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In view of the drastic changes in the world situation, some of the co-workers have had a deep realization of the imminent coming of the Lord. They have given themselves selflessly to the obedience of the Lord's commission in spreading the gospel to the far border regions, such as the provinces in Yunnan, Sikang, and Tibet. These places are now imprinted with the beautiful footsteps of the gospel preachers and the announcers of the glad tidings. The gospel messengers in the remote border regions have received special gifts, a special commission, and a special leading from the Lord. They are not deterred in any way. They are ever charging forward. They have won the admiration of all believers throughout the nation. We, who are confined to our homes and unable to follow their fine footsteps to faraway countries because of circumstances and the lack of being equipped, are undoubtedly ashamed. But there are two ways to interpret the meaning of the words remote borders. We can say that the border regions of our nation are the great border regions. But we can also say that the edge of our cities and villages, regions where the gospel has not yet reached, are smaller border regions. Although we cannot go to the greater border regions, we can go to the smaller border regions. In fact, there are urgent cries from these smaller border regions and numerous opportunities. For example, although there is a church in the county-town of Fu-Ting, there are a hundred households and over ten thousand people outside the town who have never heard the real gospel. Even though a few people have believed in the gospel in Shuen-Cheng, which is about thirty miles from Fu-Ting, they are very isolated. We need workers for the follow-up work. Although churches can be seen everywhere within Jin-Shiang in Jiang-Nan, many villages outside the east and west gates of the city are void of believers. Some have never even seen a gospel preacher pass by their place. We owe them very much, and our debt is heavy. The Lord is coming. When are we going to repay this debt? Although the gospel has spread to Shan-Men in Bei-Gang, the town of Yuen-Pan, which is only ten miles from Shan-Men, has no knowledge of the church in Shan-Men. Some have not even heard the name of Jesus yet. These places are very desolate. Not only are they in desolation, but many other places are also desolate. During this period of crisis, sudden deaths can be seen everywhere in the cities and the countryside. Furthermore, the spread of epidemics has taken the lives of many healthy men and women. Their bodies have died, yet their souls have not heard the gospel; they are destined for perdition. Whose responsibility is it? In consideration of this, the brothers in Hu-Shan have banded themselves to preach the gospel in Chao-Yang-Shan and have gained many souls. Why would the brothers and sisters everywhere not rise up and do the same?
Chen
The preceding article was published in the fifth issue of Local News of the Churches of God in Border Regions between Chekiang and Fukien. We intended to quote this in the last issue, but there was not enough time. We have published it in this issue. One fact is difficult for me to point out: In Issue No. 1 of this magazine, Brother Watchman Nee said, "During this time, the apostles should spend more time to labor in the inland regions." We thank the Lord that since then many brothers have turned to the inland provinces. We thank the Lord also that many brothers and sisters are becoming burdened for the work in the remote border regions. But from my understanding, during the past year, much attention, consecration, zeal, and concern have been given to the remote border regions, and the inland regions have been neglected. Some even think that the "border provinces" are the "border regions." I myself could not differentiate between the two either at the beginning. There has also been misunderstanding concerning the words remote and inland regions. I would, therefore, like to say something based on what I know.
"Border provinces" are those provinces such as Yunnan, Sikang, Tibet, and Sinkiang, which touch the national borders, excluding those by the sea. However, the provincial capitals and some regions of the border provinces are not "border regions." For example, although some counties in Yunnan are within the general boundary of the border provinces, their actual condition is the same as some of the counties in Kiangsu and Chekiang, and they are as prosperous. For example, the region between Yunnan and Sikang is truly a border region. But the area between Sikang and Szechuan, such as Kang-Ting, cannot be considered a border region.
Concerning what is considered "remote" or "desolate," there are two kinds of places. One kind of place is where the people live very poorly and their livelihood is bleak. The other is where people are living in sin and have never heard the gospel (such as those mentioned in Brother Chen's letter above). Any place that fits the above two descriptions is a "desolate border region" if it is situated in a border province, and a "desolate poverty-striken region" if it is situated in any province that is not at the border.
