Sunday, June 1, 2014

Home

We arrived at SEATAC at 5:05 am this morning, Sunday, June 1. It was a smooth, uneventful trip and all of us were able to get some sleep as we flew.  Leaving Beijing required three separate TSA type screenings and one major pat down. I got an opportunity to share the Gospel with a Chinese national on the plane. He was coming to complete his MBA in LA. He said he had no faith but had a girlfriend who is a Christian. I prayed out loud, with his permission, that God would reveal Himself very clearly to him and that he would soon have no more fears about what happens after death.

The Peking duck experience on Saturday night was delightful. People there said that Beijing is the best place in the world to get Peking duck.  After the meal we spent time praying for a young Chinese Korean professional woman who desires to know what God desires for her over the coming years.

One correction we need to make regarding the BBC video clip that many of you watched is that the students at PUST are not necessarily from elite families as it states, but rather they are elite students--very high academic records-- that have had to prove themselves on entrance exams. Some are from elite families but many are from families of various backgrounds including farming.

Thanks to Marla for fleshing out the brief emails that I sent from Beijing, writing the blog entries, due to the fact that I was unable to access this blog from there. I am going to try to add some pictures to the older posts over the next day or so and possibly more details about parts of our trip that have not been covered in the previous entries, so don't forget to check back.

Thanks for your effective prayers.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

LEAVING FOR AIRPORT...

...right now!

LAST NIGHT

Rich reports a great meal last night in Beijing at the home of Eric, their guide, and a fun time with his kids and parents who all enjoyed seeing some of his Gospel illusions.  This is the last post from the team before they arrive home as they leave today (Sunday for them) and arrive here early tomorrow morning before they even left there.  Go figure :)

BACK IN BEIJING

Professors at the University of Science and Technology in Pyongyang thanked the team many times for coming.  Each of the 4 men connected with several.  God is working in many ways to open doors for Christians to connect with common people and leaders as well. There will be more to share about these things when the team returns.

After a short night of sleep back in Beijing, they left at 7 a.m. for The Great Wall .  Their amazing wall experience included a great talk with their guide, Eric, learning much about China and what the Chinese think of Americans.

Later in the day they visited a house church, another learning experience.  A Peking duck dinner and prayer with some Christians was planned for evening.

Thank you for all your prayers for this team. God has heard and answered.  Prayers for getting through the airport and flight home early Sunday morning are appreciated also.


Friday, May 30, 2014

SAFE!

Rich just sent word that the team is safely back in Beijing!  As it is late at night for them, for now he wrote just a brief message about their experiences in Pyongyang:

"God is doing amazing things in North Korea.  Doors are opening.  Professors are exceptional, humble and dedicated.  Prayed with and shared encouragement with several."

He promised to write more "tomorrow."  So stay tuned :)

Sunday, May 25, 2014

TRAVEL REQUESTS

Rich has asked for your prayers for leaving the Beijing airport, officials, baggage, etc. as well as arriving in Pyongyang airport, customs, etc. Praise for his feet being better as he got up Monday their time after a marathon day yesterday.  He adds that the Chinese Koreans mentioned in the last post were all leaders in hse churches.

TO NK NEXT

Rich says they visited Tiananmen Square and saw the temple of heaven, walking 6-7 miles for several hours.  They shared testimonies and prayed for 7 Chinese Korean adults and 2 children for many hours.  Everyone is in good health with no major jet lag, so that is a big praise.  They will arrive in NK at midnight tonight (Sunday) our time.  Please pray for a meeting with NK government officials and for their connection with professors at the university.