Recently, there has been a counter attack from the enemy trying to stop what He is doing here, but we know that He holds the key to death and hades, so in faith we proclaim the victory He has already won. There is a growing body here that is under assault, but He said that on this rock He would build His house, and the gates of hell would not prevail. We're not reeling back into defense, nor were we ever meant to, but we are taking the battle to the very gates of hell and our victory is sure. That's something to get pumped about! I'm sure many of you have heard what's going on here in the middle kingdom and you probably know much more than i do, but please don't be worried about what's going on. First of all, our perception in america is much different than what is actually going on here. I never explained this and will wait to do this when i come back, but know we have a skewed perspective of this country. Secondly, please let this news bring you to your knees before Him. That same power that raised His Son from the dead now lives in us. We have power, authority, and an inheritance as sons and daughters of the Most High. Let's use what we've been given and ask not just for justice in this situation, but for mercy on the individuals who are imposing these things and that His love would sweep over and radically change the dynamics of everything here. Perfect love casts out all fear, and that true love is found only in Him.
Less than 2 weeks ago, i went on a road trip to dalian in the liaoning province, just below jilin where i live. I went with 5 other teachers and 3 students for a 2 day trip to the coastal city. After an uncomfortable 8 hour train ride, we arrived at the beautiful city of dalian and spent time walking around, mainly because of the policy that foreigners had to stay in at least a 3 star hotel making it quite frustrating. We then went to "ocean park"which is like a "sea world" type place. We saw the beautiful clear water, dolphin shows, and a huge aquarium. From there we went to our hotel that He amazingly provided for us. After a couple phone calls through the night asking if we wanted a "massageee" we waned off to a much more restful sleep. The next day we went to "discovery land" which is china's version of disneyland. It had the same amount of people, but it was probably 3 times smaller. I didn't put the two together until i got there: a theme park in china. With a 1.5 billion population, i should have expected 2.5 hour lines. So rather than waste my time in line, i walked around taking pictures, sitting on the bank of a moat behind the castle talking to Abba, and taking pictures with friendly chinese people. After an expensive and an unfulfilling meal of spanish tapas, we went by mcdonald's for the 3rd night in a row; always a clutch player. We got back early the next morning and none to soon. I was worn out from our little two day journey and happy to be home.
The day i got back was my birthday and it consisted of a short nap, french toast from our team leaders, a buffet at night with friends, and a wonderful little cake cutting ceremony with a few of my students in the afternoon. I met them in the dining hall and they brought me a beautiful cake as well as presents ranging from a full ginseng root to an "angry birds" stuffed animal. It was a small get together, but it was very special. I love my students and will miss them very much. He is doing some awesome things in these relationships and i ask that you would petition that He would continue to increase them.
I'd like to share more stories, but i think i'll wait until the next post. I'm going to experiment and see if i write more blogs by assuring myself that i don't have to write an essay each time. Thanks again for all your support and reading these ramblings. I miss my friends and family back home and although i am not taking for granted my time here, i am looking forward to reuniting with everyone and gettin' some real food in this here belly. Until next post, màn zǒu.
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| The beautiful seaside of Dalian at Tiger Beach. |
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| Apparently they don't know what a belly bump is in China. Probably one of the most awkward things that i've done here. And i did it twice to get it on camera.... |
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| My kids :) |
jo