There are also two kinds of "inland regions." The two kinds are the provinces which are more inland from the sea and the counties and municipalities which are geographically situated toward the inland. Among the provinces which are "inland," some counties and municipalities are not that poor or sparsely populated (such as some of the bigger counties and municipalities in Yunnan and Kweichow). Some are even quite rich (such as the many counties and municipalities in Szechuan). We can say that some of these places (like Chungking and K'un-ming) even resemble big cities. In contrast, some counties and municipalities in provinces in north and central China and even some provinces bordered by the sea, are still quite poor. Therefore, I hope that in the many prayers and offerings, the work and the workers in every place will not be forgotten, especially the workers who are working in the "desolate regions."
I must also say a few words to the co-workers who have been called to work in the "desolate regions." We must not think that by going to inland provinces, we have reached the "remote regions" or "desolate regions." Nor should we remain in one place, thinking that we will move on only after we have built up the church to a certain degree. (Of course, if some have special burdens, as Paul did in Corinth and Ephesus, it is a different story.) There are so many "desolate regions" in the inland provinces outside the larger cities. If we stay in one place, how can the other places expect to see men visiting them? This summer I was in a mountain village in Wan County, which is only twenty miles from the city. No one has come to preach the gospel to the village folks there yet. Recently, a few co-workers and I traveled by bus from Chungking to Kuei-yang. What we saw along the way was enough to break our hearts! Some coolies are overloaded with heavy burdens, shuttling back and forth on mountain pathways. What they earn in a day is enough only to fill their stomach. What hope do they have in this life? How much these people need the gospel preached to them! But in order to preach the gospel to these coolies, we must first sit down and count the cost. Are we willing to suffer psychologically and physically? In some places, one cannot buy things even if he has the money. Some bigger roads have inns along the way. But some smaller pathways are very foreboding! It is not an easy thing for us to advance into these villages one by one. Yet such labor in the Lord will not be in vain. When I was in Kuei-yang, I heard that a certain Westerner who works among the Miao tribes has become so blended in with them that he eats and sleeps with them on the floor. He eats (not on purpose) the same fly-infested food that they eat. As a result he gains souls among them. I am not one who has been commissioned by the Lord to preach the gospel everywhere, but I know a little of the hardships involved. I say this with sighing tears and hopeful sincerity. I hope that the co-workers will forgive me for saying this!
Ruth Lee, in Kuei-yang, October 17
My work here has experienced much blessing from the Lord. Praise His name. Many people hope that we will be able to put the truth that we have been given and have learned from the Lord into English. I myself see the real need for this work. The English-speaking world is indeed poor. However, unless this is absolutely of the Lord, I would not like to initiate anything. We ourselves must be bound in order for the work to remain pure and of spiritual worth. Many people are exalting me highly here. Yet my eyes are set only on the Lord. I refuse to do anything based on outward prompting. As one who has learned the lesson of the cross, none of these things can cause me to regard myself one bit higher. If a man knows the meaning of conformity to His death, how can he seek glory from men again? But I must say that the Lord has indeed been gracious to me here. Praise His name.
One thing has been on my mind for many years, which is that the brothers are so easily satisfied. There are indeed many ways not yet traversed. But some are satisfied with what they have already! It seems that much solid food does not have the right kind of recipients! This time the Lord has been gracious to me. I have met a number of people (not too many) who are deep in the Lord and who speak of the deeper things of God. You know that I never demand to be considered a teacher by others. (What an evil attitude that would be!) I have always waited for others to ask me. The same is true this time. The Lord has touched others to come to ask of me. They receive the help, and I receive the reviving. I feel that if I write any book, I should write it in Chinese first and then have it translated into English. But I cannot say under the present circumstances that I am clear about the Lord's mind. The money sent to you was from two or three brothers and sisters who exhausted their means to support the Lord's work. Other than these few people, material giving among most others, and even among the zealous ones, does not come up to the standard of our own brothers in China. Some will give only if others ask them. Such people have nothing to do with us. No matter how difficult our condition is, we have to maintain what we are holding fast to before the Lord. Trials are everywhere, but the God we believe in is the living God! Once the Lord shows me that I have gained what He wants me to gain here, I will set out for my homeward journey. How I long to walk in God's will exactly according to His timing, without being too quick or too slow! Realizing the urgency of the situation around us, I am all the more fearful of having my own way. Sometimes I feel forlorn at the thought that the co-workers are all scattered everywhere and we are not able to gather together in one place. May our scattering be for the accomplishment of the Lord's will. The reports in the The Open Door have stirred up praises to the Lord. Yet our prayer to the Lord is that the younger co-workers will know the cross and how it deals with the flesh and the natural life!
