huge, to walk down a street is to be overwhelmed by this mass of humanity. Please pray that every person in China, would hear the gospel.

Friday

Many millions are trapped in Buddhism (500 Million), Communist Ideology (130 Million) and Atheism (500 Million). These ideologies are deep strongholds for the Chinese people and can only be dismantled by fervent and persevering prayer. Especially pray for the leader of China and the members of the CCP.

Saturday

Please pray for Revival of the church in China, it is only the power of the gospel, that can release China from the power of darkness. Consistent and fervent prayer is needed, please pray that the Chinese church would be filled with power and boldness and would by the preaching of the gospel, CHANGE MANY MILLIONS OF HEARTS IN CHINA.

Are you willing to join us?

These requests are guidelines, please use the books Operation World and Operation China for more detailed information.

For news of persecution in China, please go to 

Voice of the Martyrs and Open doors

How to pray for China part 2

2 Thessalonians 3 

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

In part 1, we made lots of general comments, but now we want to help you pray in a specific way.

What should you pray for:

THE CHURCH

The church overall is mostly women, so the major prayer point, is that men take a greater leadership role.

God’s work must be done in God’s way Titus 2 and 1Timothy 3, and so this is a really important focus for your prayers.

Also prayer is needed for unity between churches, this is also a major focus.

THE CITIES

Many cities have grown up over the last thirty years, such as Shenzhen and Chongqing, the flow of people into the cities is amazing and ongoing.

PRAY FOR COMMUNITIES

Each community has many complexes, our area has up to 30-40 complexes, our complex has up to 600 flats.

Please pray that each community, has it’s own Bible study, led by people from it’s own complex.

PRAY FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

Many of the churches in the vast countryside have been stripped of their best church coworkers.

In past years, this is where revival started, so please pray that God would do it again.

PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE CLUSTERS

China has hundreds of minority people, but the main peoples are the Han Chinese.

Specific focus has to be given to the Han Chinese, God is moving in the Han Chinese and when the Han people turns to Christ entirely, they can evangelise the other groups.

PRAY FOR CHINA’S CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Children in China, are exposed to atheism/humanism from an early age. Not only that but parents and grandparents, place great pressure to gain a high score in exams and to gain a good job/marriage.

There is much more, but I will stop there and let David say a few words:

I grew up in China and was born in Wuhan, China. China has a lot of people. I became a Christian in the USA while a student at Cornell University, in 2010. Now it’s my 14th year as a Christian. I would say that the greatest challenge facing Chinese churches today is forsaking the love that we had at first. (“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” Ephesians 2:4) Yes, we have had great revivals in the past. We have had exponential church growth. But today, many people’s love has grown cold because they have seen much lawlessness. (“and because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13) Many house churches are bitterly divided over tiny theological issues or over personal differences. Please pray that there will be unity within the house churches in China. Please also pray that churches may be grounded theologically, as there are many heresies in China. Please also pray that the Chinese church may partake in foreign missionary work as well, as many Chinese gospel workers have gone overseas to many Muslim nations. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

How to pray for China part 1

HOW TO PRAY FOR CHINA PART 1

1 THESSALONIANS 1 

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

We hear every day about China, we hear about church growth in China, and we want to pray effectively and help the Chinese church.

How can this be done, in this article, with the help of my dear Chinese brother David, who has lived in China and the USA, both of us have a unique vantage point.

First of all you must have a deep concern for China:

God alone can place that burden on your heart, ask him to put that burden on your heart.

Secondly, you must be PROPERLY informed. Knowledge of the harvest field is wonderful and up to date information is better, we need information that is effective and from the voice of the Chinese people themselves.

Before you start to pray effectively, you must understand these three things:

YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT CHINESE CULTURE IS DIFFERENT

The gospel is the power of God to all who believe to all the nations.. amen.

But in a different cultural setting, it must be refined, note I said refined, not changed.

The Chinese culture is one based on benevolence, they believe that they are basically good. So confronting them with sin and stating that they are a sinner, is a difficult concept, for a Chinese person to understand.

Christ addressed several seemingly good people in the gospels, such as Nicodemus and Zaccheus. Paul spoke to Lydia and to Cornelius, who were good religious people.

Chinese people from an early age have been told that there is no God and that there is no morality.

Atheism is a thin veneer for all kinds of sin as Paul stated in Romans 1, we have witnessed to many Chinese and had to explain the existence of God.

Pray that God would move mightily in the hearts of the Chinese people, many who are saved come out of a life of atheism and Buddhism and they need a complete washing and renewing of their minds, as there are many alien concepts to them.

PRAY THAT THE CULTURE WILL BE CHALLENGED

2 CORINTHINS 10 

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

Christianity in China, is still seen to some extent as a foreign religion, so the best things western Christians to do is to pray.

As mentioned earlier Chinese culture is based on Confucius teaching and atheism, it has to be challenged by the gospel.

Women in the home are seen as dominant and this along with other unbiblical ideas, must be challenged.

The word of God is God’s agent of challenge, but many of the things that it says and makes clear are alien to the Chinese and go against Chinese culture.

So there is a great need for a move of the Holy Spirit, in the hearts of the Chinese people. Many people including my Chinese wife come from a Buddhist background, so their minds must be washed by the word.

This may take years, that’s why we need prayer warriors to pray, leading a Chinese person to Christ, is the easy part, now begins the difficult part, as the discipleship process starts.

Please pray that the Church, would be able to disciple in a biblical way and that God’s people would grow in grace and love for his Word.

PRAY THAT THE CULTURE WOULD BE CHANGED

China is seeking to erase corruption from the country, this is virtually impossible, but there is a way that it could be, by changing people’s hearts with the gospel.

The first six chapters of Daniel, show how a society, can be challenged by four men, who stand truly for God.

We are not here to change the government, only God can do that, that is something which is in God’s hand Psalm 2.

How can we do this:

TRUE CONVERSION

Pray that people would come to be born again, like Paul, Nicodemus, Lydia etc.

Sad to say, many millions, have said the sinners prayers are still living in sin, because of false teaching such as The Shack and Purpose Driven Life. Pray that the true gospel, would be preached.

TRUE CLEANSING

There has to be deep repentance Psalms 32/51, many people come to Christ, carrying so much baggage from their past, such as the burning of paper money to ancestors and other occult practices.

Again these things have to be addressed and defeated by prayer.

TRUE COMMITMENT

In the parable of the Sower, only one seed bore fruit, pray that the seed of the gospel brings forth fruit and that this fruit grows. To do this, it must be watered by fervent intercessory prayer.

TRUE CHANGE

What is our aim by praying for China, it is to see not just the culture challenged, but people to be converted and changed. Only then can the culture be changed.

People hearts need to be changed and the only agent of change is the gospel, I hope you will join us as we pray for China,

In the second part of this article, we will be getting down to what we can pray for in specific terms.

For now, I am going to hand over to my friend David, who will add  his personal words of wisdom.

