VOM National Conference: China update

Bob Fu, founder and president of China Aid Association, brings us an update on the state of the church in China. He began by asking the question why. Why does the government police beat an 18-year-old girl who is a follower of Christ? Why does the government call for aid to earthquake victims, then arrest house church Christians who are trying to bring aid?

Fu pointed to II Corinthians 2:15-16 for the answer:  "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?"

To the Chinese authorities, the house church Christians who are faithfully serving Christ are the smell of death. And they are striking out against that penetrating aroma. But to God their faithfulness and their sacrifice is the sweet aroma of Christ.

How do we respond to suffering for our faith? Fu gave the National Conference attendees advice: use the "Three Ups."

First, we must be willing to STAND UP. "There is no neutrality between right and wrong," Fu said. "There is no neutrality between good and evil. Stand up for the Truth. It is not easy. The "smell of death" will anger many, even among our fellow Christians."

Second, we must SPEAK UP. We must be a voice for these voiceless brothers and sisters suffering for Christ.

Finally, we must SHUT UP. "This is even more difficult," Fu said. When the accusations and persecutions come, it is difficult not to defend yourself; not to speak out in anger. When you are tempted to compromise, be quiet.

Let us go forward, disseminating the aroma of Christ in every location on every occasion.