Brother Watchman Nee, the evening of the fifteenth
I left Shanghai on August 12 and arrived in Fu-Ting on the afternoon of the fourteenth. Praise the Lord. I believe this trip was under the Lord's leading, having received the light from the book Rethinking Our Work. After a long period of prayer and waiting, I unexpectedly met the responsible brother of Fu-Ting, Brother Wu Sho-liang. He came as a buyer for merchandise but related the need of workers in the churches there. Subsequently, I went with him to Fu-Ting.
Fu-Ting is a border region between the provinces of Fukien and Chekiang; it is surrounded by mountains on four sides. When I first arrived, I was not well-adjusted to the climate and felt somewhat ill. By the Lord's grace I soon recovered. I conducted some perfecting work internally for the believers and preached the gospel for a few days to the outsiders. Most of the brothers and sisters are illiterate. Yet their desire to know the Lord is stronger than their desire to read. Their prayers are sincere. The meetings are held at Brother Wu's house. He and his three sons have a dye shop. In addition to their own living quarters, they have built two more rooms to be used for the meetings, with one upstairs to be used for guest houses. Brother Wu manages his house very well and is very hospitable. I was quite touched by him. Although there are only about twenty people breaking bread together, they all love one another. When it comes time to preach, over a hundred come. Although Fu-Ting is between two provinces and is surrounded by mountains, the brothers from Ping-Yang and Tai-Shun come all the time for fellowship. Brother Chan Chin-fa said, "The meeting hall in Fu-Ting is a station for the brothers from Ping-Yang." After I arrived in Fu-Ting, the co-workers from Ping-Yang and Tai-Shun, such as Brothers Chen Chin-fa, Hwang Li-chuan, Jin Tze-fang, and Chou Dah-chin, all came and participated in instructing and teaching us. Over a few dozen places invited me to go to them. I felt quite fearful. I ask that the Lord be merciful to me and trim me so that I can be more humble and obedient. I only want to be a pure vessel and a faithful slave in His hand. I do not want to disappoint the brothers' love or bring shame to the Lord's name. After I finish the portion that the Lord has assigned to me, the Lord willing, I will leave Fu-Ting on the ninth of this month and go to Ya-Yang Village in Tai-Shun, Chekiang, and from there I will go to Shi-Si. Please pray for this.
Brother Chang Kwang-rong, Fu-Ting, September 3
As tender shoots in a thorny land, we can only trust in the power of God and go on in faith. Today is our happiest day because the days of trials, of "tending sheep in the land of the Midians" have been completed. Many difficulties are behind us. Thank the Lord who loves us, who has given us the same mind, the same hope, and the same footsteps. Tomorrow we will go upstream along the Nu River and enter Tibet. May the Father bless His testimony, and may glory be to His holy name. We wish that the dear brothers and sisters would offer up a special prayer for us.
Brother in the Lord,Hu Yi-min, the night before departure
Brother Hu and I have decided to set out on August 22 to cross the Lan-Chang River, climb Nu Mountain, and go up Nu River into Sikang, preaching the gospel along the way. May the Lord bless our work this time, and may He glorify His own name. We ask that the brothers and sisters pray much for us! This trip will take us two months. The Lord willing, I will send my wife to live in K'un-ming when I return. I heard that Ah-Dun-Tze was attacked by robbers on August 12 and that everything was ransacked. This has closed that way into Sikang; therefore, we can only go up the Nu River.
Brother Hsu Jung-jieh, August 19
We cannot thank the Lord enough for bringing us safely to Nu River. We stayed here for more than twenty days, working in the areas where Brother Hu used to work. I heard that there are over a thousand Li-Suh believers in this part of Nu River, meeting in over ten places. These Li-Suh natives have asked us to preach to them. Thank the Lord that we have found ready ears when we preach. Perhaps some will receive God's salvation. Brother Hu and I had intended to enter Tibet and then Sikang, but the way to Tibet is closed. No one is allowed to go through it. We have been stopped from advancing any further. The situation in Ah-Dun-Tze is very unstable, and it was impossible to take that way either. We can only preach in Nu River. We will come down from Hwang-Shan to the Shang-Po region, having heard that many areas around there have never heard the gospel. We will work there. In two weeks I will have to return to Yeh-Ji. After my return I will send my wife to K'un-ming. The Lord has opened the door at Nu River, and we intend to look for a place to do some serious work. May the Lord's will be accomplished, amen.