Over to you David

My thoughts (from David, a Chinese Christian living now in the USA):

First of all, thanks for reading this. There are a lot of Christian information around, and your time reading this is appreciated. I will keep it short.

As to prayers for the church, please pray that the house church leaders can petition the government to make house churches legal in China. This is an overdue issue. Some new laws need to be passed. Some prisoners released.

You should visit China. The western media paints China in a negative way. Therefore, come visit. Go to places like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen and taste Chinese food. Unlike people in the west, Chinese people are generally more friendly towards foreigners. But please do not come in a condescending manner. Respect local customs.

I wish you all very well. God bless you.

David

Chapter 14

SURPRISED BY HELEN

Psalm 18:30

“As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.”

I returned to the UK in July 2007 with my tail between my legs. I managed to get a room in a house not far from Heysham Church. They had a new pastor, one who became my mentor, dear Pastor Mark.

The first Sunday I returned, I did not go into the service. I stayed outside. People looked at me, and their eyes seemed to say, “We told you so.” Indeed, some verbalised their thoughts. To be honest, I deserved it.

So there I was again, trying to find a job, but at least I was spiritually settled. After three years, I managed to get a small flat of my own in central Morecambe. It was tiny — the kitchen was probably the smallest on the planet.

It was not really suitable. My family suggested that I go on sick leave because of depression, but that was not a good option, nor one I should have taken. I wanted to work. I attended job clubs, wrote applications, and went to interviews, but refusal after refusal left me discouraged. Why?

In 2011, my spiritual life was flourishing. I enjoyed such sweet fellowship with the Lord. Hour after hour was spent in prayer and devotion, and it was a precious time. The Lord spoke very clearly.

I was also able to write, and people appreciated the devotions. During that summer, I had an internet relationship with a lady who eventually only wanted money. I was fed up.

“Lord, I want no more relationships, and certainly not an internet one.”

The Lord had been waiting for me to say this. Now, so to speak, He had carte blanche — a clean page. At last, Keith had stepped out of the way.

In early summer 2011, I decided to change an old Hotmail account to Gmail. After all, it was better, and I only had about ten people on Hotmail anyway. There was one email containing a few contacts, so I wrote to tell them I was closing the account. I also shared our church’s free website.

The next day, I noticed the website had received hits from Nanjing, China. “Wow,” I thought, “it has reached China!”

In my inbox was an email from a lady in China. She thanked me for the website and said we shared the same beliefs. “Wonderful,” I thought, “a Chinese friend.”

So we began emailing one another. I discovered she was a schoolteacher called Helen — my favourite name — and she had a teenage daughter. In one of her first emails, she said she thought I was a woman, which may explain why she contacted me in the first place!

She later went on holiday with her parents and daughter, and I did not hear from her for a while. But then she contacted me again. This time, she wanted to talk on Skype so we could see each other.

“If you don’t get Skype, I won’t talk to you again,” she said.

I had not downloaded Skype yet, but I soon did.

Anyway, we began talking online. She was kind, and we both enjoyed chatting together. Her daughter was shy in those days, and all I ever saw was a hand waving at the camera.

During the autumn, we grew closer and closer. I felt a real connection with her. We started praying together, and despite the time difference, she would call me regularly.

We also began sending letters to each other. Those letters were — and still are — very precious to us. Things were moving quickly, but could this really be the one for me? After all, Helen was in China and I was in Morecambe. I had only just managed to get a static caravan and was busy furnishing it with a sofa bed, a new boiler, a fridge, and other essentials. Surely not.

But God had His hand upon us, and in the next chapter we will see how He unfolded His plan.

Devotional Thought

We all want to control things — especially me. I had tried for years to find a Christian wife. After all, everyone else seemed to be getting married, so why not me?

Sometimes we simply need to step out of the way. God is very patient. He waited for me to surrender, and then He gave me Helen.

I had already tried to do things my own way and had fallen flat on my face. But once I moved aside, God was able to work.

In China, many Christian parents become anxious if their children reach the age of twenty-five without being married. As many families only have one child, grandchildren are often seen as a great blessing and a sign of honour. Sadly, some people try to force matters instead of trusting God’s timing.

Christian friend, you also need to step out of the way. Only when you give God control of your situation — especially regarding marriage — can His perfect will be accomplished.

It is difficult when everyone else in your church seems to be getting married while you remain single. But God’s timing is perfect, and His choice is always best.

I am so grateful that He gave me the wonderful gift of the best wife in the world, together with a beautiful daughter and son.

Chapter 13

JAMES 1

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted of God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man.
14 But every man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 Then, when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

DOWNHILL IN THE USA

I was involved in website ministry and, through a mutual friend, I was introduced to a so-called lady pastor.

This should have been a red flag, but I was entranced by this woman. She had me listening to preachers like Rodney Howard-Browne and Joyce Meyer, and I was being led astray.

This was in 2004, and my mum was getting worse as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

Now, let me be honest: I blame no one but myself. I thought of nothing but myself, and I was led away by my own greed and selfishness.

So, in late 2004, I left my mum and travelled to America, where I foolishly married this woman. To this day, she was not a true pastor. She followed prosperity preachers, smoked fifty cigarettes a day, slept with three dogs on her bed, and had one violent son and another whose girlfriend struggled with crack addiction.

I do not wish to dwell too much on this period of my life. Instead, let it serve as a warning to anyone who wants to depart from the true and holy will of God.

The cost to me was terrible. I never saw my mother again, I lost the respect of my family, I left my church, and I nearly lost my faith.

Thankfully, I was able to leave that situation. Many may say this was wrong, but it was an abusive and violent marriage.

I travelled across the USA to my brother’s home in Canada, where I stayed for four months before returning to the UK.

He owned many acres of land, and during my time there I was able to restore my relationship with him and his wife, and most importantly, with the Lord.

This is a time I bitterly regret, yet thankfully the Lord has completely restored me.

Devotional Thought

Being outside of God’s will is the worst place to be. You need to be right in the centre of God’s will; anywhere else, you are at the mercy of the devil.

As you read my story, you will see a pattern: my disobedience and rebellion contrasted with God’s grace. This is something I am deeply ashamed of, but I write it as a warning.

God is very patient with all of us. We do not deserve His grace and mercy. All of us — and I most of all — have made foolish decisions that have cost us fellowship with family, friends, and most importantly, with God.

My time in America was a sobering experience. God preserved me, and I am grateful that He did and that restoration was complete.

Please, if you are reading this, do not wander from God’s ways. Doing so nearly cost me my life.

Chapter 12

WHY ARE YOU CAST DOWN?

Psalm 42:5

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

I have always been something of a lone wolf, but during the 1990s I went through a very dark period in my life and began suffering from depression for several different reasons.

Throughout much of the 1990s, I was not in church fellowship or walking closely with the Lord, and this was a major cause of my depression, although family struggles and unemployment also contributed to it.

I began taking antidepressants, but for me they became counterproductive. I would take them late at night and then sleep until midday.

They were very strong tablets — Cipramil 15mg. The doctor continued prescribing them to me over and over again. At one point, I even started taking more than the prescribed amount each day. I became moody, angry, and frustrated with almost everyone and everything.

