Urgent prayer request for missionary in China

October 17, 2009 in Ministry, Prayer Requests with 43 Comments

I just finished chatting with a missionary friend in China. They are in special need of prayer right now. God is doing a great work through this young couple. Satan is upset and going to cause more trouble.

Let me kind of catch you up on what is going on. Of course it is against the law to be a missionary in China. It is against the law to start churches in China. My friend has been very aggressive and has not played the “normal missionary to China game”.

The “normal missionary to China game” means telling people in America that you are going to China to win people to Christ and then going over to China and actually being a “secret agent”. You tell no one who you are but rather hope that they see your faith and ask and get saved.

It is hard for them to see your faith because you never mention it.

My friend has started more than one church now. People are getting saved, baptized, called to preach, and trained to do the ministry. There are young men now leading the church.

They are standing on the brink of a crisis right now and need your prayers. The following will be some excerpts from our chat that just finished:

My friend wrote:

hey jefe don’t know if you’re there or not – just got a potential crisis I want to ask your opinion about

there’s a teacher at one of the big universities that is really prying students for info about our church and there’s a big chance that she’s going to pay us a visit

[10/17/09 8:55:38 AM] Austin Gardner: uh oh

hard to keep the good word quiet

[10/17/09 8:55:59 AM from my friend: she told three of our students that she was going to come because we're invading the culture and she's going to confront the students that are from her school and get them to go back with her

I don't really care what she does as long as she or anyone else doesn't call the police

Austin Gardner: well I think this one is bigger than you and out of your hands

but really I would just do the "Acts" things

ask for boldness and go on

don't hide

I hope you never have to move

but if you were doing nothing to upset hell

then you wouldn’t even need to be nervous now

[10/17/09 9:04:21 AM] my friend: we had a member get arrested down south a while ago too, I never told you

she was released after a few hours though – she was texting us from the police station and she was pretty sure she was going to be arrested

Austin Gardner: well I know that God is using you

and you are doing a good job

I can only expect that you are going to have problems

that is part of the job

but if you want to avoid problems you can become like the people you write about

what you have been doing is not stupid

it is preaching the gospel

it is affecting their lives too much

they should not really believe

or tell others

they should just go on like they are

then you would have no problems

and no real Christians

I am very proud of you

and hearing this makes me even more excited for the work

I am sorry you and your wife have to go through it

but it is wonderful

I hope you keep the pot stirred up so much that the devil takes to huyendo

fleeing

I wish I could be there and be the one doing this right now

Satan will continue to attack but he will flee

but he might get in a few punches before he does

but we always win

I hope to hear from you

I love you and am more proud of you than you will ever know

I only wish that I could be doing something so exciting and so great

right now

I know that God is going to use you and is doing so

tell your wife that I said hang in there and that I am proud of her as well

I live for this

got to be a missionary vicariously now

Well if you would like to comfort my friends and promise your prayers please leave a comment here below. Tell them that you will be praying. If you know who I am talking about please do not mention any names. Just promise to pray.




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43 Responses to “Urgent prayer request for missionary in China”

  1. David G October 17, 2009 at 9:56 am #

    Definitely praying for you guys. Crazy to hear how much this person is going out of their way but I know that God will receive glory from this, no matter what happens.
    Praying,
    David

  2. Stacey Howeth October 17, 2009 at 9:57 am #

    We love you guys and are praying for you…we are so proud of the work that you are doing. May God continually bless you & the work that is being done.

    ~Bro. Tony & Mrs. Stacey

  3. Philip October 17, 2009 at 9:59 am #

    Praying, bud.

  4. Josh E October 17, 2009 at 10:02 am #

    Elizabeth and I are praying for your family and the minisstry there. You are such a blessing and an enciuragement to not be the “normal missionary”. The ministry there is such a challenge to myself in our country of service. Thanks for shooting down a lot of excuses through the ministry again.