Brother Hsu Jung-jieh, on Na-Ou Mountain at Nu RiverSeptember 15
We have been at Nu River for about a month already. The Nu tribes and the Li-Suh natives desire the Lord's truth very much. Unfortunately, there is no one to preach the real gospel to them. But now the Lord has opened their eyes a little. Thank the Lord that some have understood the truth of eternal life and of the forgiveness of sins. There are many places in this area that have never heard the gospel before. We intend to work in these places. Brother Hu is still at Nu River and will return in approximately three weeks. Presently, I am getting the luggage ready and preparing to send my wife and children to K'un-ming. The Lord willing, after I settle them in K'un-ming, I will return and enter the Nu River or the Chu-Tze River before the snow blocks the mountain way. I heard that many Chu-Tze natives have believed in the Lord, and the preachers are Li-Suh natives and Nu natives. The only ones who have been to these places were some Westerners from the Assembly of God Church. There are still many places that have never heard the gospel before. The Lord has prepared one or two people who know the Li-Suh language well. One is a Han Chinese, and the other is a Li-Suh native. Both of them have implored me to stay at Nu River and Chu-Tze River to preach the gospel there. It seems that we cannot go into Sikang for now. Perhaps the door of the work has not opened yet. The disturbance in Ah-Dun-Tze is still going on. We can only commit our future to the Lord. If we can set out on the third of October, we can arrive in K'un-ming on October 21 or 22.
Brother Hsu Jung-jieh, September 30
Dear Brother Nee:
Enclosed please find a letter from Miss H. to me, which she requested that I send to you after I have read it. I have read it through. I believe that you have left Kilcreggan, so I have changed the address and directed the letter to London. Miss H. and others would like to discuss some questions related to the church based on your book Rethinking Our Work, particularly, concerning chapter five. She intends to call a little gathering in her home, including church leaders, and invite you to have a private talk with them. If the Lord leads you to accept such an invitation, you will be able to freely express the message that the Lord has revealed in your heart.
Mr. Fjord Christensen and we are very happy for the help your book has rendered us (a few chapters have been translated into Danish). I have sent him the few chapters which are already translated, and whenever I finish the rest, I will send them to him. He has read the chapters to brothers and sisters in small prayer meetings all over Denmark. We are particularly thankful to the Lord for the fact that these chapters have laid a good foundation in the hearts of the majority of those who have heard them. It was indeed the right time for the Lord to arrange to have this book released. During one meeting two sisters did not understand anything during the first forty-five minutes, yet as Mr. Christensen kept reading, the Holy Spirit suddenly opened their understanding, and they realized that the book was an answer to their recent desperate prayers. They were praying for the Lord to show them the plan of His church on earth. They were forced to join the local Pentecostal denomination because they thought that they should be in some kind of more organized church, even though they were outside the state church. Now they know that the Lord has prepared a better plan for them, and they subsequently dropped the matter of joining the Pentecostal Church. Presently, some are meeting in four small local meetings and sincerely praying and asking the Lord to show them who should bear the responsibility of the eldership so that they can express and carry out the plan the Lord has accomplished among them in God's house.
Two nights ago I attended a prayer meeting. After Mr. Christensen read chapter five and part of chapter ten of your book, the Spirit was clearly working. Most of the people understood and treasured this truth concerning the church. Mr. Christensen has received letters from places that he visited recently, and they related how this truth has deeply penetrated their hearts. In one place a brother received a message in tongues, and after its interpretation, he realized that it was a message concerning the lampstand. At that time he did not understand the meaning of this. He was concerned whether it was a dubious message. This happened before Mr. Christensen visited. After he heard Mr. Christensen reading chapter five concerning the church and the churches, it suddenly occurred to him that this church truth was what the Lord had spoken to him in his prophecy. He was ready to accept the message of this truth. We are praying much for the meeting in Helsingor in October. Praise the Lord that He has preserved our hearts in peace in Him. I have no doubt that the Lord has waited for such a long time to give you this light because He knows that our faith has to pass through tests. Greetings to you and the brothers and sisters in Honor Oak.
