The Quiet Titus Trip

At one of the Bible studies we attended on Project Titus – China, the group in attendance was asked what they were thankful for. One of the Chinese men said, “Freedom of religion.” I was very surprised to hear that answer. I wasn’t sure what the man meant, nor did I pursue it with him. On the one hand, it was nice to hear that he felt that way, that they had freedom of religion in China. On the other hand, I wondered if he really knew what that meant and if he truly realized that they don’t have freedom of religion in China, at least not like we do in America.

In China, there is a state-controlled Christian church. So it is certainly legal to be a Christian there. But if someone is not a member of that state church and is practicing Christianity outside of that church, such as in an underground “house church,” that is not legal and there could be consequences for that. Hence my surprise when I heard that answer.

And yet, here we were, gathered together with Chinese and Americans alike in an apartment where Bible study was occurring, a setting where friends are welcome to sit in with Americans who are there to teach English. It’s a “quiet” setting, meaning that it is not done out in public, and it needs to be handled discreetly and respectfully knowing how the government feels about such things. But what a privilege still for our Titus group to be part of it…to see the gospel at work in a place where the fields are very ripe, the opportunities do occur in spite of the interference that takes place, and where more and more souls are confessing their faith in the one and only Savior!

Many, many things are different in China. It’s fascinating to experience, whether it be food, how people get around, the sheer size of the crowds, the enormous cities, the long, long train rides, the sameness of the buildings and cities, the countless restaurants and shops that line city streets, the way school is conducted….many things are different. But the gospel message that is being proclaimed, even in quiet settings, is the same powerful message there as it is here.

Kelsey Rosenberg, Kay Tetzlaff, Hans Thomford and Adam Schaffer, my daughter Gretchen and I got to experience that this summer on our Titus trip to China. This trip is unique not only because of where it goes, but because what the students do is quite different as well. No vbs, no canvassing, no handing out leaflets, and no worship in a nice church building for us. But, for us, just as for you, the ever-inspiring opportunity to talk about the Savior with those who have just come to know him or have just heard about him; and to witness his name being adored and cherished by souls for whom he died. Now that we’re back, we’ll gladly talk out loud and tell you tell you all about it!