  5. Kyle Shreve-Young October 17, 2009 at 10:07 am #

    This is one of the most encouraging things I’ve ever read. Our class just had a special prayer for your friend and his wife, and we will be continuing to pray for them as everything unfolds.

  6. Jason Holt October 17, 2009 at 10:16 am #

    We’re praying for you guys and the ministry! Keep it up buddy!

  7. B Johnson October 17, 2009 at 10:20 am #

    Praying you and your ministry. It’s exciting to hear all that is going on and pray that you are safe and are able to continue doing what you’ve been doing

  8. Haroun October 17, 2009 at 10:21 am #

    Give it to God. He will complete his Will. He is the God who does wonders and miracles. No government can thwart his plan and no missionary can predict it.

    We love you and are proud of you.

    Harou in North Africa

  9. Chris October 17, 2009 at 10:29 am #

    Hey man. Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you from peru. Our church will spend time in prayer for you tomorrow. Keep up the good work. HE IS WORTHY!

  10. masimeon October 17, 2009 at 10:44 am #

    Praying for you both. This “trouble” only proves that God’s light is starting to shine in that land and the devil hates it. I’m excited to see how the Lord will be glorified through all this.

  11. Beth White October 17, 2009 at 11:15 am #

    we have our missions conference this week and we will definitely be praying for you all from Bolivia! Tell your wife that i’m praying for her

  12. Travis Snode October 17, 2009 at 11:19 am #

    We are definitely praying for you guys. Keep up the good work, and My the Lord put his hand upon you all.

  13. Mark Tolson October 17, 2009 at 11:19 am #

    Hey,

    I just prayed for you guys and the situation and will keep praying. Keep us informed on what is going on!

    “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1

  14. Kevin October 17, 2009 at 11:42 am #

    praying for you guys! Keep going strong!

  15. Tyler Masters October 17, 2009 at 11:52 am #

    Just prayed for the family and the situation.

    We’re excited about what God has already done through the ministry there. In the few short years that you guys have been there the Lord has made you more effective than the majority of missionaries in open countries will ever be in their lifetime.

    You guys are a blessing and encouragement to us as you continue to push forward in the face of opposition.

    We love you guys.

  16. Betty October 17, 2009 at 12:01 pm #

    We love y’all more than you will ever know and are praying for you even more than normally right now. I don’t know how but I do know that He will get the glory in all that is done there. Hugs for the both of you. Praying for strength and courage for the two of you and those that are suffering for His name’s sake.

  17. Wayne Cooke October 17, 2009 at 12:05 pm #

    We are praying for you guys. Keep up the good work and remember that you are not forgotten. We have you in our thoughts, but most of all so does your Heavenly Father. God Bless
    Wayne,Lina and family

  18. Tracy Paver October 17, 2009 at 12:09 pm #

    Praying for you both! I know that God is greatly using you in the lives of the people there, and He is mighty to keep you and protect your church through all this. Love you both and am so encouraged by your bold witness for Christ in any situation!

  19. Matt Allen October 17, 2009 at 12:25 pm #

    Praying for you guys. My heart breaks as I read the situation. Know that we are in prayer before the Throne this morning.

  20. Faith Insisiengmay October 17, 2009 at 1:10 pm #

    We’ll be praying for you guys. The Lord have been using all the missionaries to save souls and two of them are my daughter and husband. I’ve been saved since I was a teenager but I needed the help of Vision Baptist Church to save my family. I think you guys are doing an excellent job in serving the Lord.

  21. Scott October 17, 2009 at 2:38 pm #

    You guys are in our prayers… God bless you for making the glory of God your priority

  22. Ed and Marilyn October 17, 2009 at 2:40 pm #

    Go on my children, God’s business is for real and also His protection.You both have the gift of boldness.We love you so much.We have asked all our friends to pray with us .Our comfort is with Him.