Stopping antidepressants suddenly can be dangerous, and anyone taking them should seek proper medical advice and support before making changes. In my own case, I eventually stopped taking them, but that was a personal decision and experience.

Depression is very real.

Someone once described it as “having no sky at all.” You feel hopeless, trapped, and overwhelmed. If you have never experienced depression yourself, it can be very difficult to understand what another person is going through.

Telling someone to “pull yourself together” or asking “why can’t you just get a job?” does not help.

Depression can sometimes lead people into thoughts of suicide. Many people reach that point because they feel they have no hope left.

But this is the truth:

There is hope.

In the film The Shawshank Redemption, the character Andy says, “Hope is a good thing.” But true hope depends on where you place it. If your hope is in anything other than Christ, then your hope is misplaced.


Devotional Thought

The writers of Psalms 42 and 43, along with many other Bible characters, experienced deep discouragement and depression. One of the clearest examples is Elijah.

Elijah had just experienced one of the greatest victories recorded in Scripture, yet shortly afterwards he wanted to die.

Both depression and suicidal thinking must ultimately be met with the message of hope found in the Gospel. People often feel trapped because they believe there is no hope left, but that is one of the enemy’s greatest lies.

No situation is beyond the reach of God’s love and saving power.

Elijah was deeply exhausted emotionally, mentally, and physically. God dealt with him gently and practically by providing food, water, rest, and encouragement.

We all feel low at times. I still battle periods of depression occasionally, but the thing that keeps me grounded is placing my hope and trust in God.

Sometimes emotional struggles can be connected to sin, but not always. In Elijah’s case, physical and emotional exhaustion played a major role.

James 5:16–17

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”

If you struggle with these kinds of thoughts and feelings, you need supportive people around you — trusted believers who will pray with you, encourage you, and walk beside you.

Knowing that God loves you is wonderful, but we also need the warmth, support, and understanding of caring Christian fellowship within a healthy local church.

You also need to bring your struggles honestly before your Heavenly Father. There is hope. God loves you deeply and does not want your life to be consumed by despair.

When we meet people who are struggling, we should not behave like Job’s friends by immediately trying to explain away their suffering. Sometimes the greatest thing we can do is simply listen.

Many people who suffer from depression have experienced rejection, trauma, loneliness, or deep personal pain.

To anyone reading this who feels cast down: I understand those dark places. I have experienced moments where I felt overwhelmed and hopeless. But God has been my hope, my rock, and my refuge.

The greatest answer to these struggles is a genuine relationship with God through Christ and the presence of the precious Holy Spirit within your heart.

Jesus gives this invitation:

Matthew 11:28

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

MAKE JESUS YOUR HOPE

Chapter 11

SCOTTISH CASTLE WEDDING

Ephesians 4:32

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

In August 2000, my nephew Andrew married Carla. The wedding took place in a Scottish castle hotel near Edinburgh, with a church nearby for the ceremony.

Our Canadian family came over in large numbers for the occasion, and Mum booked rooms in a hotel in a nearby village.

This was always going to be a difficult wedding because Philip, my eldest brother and Andrew’s father, was not on speaking terms with any of us.

The ceremony took place on a Friday, and there was an unexpected problem — the organist had forgotten about the wedding! Thankfully, the vicar was able to play the organ himself, so he ended up doing both jobs.

After the ceremony, we headed to the reception. Andrew, being a police officer, had invited many of his large and cheerful fellow officers, many of whom were wearing kilts.

We even had haggis, which for non-Scots is made from sheep’s stomach! There is also a tradition that “real” men who wear kilts do not wear underpants underneath, although I have never tested that theory myself!

The whole day was emotionally difficult for me because it was the last time I ever saw my eldest brother. We are now completely estranged, and that still brings deep hurt and sadness.

I must say honestly that the fault is not entirely his. My own actions caused him deep pain as well.

Years later, I tried to contact him through another person, but I was accused of using that individual to get to him. His response was that, because of the past, he did not want me to contact him again.

The next day, some of us went into Edinburgh, and later we all attended the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Peter especially enjoyed the performance by the ladies from the Australian Institute of Physical Education!

He was a great source of laughter and joy to me. We shared many happy moments together, and I miss him more than words can express.


Devotional Thought

Resentment and bitterness are terrible things. They can hold you captive for years.

I have written these words not to shame my brother Philip in any way. I still pray for him. In fact, the last time I was in the UK, I tried to contact him and only managed to speak with his wife. I gave her my phone number, but I never received a response. Even so, I continue to hope.

For many years I carried resentment against him. After all, I felt that he had hurt me, and I believed I had every right to be angry.

But it was only when I let go of my anger and truly forgave him from my heart that healing began in my own life.

Forgiveness is about releasing the anger we hold against another person. The scars may remain, but only through forgiveness can true healing come.

Matthew 6:14–15

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Ephesians 4:31

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

Before we can truly heal, we must forgive.

This is incredibly difficult. Forgiving someone who has deeply hurt you is one of the hardest things a person can do, and it can only truly be done through Christ.

One thing we should always remember is this:

Look at all the things Christ has forgiven you for.

Then ask yourself how you can refuse to forgive others.

FORGIVING OTHERS LEADS TO FREEDOM

Chapter 10

BEING A JONAH IN TADOUSSAC

Jonah 1:17

“Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

At the end of the year 2000, Keith obtained a new temporary job working at Her Majesty’s Prison at Lancaster Castle, located in the centre of Lancaster. He worked as a messenger, carrying out administrative tasks such as photocopying, delivering mail, and franking letters.

He really enjoyed the work. Although it was only temporary and part-time, he was able to accumulate some holiday leave, which he later used to visit his brother in Canada.

Mum had already spent the summer there, and the plan was for Keith to spend the last three weeks in Canada before accompanying Mum back to the UK.

Valerie, his sister-in-law, had asked him to bring some packets of Bird’s custard powder. Trying to save space, Keith removed the packets from the main box and hid them among his clothes.

Unfortunately, the small white packets — complete with expiry dates — looked rather suspicious!

Sure enough, when he arrived at customs in Montreal Airport, a customs officer pulled him aside and insisted on searching his suitcase.

Oh no — how was he going to explain packets of creamy white powder hidden among his clothes?

Nervously, I stammered:

“It’s custard powder!”

Thankfully, she believed me and even repacked my suitcase better than I had packed it myself.

The previous year, my brother had visited Tadoussac, a resort town at the mouth of the St Lawrence River where several species of whales could be seen.

So we travelled there and had a wonderful time. First, we went out on a large boat, but to be honest, we did not see any whales. Later that afternoon, we decided to go out on a much smaller and faster boat.

This time we saw many whales.

That evening we excitedly told everyone that we had to go out again the next day — this time with Mum.

The following morning, Mum, Peter, and I boarded the small boat. It was extremely windy, and Mum struggled to keep her headscarf on. Peter was becoming increasingly irritated.