Sister in the Lord,Sun Wen-hwa, September 22
The Lord's leading in these days seems to be in the evangelization work of the surrounding villages. On September 2 Brother Jai-seng, two other brothers, Mrs. Hwang Bi-hou, and I went to work in Ping-Hai (eighty to ninety miles from Pu-Tien by the sea). There are many children of the Lord who are in need of truth and testimony there. During the day time we preached the gospel in the open air in the villages. In the evenings we gathered together for meetings. Every night we had about two hundred people; the opportunity was quite great. On September 12 we returned. Sisters Wang Yu-chu and Chen Tien-leh preached the gospel in the homes of sisters in Shi-Cheng Village near Jiang-Kou, and the Lord saved some there. As a result we went there in September and did some work. We found some who are seeking God, and hopefully, the Lord's table will be set up. Presently, Brothers Jai-seng and Kwang-ru and Sisters Weigh Kwang-ying and Fang Chiung-ying will pioneer in areas around Wu-Tung. Their route leads into the mountains. The Lord has used Brothers Keh Yu-tang and Keh Lien-min to save and revive some there. Sooner or later the Lord's table will be established, and the testimony of the church will be realized. The Lord willing, I intend to set out with Brother Lan Jin-yang. May the Lord accomplish the work He set out to accomplish. Please pray much for the co-workers in this part.
Brothers in the Lord,Tsai Tse-chung, Chen Ke-san, September 30
(1) A letter from Shanghai stated that there was a series of Bible study meetings for five evenings from September 20 to 24. Brother Yu Cheng-hwa was responsible for it. The meetings were designed for recently baptized brothers and sisters, and attendance was good. A letter on October 12 said, "Brother Yu is praying concerning the matter of giving a message on the Lord's Day. May the Lord give him the message."
(2) Brother Ho Yueh-chiao wrote from Shanghai on October 3: "A few days ago, I received a letter from Brother Nee saying that he has gone to Ireland to conduct meetings and will work in Norway and Denmark for a while. On November 12 he will return to England, and from there he will go to America." Another letter dated October 12 said, "Brother Kuo Bu-yueh arrived in Shanghai on September 28 and will leave for Chefoo soon."
(3) Sister Miao Yun-chun is still in Shanghai.
(4) Brother Lan Tsi-yi wrote from Hankow on September 28: "This week we are preaching the gospel in the Salvation Hall. The number is great. We are still praying in one accord in the morning and evening." His letter on October 2 said, "Last Saturday's gospel preaching at the Salvation Hall was very good. May all glory go to the Lord." His letter on October 7 said, "Although circumstances indicate that we should leave here, our hearts are still here. This morning in our prayer in one accord, I felt deeply that there is still the burden for the gospel and for relief work in Hankow. Every time I think of this, tears almost come down....Many people in the Special Zone and in the Concessions have decided not to leave Hankow. I am determined not to be affected by the circumstances....Unless God shows me clearly the way, I will not move lightly."
(5) Brother Tang Shou-ling wrote on September 30: "We had eight meetings in Ch'eng-tu, in which I briefly mentioned the Lord's demand upon the believers. We saw God's blessing throughout, and we witnessed His sufficient grace. Perhaps the meetings will conclude on the twelfth." Another letter on October 17 said, "I left Ch'eng-tu on the seventh and arrived in Tsi-Liu-Jing on the eighth. I stayed there for four days and conducted two meetings. On the fourteenth I arrived at Chungking." Another letter on October 21 said, "Next week we will have special meetings at the newly rented hall." A letter on October 31 said, "The Lord has brought us through the special meetings. The attendance was very high. May the Lord gain every one of them." (Brother Tang left Chungking on November 5 and returned to Shanghai via Yunnan and Hong Kong — Editor.)
(6) Brother Chang Kwang-rong has recently been working in the border regions between Fukien and Chekiang.
(7) Brother Wu Ming-hui wrote from Tai County on September 24: "The Lord willing, we will have a conference in Chiangpei on December 1, and we hope that God will send messengers from afar to our midst."
(8) Brothers Hu Yi-min and Hsu Jung-jieh went from Yeh-Ji to Nu River on August 20 and worked for over a month. Brother Hu is still at Nu River, while Brother Hsu has returned to Yeh-Ji. He intends to send his family to K'un-ming and return to Yeh-Ji before the snow blocks the mountain. From Yeh-Ji he will travel to Nu River or Chu-Tze River and work there.
(9) Brothers Philip Luan and Chen Ju-yien arrived in Wu-Chow on September 3. Brother Luan's letter on October 14 said that barring any hindrance, he would leave the same week for Hong Kong.
