China (MNN) — 2020 has been challenging to say the least. However, through both the difficult times and the bright spots, China Partner saw God working. As the new year begins, the ministry looks to continue faithfully serving brothers and sisters in Christ on the other side of the world.
The lockdowns throughout the year meant no groups went to serve in the country and no in-person training took place. However, Erik Burklin of China Partner says technology still made ministry possible. The team made a lot of phone calls and video calls throughout the year, enabling them to continue equipping ministry partners. Though challenging, this year brought about fruit as well; the shared hardships had a unifying effect.
“Several pastors contacted me after they learned that America was really spiking big-time in March, and they were worried for us. In January and February, that’s when they had their big surge. We had been reaching out to them and had some wonderful prayer times with them over the phone. Then they turned [to] us and said, ‘We’re praying for you,’” Burklin explains.
As the year has worn on, Burklin has heard many positive reports, especially once restrictions in China began to ease.
“We [heard] reports that churches already
(Photo courtesy of China Partner)
reopened in the summer, and so many things have settled down over there. When I talked with [one] pastor, he told me, ‘we have all our students back in seminary,’” Burklin says.
Always Faithful
Ultimately, the main takeaway for China Partner is God’s faithfulness.
“God has always been faithful. My favorite verse found in the New Testament [is], when Jesus says, ‘I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.’ That’s exactly what we’ve seen in China,” Burklin says.
“I’ve started to understand more [about] the meaning of faithfulness this year because we don’t know what the future holds. That’s what I’ve learned from our pastors that we partner with in China. They’re just staying faithful. They never tell us, ‘Please pray for us because we’re concerned about the future.’ They never say that. What they do say is, ‘Thanks for praying for us, because we’re going to keep going. We love Jesus. We love our church. We love the people that God has called us to serve. We’re going to keep going.’” Burklin says.
(Photo courtesy of China Partner)
One way you can help China Partner and its ministry is by remaining faithful as well. Burklin encourages believers to remain faithful in their prayers, giving, and trust. You can learn more about China Partner and how you can be praying and supporting them here.
Header image courtesy of Shadow Walker on Unsplash