The trip was supposed to last three hours, but it ended up lasting four. By the end of it, both my brother and I were absolutely desperate, as Peter put it, “to get to the bogs.”

We had never been so happy to set foot on solid ground. The moment we landed, we ran like Usain Bolt straight to the nearest toilet!

Our final adventure was a helicopter ride. There were eight of us altogether, so the pilot had to make two trips.

Later, my nephew Paul informed us that the helicopter door on his flight had been slightly open during the journey. I am very glad he did not tell us that while we were in the air!

Back on land, life seemed ordinary on September 11th, 2001.

I had just finished taking a shower when I walked into the living room and saw Peter watching television. At first, it appeared that a plane accident had taken place.

What we were actually witnessing was one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in modern history — an event that changed the world forever.


Devotional Thought

Why have I shared this holiday story? What significance does it have?

It was the last time we were all together as a family.

We all have earthly families, but one day they will pass away. Yet we also belong to a spiritual family made up of people from every nation and language, and we will spend eternity together.

I now live in China and have many brothers and sisters in Christ who love me dearly. I have Christian friends who are American, Australian, South African, French, and Ukrainian.

God’s family has no language barrier.

When we meet another brother or sister in Christ from a different country, we may not understand one another’s language, but there is an unspoken bond between us that cannot be broken.

In Galatians 3 we read these words:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28

Chapter 9

THE CLOSED DOOR

Acts 16:6

“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.”

In early 1997, I returned home to Morecambe. My mum was glad to see me back home. I was able to take her shopping and spend time with her, and she was able to look after me.

The only thing missing was work. Morecambe was not exactly a magnet for employment. It was a quiet seaside town, and the main employers were the university, the local colleges, and the two nuclear power stations — now four.

The job hunt continued through the local job club. I did get a couple of short-term contracts, but nothing permanent.

Life was good in many ways. Mum and I got on very well together. She was heavily involved in her local Church of England congregation. I occasionally attended with her, but there was still no real spiritual response from me.

In the year 2000, I organised a special meal to celebrate Mum’s 80th birthday. The grandchildren attended, and my brother and his family in Canada were able to see her through Skype.

Three days after that meal, my niece Victoria — who was always struggling financially — was returning home with her boyfriend at the time. He spent one pound on a lucky dip lottery ticket. Later that night, at around 11:30 pm, I received a hysterical phone call from Victoria screaming, “I’ve won the lottery!” Well, she hadn’t — but her boyfriend had. He gave her a little money, although sadly the relationship ended soon afterwards.

My brother Peter and I were very close. Sadly, my eldest brother and I became estranged and no longer have contact with one another.

After I returned to Morecambe, Peter wanted Mum and me to move to Canada, so we began the immigration process. We completed all the forms and medical checks. The final step was the interview at the Canadian Embassy in London in early January 2000.

We travelled down to London and attended the interview. Mum passed, but I was refused. I urged Mum to go without me, but she said we came as a package, so in the end we did not go.

To say we were disappointed would be an understatement.

Life continued, but Mum’s health slowly began to decline. She was now over 80 years old and started forgetting things. Gradually, it became clear that Alzheimer’s disease was taking hold.

The Lord was speaking to me.

In November 2001, I was alone in my room while Mum was in the kitchen. Suddenly, I broke down in tears. I fell to my knees crying out to God in repentance.

Part of my change began when I started looking for a girlfriend. I met a Christian girl who lived nearby, and we spoke both online and in person. I remember saying to her:

“Even if God forgives me, He will never trust me again to serve Him. He will hold my faults against me.”

How wrong I was.

Mum was happy when I started attending church again, even though it was not her church.

I began attending Heysham Free Methodist Church. I joined the fellowship, became involved in many ministries, and even started writing devotional thoughts. I also became involved in website ministry, but sadly that eventually led to my downfall.

More about that in the next chapter.


Devotional Thought

For many years I wondered why God closed the door to Canada. Now I understand why.

If He had opened that door, I almost certainly would never have come to China, met Helen, or experienced all the amazing things we have done together.

So often God closes a door, yet we keep banging on it, trying to force it open. We need to remember that when God closes a door, it remains firmly shut unless He Himself chooses to open it again.

Sometimes we resent those closed doors.

For years I resented that closed door to Canada. I questioned God and complained:

“Why have You said no? They are letting thousands of people in from other countries — why not me?”

Those thoughts only created resentment and anger, and I became trapped in that cycle.

God sees the complete picture. We only see from ground level, but He sees everything from His heavenly perspective. His plan for our lives is perfect, pure, and complete.

One verse that immediately comes to mind is:

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Other verses to consider:

  • Jeremiah 29:11–13
  • Psalm 37:1–4
  • Proverbs 3:5–6

Chapter 8

The World’s Grasp

1 John 2:15–17

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…
17 And the world passeth away… but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

During the final two years of my hospital employment (1987–1989), I attended night school to study Business Studies and Computing. I obtained basic diplomas in both. When my job ended, I planned to pursue a National Diploma at my local college while still living at home.

However, I saw an advertisement in the Bradford newspaper for a two-year full-time course at Bradford and Ilkley Community College, so I returned to my birthplace.

I loved the lectures and felt intellectually stretched. These were subjects I truly enjoyed.

In our first year, we had to create an investment portfolio and produce a business plan for a real business. Two fellow students, Mark and Jacqui, and I decided to design an organic restaurant. We worked through costings, locations, menus, and operational planning, then submitted our project for assessment. We received a distinction.

In my final year, I achieved five distinctions out of seven subjects.

Although I loved college, my life completely forgot God and the church. I did not live immorally, but God was absent from my life. I enjoyed concerts, theatre, and culture. My friend Mark used to call me a “culture vulture.”

During my second year, I became friendly with a girl. Nothing improper happened, but we spent time together socially. Eventually, the friendship faded.

We graduated in June 1991. I applied for many jobs, but no one was interested. Many of my peers continued into a BA in Business Studies, but foolishly, and partly to impress this girl, I chose to pursue accounting qualifications at City College in Norwich (1991–92). This decision led to failure.

I returned to Morecambe, but my eldest brother insisted I go back to Bradford to continue job hunting. I tried everything.

While my mother was on a world cruise with her sister, she suffered a stroke on the final day. My brother Philip insisted that I live away from her. I moved through various contract jobs, but nothing permanent.

I lived in some very unpleasant places.

One landlord lived at No. 3, and his son and I lived at No. 1. One Monday morning, I met the landlord entering the house.

“Where’s Mark? He should have been at work.”

“He’s asleep in the living room,” I replied.

We went in and found that he had fallen off the sofa and choked on his own vomit. His body contained 634 mg of alcohol. A late-night drinking session at the local pub had led to him consuming large amounts of Pernod.

There was an inquest, and I had to testify. My mum used to say, “When drink’s in, wit’s out.”

We had many lodgers pass through No. 3. One evening I met a very talkative new lodger in the kitchen. He kept receiving strange phone calls and came and went frequently.

Then one day, he disappeared. I was relieved.

Later, my landlord arrived with five police officers. One officer questioned me.