(10) Brother Ho Nai-yee wrote from Hong Kong on October 5 that Brother Stephen Kaung finished his meetings in Swatow and returned to Hong Kong. Mrs. Nee (Watchman's mother), Sister Yu Shu-jen, and Rachel Lee went from K'un-ming to Hong Kong on September 29. From October 3 to 8, they will take care of gospel meetings for women at the meeting hall. (Sisters Yu and Lee left Hong Kong for Shanghai on October 20 — Editor.)
(11) A letter from Chefoo on September 10 said that Brother Witness Lee is still working for the Lord's gospel in Peking and Tientsin and has not returned yet.
(12) Brother Chang Tze-jieh wrote on September 13 from Tsingtao: "The brothers in Tsingtao conducted a second baptism on September 12 (with nine people baptized). Every evening we have good gospel meetings; the courtyard is now filled. We are desperately looking for a larger house."
(13) Brothers Han Jin-siu, Keh Lien-min, and Keh Yu-tang wrote on September 12 that they are working in south Fukien.
(14) Sister Liao Ong Yu-bing returned to Kien-Ou.
(15) A letter from Sien-You, Fukien on October 3 said that Sisters Bao Hsu-min and Lee Mu-chai went to Feng-Ting on September 30 with a sister from Ta-Tien County. From there they went to Chuenchow, Yung-Chun, Ta-Tien, and Yung-An for the work.
(16) Brothers Chen Ke-san and Chai Tse-chung wrote from Pu-Tien on September 30 saying that they, Brother Chen Jai-seng, and a few other brothers were working around the villages in Pu-Tung. Mrs. Hwang Bi-hou, and Sisters Wang Yu-ju, Chen Tien-leh, Weigh Kwang-ying, and Fang Chiung-ying are also working in the villages around Pu-Tien.
(17) Brother Wang Deng-ming is working in south Fukien. It is said that he will move his family to Chuanchow if he feels so led of the Lord.
(18) Sister Tso Fu-ru is working in Kweilin.
(19) Brother K. H. Weigh returned to K'un-ming after working in south Yunnan. Brother Chen Hsi-wen is also in K'un-ming.
(20) Sister Hwang Bi-gwe wrote from Malaysia on July 27 that she needed the coordination of sisters very much.
(21) Brother Chang Yu-zhi and Sisters Ruth Lee, Peace Wang, and Phoebe Chang left Chungking in the middle of September for Kuei-yang. On October 24 they left Kuei-yang, arriving in K'un-ming on the twenty-sixth. They will arrive in Shanghai about the middle of December.
(22) Brother Han Fu-shen wrote on September 16 that he could only do some sowing work in Ch'ang-Teh, and there were very few local brothers. His own future is still uncertain. For the sake of his family, he would like to return to Shanghai or go to the north. But for the sake of the work in west Hunan, he felt he should prepare a way for the brothers who will come after him and push on to station after station. Please pray much for him.
[Omitted]
Thank the Lord that by His grace He has given me the opportunity to write to you. Since the war spread to northern Kiangsu, everyone is frightened. Those of our village are also very uneasy. Most of the brothers and sisters moved to the countryside. My family and the local brothers and sisters moved temporarily to Tao-Lao-She (a village ten miles from south Yi-Lin) because of the tense situation. Later, we moved to Hsu-Tsia Lou. Since then the Lord has led us safely back to Yi-Lin.
On May 28 of the Chinese calendar, Yi-Lin, Dong-Gou, Ban-Hu, and Su-Jia-Tsui were all bombed. At that time Brother Feng Shien-Tze and I were both in Yi-Lin. I hid temporarily in the fields. In my prayer I recalled the Lord's words: "Not one of them will fall to the earth apart from your Father....You are of more value than many sparrows." Although the bombs came down like rain and my body was covered with dust, I praise the power of God for protecting my life and delivering me from danger. In Yi-Lin over sixty people died and twenty houses were burned (all of which were very close to our home). My family and my house and the houses of all the brothers and sisters meeting in Yi-Lin were saved. This was truly God's grace!
Brothers from Ban-Hu wrote and told us that some of our brothers and sisters experienced some bombings, but their bodies were not hurt. Some crawled out of holes near fallen walls and houses. No one was hurt under such a barrage of fire and bombs.
