Church in China

We have begun attending Abundant Grace International Fellowship (AGIF).  The church meets on Sundays at 3pm in a contemporary but traditional church building much like any you would find in the US.  The service is about 1-1/2 hours and begins with families all together for a time of singing and worship.  After about 20 minutes the kids are ushered out to their programming for the remainder of the time.  The Sr. Pastor is from the US and reminds me of John Russell from our church in Kentucky - he has a deep velvety voice and a very clear and proper manner of speaking.  This is contrasted with the associate pastor who is from South Africa and has a very distinct accent that I thought was at first Australian.  The pastor of Outreach is an Indian and he also has a very distinct style of speech.  So you really have to attune your ears to the accent of the day which at times can be difficult.  The attendees are from all over - US, Australia, UK, Germany, Korea, China, Singapore etc etc.  It is a very unique experience to be attending with people from all over the world and I imagine that it must be what heaven will be like - a kaleidoscope of races all getting along. Imagine that.  (Okay so much for my John Lennon moment)

I would describe the church as contemporary as well as relevant.  They are affiliated with Willow Creek Church in Chicago, they value small groups, outreach and personal transformation.  The most recent 9 week series was all about the family and what makes a family strong.  The two messages we caught were very relevant to our lives at the moment and it was refreshing to know we can still have good teaching and church so far away from the US. 

We are currently considering taking the entire family on an outreach event at the end of this month.  The church supports a small village in the Anhui province and brings them assistance in the form of rice, ducks, goats and scholarships.  The animals as well as some micro-loans help to get people started in a self-sustaining business upon which they can support their families.  

All in all, God has been very faithful to us in our adventure here so far - providing for our needs and keeping us all safe and healthy.  For this we are thankful and also thankful for all you who remember us in your prayers.  Don't forget Cynthia's advice - "Whenever you see a 'Made in China' label say a little prayer for the Smiths"