“What do you know about this man?”

“Why? Has he done something wrong?”

“He has been accused of murder.”

I later discovered that this man had been a rapist and murderer. I had spoken with him alone for over an hour.

I managed to visit my brother in Canada, and he strongly advised me to leave Bradford. Soon after my mother returned, I went back to Morecambe.

During this period, I had been prescribed strong antidepressants — Cipramil 15 mg — which I remained dependent on for many years.


Devotional Thought

The prodigal son in Luke 15 had to experience hardship before he remembered what he had lost.

I lost much in the eight years after leaving Morecambe in 1989. The early 1990s were not a happy time for me.

I regret deeply what happened, especially between 1992 and 1997. Years later, I met a fellow student who had been academically weaker than me, yet she had earned a degree with a 2:1. It filled me with sadness. We often make mistakes because we choose our own way. I can blame no one but myself.

But remember: there is forgiveness with God. He truly forgives. The real question is whether we forgive ourselves.

To do this, we must take responsibility for our mistakes. Then we can be cleansed of guilt and pain. “If only” are small words, but we cannot dwell on what might have been.

In truth, I am grateful for the pain. It allowed me to see life honestly and recognise how fallible I am. It has also enabled me to help others.

Do not dwell on your failures. The apostle Paul did not dwell on his past. In Philippians 3 he wrote:

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ…
10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection…

That was probably the darkest time of my life.

Praise God — He brought me through it. Only He could.

Chapter 7

A Sunny Afternoon in Hell

Jude 22–23

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

You may be intrigued by the title: How can it be sunny in Hell?

As I mentioned earlier, I was born in Bradford, which has a football team called Bradford City. I remember standing behind the goal at City’s Valley Parade ground many times. It was an old stadium, with crumbling terraces and an ageing wooden main stand.

They were the first winners of the FA Cup in 1911, but by the 1980s they had fallen on hard times and were playing in the third highest league in England. However, in the 1984–85 season, they had a young and exciting team. They stormed to the division title, and the last game of the season, on 11 May, was meant to be a celebration.

I wanted a ticket, so I called my brother. He was going with his children but was unwilling to get me one, so I phoned the club myself and secured a ticket. I drove to the ground that day.

The stadium was swarming with people. It was a joyous occasion. I sat toward the far end of the main stand. It was a sunny day, but the wind was blowing strongly down the valley where the ground was situated.

It was a poor match. One of the players suffered a serious injury, and the game was dull. About five minutes before half-time, I felt the need to go to the toilet, but something stopped me. I clearly felt, Don’t go. I believe this was the Lord stopping me. If I had gone to the back of the stand, I would have been killed.

No sooner had I settled back into my seat than I heard laughter behind me. Then I saw smoke rising from the seats. Someone had dropped a cigarette, and it had fallen through a crack in the flooring, igniting rubbish beneath the stand.

We were pushed forward, and soon we had to climb, or be pulled, over the wall and onto the pitch. By now the flames were overwhelming. The fire had reached the roof, which was covered in highly combustible felt cladding.

I wandered around on the pitch, searching for my brother and his family, who had been seated in the next section. I remember asking myself, If this is the heat of a fire, what will Hell be like? Total fire and destruction for those who do not trust Christ.

Fifty-six people died that day. Lives were changed forever.


Devotional Thought

For Christians reading this, please consider the following.

This should be our greatest motivation. We ourselves have been pulled out of the fire, so we should seek to rescue others from the fire of Hell.

Some people that day were heroes. They helped those who were on fire. I remember walking past the goalmouth and seeing two bodies lying there. This is the situation in the world today. People are dying every minute of every day, and the church and many Christians stand idly by, doing nothing.

I once heard the story of a man being interviewed for a job as an usher in a cinema. He was asked:

“What would you do if a fire broke out?”

He replied:

“I would be fine. I would make sure I was safe.”

That is how many Christians live.

They have salvation, or so they believe, but they have no care or compassion for those who are perishing all around them.

Spurgeon said:

“The world lies in darkness… If you have found the remedy, tell the diseased about it. If you have found life, proclaim it to the dead. If you have found liberty, publish it to the captives. If you have found Christ, tell of Him to others…”

This memory remains vivid for me. It is a day of sorrow for those who died, but also a day of deep thankfulness that the Lord preserved me.

Let me tell you: it is not enough to attend church, to give to missions, to belong to social media groups, or even to write devotions.

For anyone who has not trusted Christ, life is very short. Many who died that day were young and looking forward to long lives, but suddenly life was gone.

Please do not delay. The day of salvation is now.

2 Corinthians 6:2

Chapter 6

Ezekiel 36:31

“Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.”


College, Church and Cars

After becoming a Christian, I joined Andrew’s church and youth group.

My faith began to grow, and in 1980 — shortly after my 21st birthday — I was baptised by immersion as a public testimony of my commitment to Christ.

During this time, I had a wonderful pastor, David Green, who spent many hours counselling me, along with my dear friend Kevin.

Just before I came to China, I was able to phone Pastor David to apologise and tell him I was walking with the Lord. As always, he responded with grace.

Kevin passed away from cancer in 2024. While in the UK, I was able to speak with him. I will always be grateful for his friendship.

Just before my 21st birthday, I also lost my father. He died in front of me, quietly slipping away after losing his will to live.

This was a huge blow to my mother, who blamed herself. He had only been retired six months and never had the chance to enjoy it.

After school, I attended college to complete my GCE O Levels, and later studied accounting in Preston. I hoped this would lead to office work, but due to my stammer, employers felt I would struggle — especially on the telephone.

So in late 1979, I took a job as a storeman at a local mental hospital. I intended it to be temporary, but it lasted ten years.

It was not the happiest period of my life. I lived at home, worked full-time, and remained active in church — yet I was still a rebel in many ways.

The work was physical and demanding. The store contained everything from food to furniture. Fifty-kilogram bags of rice, sugar, and flour had to be unloaded daily. It was not work for the faint-hearted.

I later moved into the medical stores, which was the best position available. However, the stores closed in 1989 when all supplies were centralised 40 miles away.

Although the job was not particularly fulfilling, I paid into the National Health pension scheme. Today I receive that pension in China. God knew exactly what I would need in the future.

As a Christian, I was in the church — but still with one foot in the world.

During this time, I also bought my first car: a small lime-green Mini, nicknamed “The Lime Green Terror.” I loved that car and had it for nearly eight years. It brought a lot of joy — though not so much when driving down the aptly named Cemetery Road in Bradford, dodging potholes like an obstacle course.

By the mid-1980s, my faith began to decline. I left church membership. That was my own decision, and no one else was to blame. I chose my own path, and the consequences were serious. The scars remain.

Have I been forgiven by God?

Yes — completely.

But the regret for those wasted years still remains.


DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

I say this with honesty and shame: I wasted significant portions of my life. I am not proud of it. I share it so that others may avoid the same mistakes.

Time is the one thing you can never replace. Everything else can be regained — but not time.

Those years are gone forever. In my case, they were lost through sinful and foolish choices.