According to Brother Hu Siao-lan, the meeting place was preserved, although the town of Dong-Gou was damaged. The brothers and sisters were scattered. Although they often met with danger, the Lord was with them, and they are all safely back home.
Brother Ji Yung-tung from Soo-Jia-Tsui said that when the bombing came to Soo-Jia-Tsui, both he and Brother Chiu Ri-jien were at home. One heavy bomb hit the northwest corner of the meeting hall. But thank the Lord; it fell harmlessly into the river, and no damage was done. A neighboring house caught fire, but it was extinguished. Because of the Lord's protection, the meeting hall was undamaged.
The brothers and sisters as well as the meeting halls in Yien-Chen and Fu-Ning are all safe and unharmed. We marvel at the Lord's grace and cannot thank Him enough for having cared for the churches in northern Kiangsu and having kept His children in safety. We also thank the brothers and sisters for remembering us before the Lord. We have had heavy rain here for many days, and the water is fierce; many fields in the lower plains have been flooded. The disruption of the war has caused many people to become unemployed. May the Lord lead us and arrange everything for us. Please do not forget to pray for us.
We have received Issue Nos. 5, 6, and 8 of The Open Door, but have not received Issue No. 7. If you still have some copies of Issue No. 7, please send them to us. In the future please send us fifty copies of each issue. The postal service in other places in northern Kiangsu is functioning, so please send the magazine to them as before.
Brother Wu Wei, August 9
Brother Run Chi-yu wrote to Brother Yu Shiung-fei on July 10: "My nephew's wife and Brother and Mrs. Hsu Yung-ming and their two children are lodging at my house. My third uncle, Hsu Si-chiao, is safe in Ning-Hai. Brother Lee Kwei-sien visited me once; he is still living in Si-Wen-Che, a suburb of Hu-Shu. Brother Wang Shun-fah still has a business in Hu-Shu. Brother Lou Feng-ming went to Fu-Yang once. His wife was seriously sick at one time, but she has now recovered. Chang Wen-jih is my brother-in-law. According to Brother Hwang Tsai-ching, he is definitely saved. His family still lives in the same place. God's grace has been great in me. Although I am not good, He has treated me with grace and enabled me to stand firm in Hangchow."
Enclosed please find X dollars. X dollars are for Brother and Sister X, and the rest is for the brothers who have boldly and selflessly advanced to the remote border regions according to the Lord's commission and who are suffering for the gospel's sake. They have given their lives and their blood for the Lord. What are our bits and pieces and our crumbs and chips worth in comparison to what they have given? Yet the Lord accepts a cheerful giver. Actually this is what we owe them (Rom. 15:27; James 5:4). This little amount is an expression of the Lord's love as members; nevertheless, we feel quite ashamed. Please forgive us for our lack. Greetings to the brothers and sisters in Hankow and to all the gospel messengers everywhere!
Brothers and sisters meeting in Ma-Tsan,Representative brothers: Fan Pei-jen, Fan Yun-shan,Chen Kung-yuen, August 16
Thank the Lord that I became clear about the matter of gifts. Now I am able to serve God and the brothers and sisters in the local church. The Lord has arranged a suitable job for me, which requires that I work only one hour a day. The rest of my time is free. I am able to support myself. Praise the Lord. I have not received the Local News and The Open Door from Shanghai for a long time, and I do not know what has happened to the brothers and sisters. I am quite concerned. The brothers and sisters are well here. Please do not worry.
Brother Jiang Shun-tien, August 15
We are safe. Brother Hwa Tien-min returned to Manchuria. Brother Jiang found a job and is very free. He can serve the Lord as before. May the Lord cause those who love Him to experience Him as the fortress in the midst of all circumstances, amen. Peace to Brother Ho and all the brothers visiting the Lord's table in Shanghai!
