JAN. 2002

Considering going to China

Dear Friends and Family,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!  As you probably know,
for the past couple years I have been working to share the gospel and
disciple primarily Chinese students.  This was not my choice, but
Gods.  When I came to MSU, I was prepared to work mainly with Indian
students (I don't have a particular preference, of international
students, it is just who most I work and go to school with), since
there are more in my department than Chinese.  However, through the
work I have been doing, it is apparent that many Chinese are coming to
Christ, whereas the Indians are still a bit "hardened" to the Gospel
message (Jesus is just another god to them of over 300000, as opposed
to the Scripture Acts 4:12).

This past Christmas, I went to an all Chinese conference; conference
to train Chinese believers how to share the gospel and to help seekers
find the Truth.  During that conference, my brother Tu Qiang made a
decision to do full time ministry work in China.  On the way home he
really challenged me to consider to go to China.  To make a long story
short, I do not know whether God is calling me to China or not, but I
am willing to go and preparing myself to go (in case God calls me).
In proverbs, it says "A man's heart plans his way but the Lord
directs his steps."  I had originally planned to be here MSU for 2-3
more years, and then try to get a job teaching at UT, where I could
work among the there.  This still may be the path God wants me to
take, but I still must say "What is thy will O God?" and do whatever
He commands.  (As my friend Tu Qiang reminded me, the Lord is my Boss,
not money, fame, family, or anything else, only the Lord directs my
steps).  He is my Lord, and the One that directs my steps.  I just
want my family and friends to be prepared if I am led to go to China,
so it will be less difficult down the road.

The decision to go to China (if the Lord wills) has not been an easy
one.  In the flesh, I would much rather stay in America.  However, I am
not my own; I was bought with a price (1Co 6:18-19).  Therefore,
wherever God has need of this vessel, is where this vessel shall go.

There are many things for me to pray about: such as the fact that I
have that I have been working as a scientist for the Navy in submarine
technology with Top Secret clearance.  How will this go over in China
or with the US govertment?  But with God "all things are possible!"

I ask that you keep this matter in your prayers.

Love in Christ,
wes