The years between 25 and 40 — often some of the most productive years of life — were largely wasted on things that did not matter.

There is always a cost to sin and disobedience. God restores and heals, as He did with David, but consequences and scars often remain.

So do not waste your life on things that do not satisfy. Do not allow bitterness, anger, or selfishness to take control.

I am a prodigal — but, thank God, the prodigal returned and was restored.

Praise God for His forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

If you have made wrong choices and drifted far from God, there is restoration and healing at the foot of the cross.

Returning to God took many years. In between, I went to places I should not have gone and saw things I should not have seen.

Yet the Lord is patient and slow to anger. Psalm 103 reminds us:

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and full of compassion…
He has not dealt with us according to our sins…
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us…

Come and receive that healing.

Chapter 5

Psalm 40

I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord;
and He inclined to me and heard my cry.

He brought me up out of a horrible pit of destruction and turmoil, out of the miry clay,
and He set my feet upon a rock, giving me a firm place to stand and establishing my path.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see this and fear the Lord with reverence, and they will trust confidently in Him.


PULLED OUT OF THE PIT

In previous chapters, I mentioned that I was a churchgoer — and I was. But not because I wanted to be. I was forced to go.

We were given prizes for attending. I still have a book from 1971 with photos of the UK, given as a Sunday school prize. At that stage, I was mostly interested in getting things. It was all about me — my wants and my interests.

When I reached Class 4, I looked around wondering who I could upset first. The unlucky target was a rather stout boy who sat by the window. I often found myself at his desk teasing and tormenting him. Ironically, he was more religious than I was. He attended youth groups on Friday nights, Saturday nights, and church twice on Sundays. I used to think, “He needs to get a life!”

So he became the target of my anger. I punched him, pulled his hair, shouted at him — and yet he never responded. Everyone else reacted, but not him. It puzzled me: what is wrong with this guy?

Our class became Class 5, and yes — we were still in the same class. Very frustrating. Our teacher, Mr Scott, once said to him, “You will never get Keith to become a Christian.” How wrong he was.

He kept inviting me to meetings on Saturday nights. My response was basically, “I’d rather cut my toenails with a hacksaw.”

But he kept asking. Eventually I gave in — not because I was interested, but just to get him to stop.

So one Saturday night I was allowed out of the house. My parents should probably have known better.

We met and went up to Moorlands Gospel Hall. The place was packed. I remember thinking, what is going on here?

We began the meeting. Hymns were sung. People stood and shared how Jesus had changed their lives. It meant nothing to me at the time — it all went over my head.

Then the preacher stood up, Victor Jack from Suffolk. He spoke about what would happen if Jesus returned that very night. I remember feeling uneasy and even a little afraid. I had never heard anything like it.

He said that Jesus is the only answer.

At the end, he said he would go into a side room, and if anyone wanted to speak with him, they could knock on the door.

All I can describe it as is this: it was as if my eyes were opened. I turned to Andrew and said, “I’m going into that room.” His jaw dropped.

We arrived just before someone else. If they had gone in first, I might have backed out. But I was ushered inside.

Victor took me through the booklet Journey into Life by Norman Warren. I prayed at the end and meant it.

I went home and told my parents, “I’ve become a Christian.” My father simply replied, “You should have been home earlier.”

But something had changed that night. I had passed from death to life.


In 2024, I was able to meet my dear friend Andrew again, and also see Victor once more — now 87 years old. He welcomed me and my family into his home and church.

I owe them both a debt I can never repay. On that night, I was truly pulled out of the pit.


DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Salvation from sin through Christ is a miracle. It cannot be achieved through good works or any human religion.

I know this, because I tried.

Going to church does not make you a Christian. Sitting in a burger restaurant does not make you a hamburger.

What saves a person is what Christ has done on the cross. He brings us to God as the Saviour and divine substitute — the One who died in our place.

I was not good enough to come to God on my own. I needed someone to take my sin. That One is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The moment I trusted Him, I was justified and accepted by the Father. I was sealed by the Holy Spirit. It was He who opened my eyes and my heart that cold February night.

We can share the gospel and explain the truth, but only the Holy Spirit can open blind eyes and bring true life.

Every born-again believer is a trophy of God’s grace — given a new heart, a new nature, and a new direction.

They are now on the pilgrim road. I thank God that I am on that road.

I am a living miracle of God’s grace.

Are you?

Chapter 4a

SILENT KILLER

Proverbs 15:3
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

I write this for those who have suffered bullying, both at home and at school.

Bullying can scar a person for life. It is like an itch you cannot scratch.

My story began at a friend’s school, where I met a boy a year older than me who took it upon himself to bully me — verbally and physically.

I will say this: I did irritate people, and perhaps I brought some of it on myself. But that does not make bullying acceptable.

Later, at Skerton, the bullying worsened. The more I was bullied, the angrier I became. Years later, I met a girl from our class online. The first thing she said was, “You were the one they bullied.” That was her lasting impression of me.

Into adult life, and even into my first marriage, this pattern continued. Some of it may have been my fault — but not all of it.

So how do you deal with it?


Devotional Thought

A deep relationship with God is the first step toward healing. Bullying often happens in the shadows, unseen by others — but not by God.

When you come to Him, you come as a child and become His son or daughter, loved and accepted.

You can pray and forgive those who bullied you, whether in the past or even now.

The verse above gives great hope. The Lord sees everything. He has heard every word spoken against you, and He will hold people accountable.

You must not repay evil with evil. The cycle must be broken. One way to do this is to tell someone you trust — a pastor, close friend, parent, or family member.

Yes, I may have deserved some correction in life, but never the uncontrolled anger of another person. That is never right and never acceptable.

I write this to give hope. I have been where you are. Now I rest secure in God’s love, knowing that no verbal or physical abuse can define me.

I finish with Romans 8:

“If God be for us, who can be against us? … Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Chapter 4

ST TRINIANS WITH BOVVER BOOTS

Isaiah 53:6
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

The St Trinian’s films of the 1950s tell the story of a girls’ school that was completely out of control and caused mayhem wherever it went.

Skerton School looked fine from the outside. The drive had beautiful apple blossom trees on either side, and there were hundreds of little cherubs running about. But scratch below the surface and you would scream.

The teachers were legends. These included Charlie Emmett — boys were sent to him if they had done wrong, and he would bring their backsides into close proximity with a T-square. Our music teacher, “Sweaty Betty” Wilson, used our lesson time to lecture us on the state of the world. There was Ms Pallister, our young French teacher, and Mr Curnow, our RE teacher, who met and married at the school. Mr Waterhouse, my history teacher, did train impressions. My form teachers were Mrs Warrington and Mr Scott.

School uniform was often augmented by bovver boots and associated items — indeed, anything that could cause grievous bodily harm. This was the 1970s. You could not imagine students changing gender or openly calling themselves homosexual at Skerton; they would have been torn to pieces. Some of the girls did look a bit like men — no names mentioned, but your name begins with S.