  23. wagardner October 17, 2009 at 2:46 pm #

    God bless you Ed and Marilyn. Thank you for your super sweet spirit. I know that God is going to bless you and them. I am very proud of them both

  24. The Cornwells October 17, 2009 at 3:07 pm #

    We are praying for you and rejoicing about what God is doig through your lives! I cannot imagine how this will work out for good, however, I am confident that God is working His wonderful master plan.

  25. David October 17, 2009 at 3:12 pm #

    We are praying for ya’ll o’er thar in China. I am so glad to know you and count it an honor to have you as a friend and colaborer. Ya’ll are an awesome family. Your love for God and dedication in bringing HIM glory are inspiring.

  26. Natasha Tolson October 17, 2009 at 3:26 pm #

    Our family is definitely praying for both you and your wife. You guys have been such a blessing to me, and your boldness is so encouraging.

  27. Robert and Kelli October 17, 2009 at 3:55 pm #

    we are praying for you guys.

    keep up the great work.

  28. Jim & Sue October 17, 2009 at 4:40 pm #

    You guys are special in your perseverance and boldness.

    You’re both continuously in our thoughts and prayers as things work out to the glory of God. Psalm 46:10, and Psalm 56:11- “In God I have put my trust……”

  29. wagardner October 17, 2009 at 4:43 pm #

    Jim, I am so proud of you and your love for God. You and your family are all a special blessing to me. I just want you to know that God is great and God is good and He will do what is right.

  30. Jeff October 17, 2009 at 5:24 pm #

    You are a hero in His service. Continue strong my friend and know there are many holding the ropes in prayer.

    God bless

  31. Ron Maggard October 17, 2009 at 5:31 pm #

    As one who has been there (well Cuba) and seen a few things I know some of what you are feeling. We are praying. God is being glorified. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

  32. Chris Fies October 17, 2009 at 6:55 pm #

    We are praying for you guys, and we are trusting the Lord that His will be done.

  33. Kevin W October 17, 2009 at 6:59 pm #

    We are praying for you guys that the Lord will strengthen you and see you through this difficulty.

  34. B D Hinson October 17, 2009 at 9:23 pm #

    Praying for for and for more souls for eternity

  35. B D Hinson October 17, 2009 at 9:24 pm #

    Praying for you and for more souls saved for eternity

  36. Joe Kotvas October 17, 2009 at 10:55 pm #

    Praying for you and your dear wife brother. We will be praying for you.

    God grant you strength, wisdom and boldness. You Epitomize what BCWE and true sacrifical Christianity represents! I am honored and humbled to know you. 1 Cor. 15:57-58

  37. Pastor Gary Ledford October 18, 2009 at 4:05 pm #

    Just want you to know that we are holding the ropes for you here in Atlanta and trusting that God knows what steps for you to take next. All you are required is to follow Him. God bless you and your family.

  38. Edward de los Reyes October 18, 2009 at 5:09 pm #

    i love you guys. me and many students from Liberty University will be praying for you guys.

  39. Phil M October 18, 2009 at 8:22 pm #

    I’ll be praying for you guys, as will my friends here in maryland! Keep us updated.

  40. Kathy D October 18, 2009 at 9:39 pm #

    Hey guys,

    I’ve got you two and everyone else over there in my prayers as always. I’ve seen God doing big things over there and I know He’ll be faithful.

    Love,
    Kathy

  41. Sam October 24, 2009 at 1:17 pm #

    Our prayers go out to you. We discovered a website that might help. Please check out http://holylandprayer.com. Hope it helps. God bless.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks:

  1. To The World Blog » Blog Archive » Urgent Prayer Request - October 17, 2009

    [...] My friends are not really worried about that.  The thing that worries them the most is the thought that the lady will turn them in to the police.  You can go to this link for more information. [...]
  2. Update on urgent prayer request : Austin Gardner - October 18, 2009

    [...] Here is what I posted earlier. You will want to read it. [...]

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