All those teachers did their very best under the most trying circumstances. We were a right bunch. But Keith was the school clown. He drove teachers and schoolmates mad with his antics. He was an attention seeker, desperately trying to be noticed.

Some stories about school trips are the stuff of legend — from fire extinguishers being set off on the Mersey ferry to buses getting stuck on Formby Sands.

On other trips, small swords were stolen in Keswick and items taken from a shop in Grasmere. The shop owner came onto the bus to identify the culprit but couldn’t, as most boys had their heads under coats or seats. But we all knew who it was. You know who you are!

Grasmere was also where a group of students staying at the youth hostel got locked out, so the smallest boy was ordered to shimmy up a drainpipe, climb through an open window, and unlock the door.

Keith was placed in the lowest stream in fourth year. He ended up doing woodwork, metalwork, and PE, with no academic studies. My father fought to get me into an academic class. Finally, after missing two terms, I was moved into Class 4S — but I still continued acting the clown.

We had to leave our bags outside the classroom at lunchtime. Ours was the art room, and there was a small ledge just above the door. Someone took great pleasure in throwing my satchel onto that ledge. At 1 p.m., everyone was kept waiting while Keith ran around retrieving his bag. Again, we all knew the culprit. He still lives in Morecambe… doesn’t he?

The school had many landmarks, including the toilets near our classroom — the only toilets with a chimney. This was the place for smoking. You know how white smoke comes out of the chimney when a new pope is elected? It was like that. White smoke streamed from the windows as students tried to “have a drag.”

The school was not PC or “woke.” It was a throwback to a bygone age, but for us, it truly was the best days of our lives.

Not only was there a place for smoking, there were places for snogging too — behind the bike sheds and near the brass band room. So I am reliably informed by someone who spent plenty of time in both places. In fact, the bike sheds have probably been moved to Altrincham town centre as a memorial — or a souvenir. I’m not sure which.

Lunchtime meant football in the playground, but it was never long before you heard the shout of “FIGHT!” followed by teachers running over and saying, “You two clowns, get to Mr Emmett!”

Skerton is now demolished. It has become a housing complex. But for us, it remains a deep memory imprinted on our minds. Life revolved around school. Next time I return to the UK, we will have a reunion with Russ, Wilf, Bruno, Gary, and of course, the legendary Sheri.

Other memorable occasions include sports day, when Keith attempted the hurdles and fell at the first one, causing the biggest laugh ever.

We played sports where teams had to be chosen. In football, I was never chosen first — always last. The choice often came down to me or a lamppost. The lamppost was usually chosen first.

Eventually, Keith did buckle down. He achieved Grade 1 in both History and Geography, and Grade 3 in English Language and Literature. He won the prize for History — well, they had to give someone else a prize. The rest went to a certain genius from Mount Avenue, including the “snogging prize.”

Lifelong friendships were formed at school. My dear friend David Hobbs is still a great friend to me, as is my dearly beloved Andrew, whom I can never thank enough.

Years later, Mr Waterhouse and Mr and Mrs Curnow came to my church. What a joy to know we will meet again.

One last story. Our head girl in Year 5 was Diane Stephenson. She was vivacious and had a very quiet friend called Deborah Ormerod. They were inseparable and in my class. Diane often came to talk to me; she was a lovely person.

I remember our last lesson on a Friday afternoon was Geography. One Friday, I looked across at Diane’s table. The boys were gathered around, hanging on her every word. She had her whole future ahead of her.

On the following Monday morning, the headmaster and senior teachers came into our classroom.

On that Friday night, Diane and Deborah had gone out with their seventeen- to eighteen-year-old boyfriends. As they came down a hill in their village, the car lost control and crashed into a wall. Diane, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was killed instantly. Deborah was seriously injured.

I will always remember seeing them that Friday afternoon. Hours later, Diane was gone.

Life is so fragile. That has always stayed with me.

In Keith’s last term at Skerton, something happened to him — but more of that in the next chapter.


Devotional Thought

As youngsters, we go on our merry way. We laugh and cry together. For us, school was not about academics; it was about survival.

I remember Mr Curnow saying in RE class, “Jesus is the answer.” I mocked him. I wish I had listened, because He truly is the answer.

I did not want to go to Skerton, but it was the place where God had placed Andrew. Mr Scott once said to him, “You’re wasting your time with Keith — he’s beyond hope.”

But there are two wonderful words at the start of Ephesians 2:

BUT GOD

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved).”

No one is beyond the grace and mercy of God. I am living testimony to that fact.

Chapter 3

On a Green Hill Far Away

1 Timothy 1:15
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

I ended the last chapter by saying that I sometimes read the Bible at home but did not understand it.

I continued living in the nursing home with my parents, but my isolation was becoming worse. Everyone thought it was because of my stammer or my environment, but in truth, it was because of my sin.

I was becoming a rebel and a thief. If anything was available, you could be sure Keith would take it.

Biscuits, cheese, and cakes were my main targets, but money also became an idol. My dad had a large jar filled with 5p and 1p coins. The trouble was, it never seemed to increase—no matter how much he added to it.

My parents sent me to the Methodist church near our house, but this did not stop this little artful dodger.

These are things I am ashamed of, but they are written here to show that Keith truly was the chief of sinners.

I went to Sunday school and church under duress. I heard the hymn below and thought I was fine:

There is a green hill far away,
Outside a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all…

So I continued going to church, thinking I was safe. After all, Jesus had died, and surely I would go to heaven. Wasn’t God a God of love?

Life went on as normal. My childhood was quite unhappy. My parents had sent me to the private Friends School in Lancaster, where the bullying really intensified. Although I was intelligent, I wanted everything done for me.

My eyesight worsened, and I had to wear strong glasses, which earned me the nickname “Joe 90,” after the television character.

Life was spiralling out of control and was about to get worse when I was moved to Skerton County Secondary School, a place that felt like a madhouse. It was full of some of the toughest boys and girls imaginable.

Yet, this is where my redemption began—but more on that in the next chapter.

It was also at this school that I made two lifelong friends, David and Andrew, my dear brother in Christ, both of whom have been pivotal in my life.


Devotional Thought

Have you ever thought that living in a Christian country or being raised in a Christian home makes you a Christian?

It does not.

Many people trust in their environment. We live in a Christian country, we go to church at Christmas and Easter—surely that’s enough?

I remember going to Sunday school mainly for the sweets and prizes.

I used to read the picture Bible but did not understand it. Who was this Jesus?

Why didn’t my parents explain it?

My mother used to pray with me:

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child,
Bless mummy and daddy…

But I was never told that He could be my Saviour and my Redeemer.

So, have you made it personal?

He desires a personal relationship with you.

Later in this book, you will see this miracle happen to Keith.

Chapter 2

Psalm 139

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thoughts afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.


Soaking Wet at the Seaside

I arrived in Morecambe in 1964. It was a seaside town trying to restore its former glories. It was best known for the famous comedian Eric Morecambe, part of the well-known double act Morecambe and Wise.

When I arrived, it had two piers, two theatres, the aquatic centre Marineland, and a pleasure park. All of them are gone now.

We settled into Whitelow House, a four-floor nursing home situated in the Bare area of the town. It was next door to a church, which neither my parents nor I ever attended.

The best part was the large garden at the back, with apple and pear trees and a greenhouse where my dad grew tomatoes and cucumbers.

The house had a lift, and Keith spent many hours going up and down in it. No one could ever get into the lift because it was always in use!

We lived right on the promenade, which stretched for up to six miles and had the most beautiful views across to the Lake District hills. The sunsets were amazing, and they remain my fondest memory of Morecambe.

The sea regularly came over the road in front of the house and flooded many homes along the seafront. Our home was largely unaffected until the great storm of 1977, when it was completely flooded. The lift shaft filled with water. This happened on a Friday night and continued for several days, leaving the sea wall badly damaged. Today, there are stone sea barriers that prevent such flooding.

On many days, I used to walk down to the centre of Morecambe and return along the seafront when the tide was coming in. I would stand by the railings and wait for a big wave to hit the wall. Then I would run away from the spray. Sometimes I got wet, sometimes I didn’t. I often returned home smelling of seaweed and salt spray, much to my parents’ dismay.

There wasn’t much sand on the beach—mostly pebbles—but there was a paddling pool where we caught crabs. We used a stick with bait tied to a piece of string, and the crabs would latch on.

One day, I spotted a very large crab. I reached down into the pool and, as you’ve guessed, fell headlong into it.

Morecambe had two piers and many amusement arcades filled with penny falls and one-armed bandits. Sadly, some of my pocket money was spent there—and also at my favourite sweet shop.

My parents loved their work, and I was loved, but work often took precedence over me. I became very unhappy due to my speech problems and the bullying at school—some of which was my fault, but more on that later.

Every Christmas I received the latest craze, whether Action Man or racing cars, but I longed for more time with my parents. A quiet anger was beginning to grow.

To be honest, my parents spoiled me. They sent me to private school, arranged membership at the local golf club, and gave me horse-riding lessons, which I loved. We galloped over the sands until one day, after dismounting near the nursing home, I slipped. The horse was startled, and one of its hooves struck my head, causing a deep cut. I have never ridden a horse since.

Between the ages of 8 and 10, this was one of three occasions when I fell and badly injured my head. Once I was tripped while running at school and went headfirst into a radiator. Another time, I fell headfirst into a bench—don’t ask me how.

My parents took me on holidays to Scotland and on cruises. I am thankful for everything they gave me. I hold no anger toward them. I remember them both with love and gratitude.

Thank you, Eric and Rita.

I especially remember one morning when I was asleep and the night staff were knocking on the door. It must have been about 5 a.m. They shouted for my dad to come quickly. One of the male residents had taken his own life. Events like this affect a young mind deeply.

One thing Mum loved was her music. We had a radiogram with a record player and many classical vinyl records. I loved playing them. Mum was also a great reader, and books were everywhere, including a picture Bible. I read its pages without understanding what it meant.

Now, I have come to love that Book.


Devotional Thought

Many people think that honouring their parents, as outlined in the Ten Commandments, applies only while they are alive. It does not.

After we lose our parents, we are still to honour them by our actions and our words.

Many children carry resentment toward their parents. This is not the right path. Blaming your parents for your problems leads nowhere. I did this for many years.

The best way to honour your parents is to be thankful for all they gave you and all they did for you.

This is how we honour our father and mother.

Jesus honoured His Father and mother. So should we—in life and in death.

Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”

Chapter 1

Psalm 139

15 My substance was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

In The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews sang, “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.”

Keith came into the world on 5 March 1959, born at home at 247 Cooper Lane in Bradford, Yorkshire, UK.

He was the third son of Eric and Rita Hobkirk. He had two brothers, Philip and Peter. He was closest to his middle brother, Peter, who sadly died in 2017.

My parents were hardworking people. They tried to do their best for this very small person who was quiet all day but screamed at night.

Later, I found out that I was only born because my mother had miscarried a baby girl. My father had wanted a girl — but he got me. Much later, I was told that I was not really wanted.

Has this been your experience?

Maybe you have been told that you were unwanted or abandoned by your parents.

But you are not.

You are not a mistake. God saw you. He knew you even before you were born.

His love is greater than that of any human mother or father.

I do not hold any bitterness toward my parents. They did their very best for me. But it was — and is — the true love of God, and of course my dear family, that has transformed my life.

I cannot remember much about my early childhood. The first memorable event was moving to Morecambe, where my parents were to take over the operation of a retirement home run by the Bradford Council.

Before I left for Morecambe, I had an eye operation to correct a squint in my left eye. Throughout my life, I have needed to wear glasses.

So at the age of five, I moved to the sunny seaside town of Morecambe. Life was about to change in a big way.

Off to Morecambe we went — a whole new adventure.


Devotional Thought

People today are searching for value. One of the major causes of suicide is the feeling of having no value.

Some of you reading this may feel unwanted or even deserted by your parents. Some of you may have been born in very difficult circumstances — perhaps as the result of rape or sexual assault.

Whatever your situation — however and wherever you were born — God was there. He saw everything.

As I said earlier, you are not a mistake. I was told that I was not wanted. Yes, I was loved — but not wanted.

Only when you come to Christ can you find your true value. Only in Christ can you experience the true love of God the Father and be filled with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.


Verses to Ponder

Ephesians 1:3–14
Jeremiah 29:11–13

Dedication and Introduction

DEDICATION AND INTRODUCTION

Dedicated to the Ones I Love

My precious Saviour and Lord Jesus, who pulled me out of the pit.

My precious wife, Helen, whose love, care, and prayers bless me every moment of every day.

My precious daughter, Sherry — the cherry on top of my cake. You are my angel.

My beloved son-in-law, Peter, who is such a blessing to me.

To my beloved Chinese brothers and sisters — you are an inspiration.


Thanks

Thanks to the following dear friends who have blessed my life:

I have sat under several very anointed pastors, such as David Green, Richard Scholes, Mark Johnstone, and Zanmei. You have moulded my life through your preaching.

To Victor, Andrew, Kevin, and Mike, who were instrumental in bringing me to faith and helping me grow in faith.

Thanks also to my late parents, Eric and Rita, and my dear brother Peter. You are loved, remembered, and treasured every day.

A very big thank you to my dear friend Pastor Johan Lourens, who kindly gave his time to proofread this document.


Introduction

Everyone has a bucket list — things they want to do before they “kick the bucket”!

One of the things I have always wanted to do is write my life story.

So why should you read this book?

It is the story of my life, told in my own words — the experiences I have had and the people I have met — shared with humour, honesty, and a twinkle in my eye.

This book tells the story of an ordinary person who has the one true God as his Saviour, Guide, Redeemer, and Best Friend.

This is not Keith’s story, but God’s story. It is the story of God’s power to change one person’s heart.

I hope you will enjoy these stories — the good and the bad experiences I have been through. May these words bring glory to God and lead you to the one true Saviour, Jesus Christ.