Brother An Jing-tien
I received the various issues of The Open Door from Hankow and received much benefit from it. Your translation of Mr. Paget Wilkes's book gave me light and guidance for my work in every paragraph. Both myself, as well as many Western brothers, are waiting for the book to come out. It will help us as well as those who are working for the Lord. I believe you have heard something from Brothers Lee Geng-shun and Sun Fu-ji concerning the situation in the northwest. During this period the Lord's work has become brighter and more vigorous. We arrived in Lan-chou on August 15. The prosperity here is unmatched in all four provinces of Sinkiang, Ningsia, Kansu, and Tsinghai. We intend to work in Jiu-Chuen. But this is a more difficult region than Tsinghai. Yet when we consider the work of Livingstone in India, the work of Morrison in Canton, or the work of X in Tibet, we feel ashamed of ourselves. Brother Lu Shao-gu, with whom we have fellowship in the Lord, was relocated by his work to Jiu-Chuen in June and returned to Lan-chou on August 14. He has sown some seeds of the gospel there. One can take a bus from Lan-chou to Jiu-Chuen (the cost is $44.40). We intend to conduct evangelistic work in Jia-Gu-Gwan, which is seventy miles from Jiu-Chuen. The brothers and sisters who have been praying for Jia-Gu-Gwan are joining us seriously in prayer and waiting for the Lord's will. We intend to first go west from Lan-chou to Wu-Wei and then decide on how we will work. We would like to draw the prayer-power from The Open Door, and we hope that some brothers and sisters will be sent by the Lord to join us there to serve Him.
Brother Liang Bin-yu and the co-workers from the northwest,August 28, evening
I received the tenth issue of The Open Door last night, and I realize that the Lord has heard the prayers of His children everywhere and preserved them in peace. Enclosed please find X dollars and distribute it according to the following way [omitted]. May the Lord bless this little sum in the same way that He blessed the five loaves and two fishes. The brothers and sisters in Chefoo are at peace under the gracious protection of the Lord. Meetings go on as usual. Brother Witness Lee is still working for the Lord's gospel in Peking and Tientsin and has not returned. The brothers who are in business or in other enterprises in Chefoo have experienced the gracious protection of the Lord. Although things are not as good as they were, they are tolerable. Thank the Lord that His grace is sufficient for us. Hallelujah! As long as we have the Lord, we are satisfied! May the love of the Lord always be in our heart until His return, amen. Peace and joy be with you in the Lord. Greetings to all the brothers and sisters before the Lord's table.
Brother Chao Jing-hwai
After reading Issue No. 9 of The Open Door and realizing that so many members, who possess the same life as we, were having so much trouble, the brothers here feel quite grieved. We received the following sum from the offering box, designated for the brothers and sisters who are suffering. Please distribute it to the needy brothers and sisters according to the leading of the Lord's Spirit. This little sum is but an expression of our sympathy.
Brother in the Lord,Chang Tung-yuen on behalf of all the saints inTsuan-Shan, Bei-Si, Fukien
Enclosed please find X dollars collected from the offering box during the past two Lord's Days. Please distribute it to the needy saints in the war zone. Two months ago three brothers and nine sisters were baptized among us. We truly thank and praise the Lord for this. Last month Sisters Wang Yu-ju and Chen Tien-luh came from Pu-Tien to preach the gospel and to do some personal evangelization work. By His mercy His blessing was with us. Many women were saved. Then Sisters Bau Hsu-min and Lee Mu-cha came to do some perfecting work. Sisters Wang and Chan are back in Pu-Tien, but Sisters Bau and Lee are still here. May such work that is for the Lord bring much blessing to His children. The brothers and sisters in Sien-You are very young and weak. We ask that the brothers and sisters who have received grace in other places pray much for us. We need much enlightening and edification.
Brothers Cheng Kwang-yau and Cheng Kwang-yu,representing the church in Sien-You, September 6
Enclosed please find X dollars for The Open Door and X dollars for the relief of brothers and sisters in difficulty. Please distribute the amounts on our behalf. The brothers and sisters are all safe here. Many women have been saved. The political situation is also quite calm. Peace and joy to you in the Lord.
Brother Cheng Kwang-yau,representing the church in Sien-You, October 3
The brothers in Penang sent us the enclosed amount through the hands of Brothers Ren-jieh and Jin-yang and designated it for co-workers in difficulty. However, we have been under the special care of the Father and dare not accept this money. Therefore, we have forwarded this money to you. Please distribute it to co-workers in difficulty on our behalf. (This amount has been distributed to the co-workers in Hunan and Hankow — Editor.)
Brothers in the Lord,Tsai Tse-chung, Chen Ke-san, Lan Jin-yan, September 30
In the last letter I mentioned that I was going to Min-Ching. But there are obstacles, and I am not able to go now. I passed through all the other places quickly, staying for the longest period of time in Shao-Wu. Thank the Lord that Sisters Chuang and Lee have given excellent testimonies in Shao-Wu. Recently, the Fukien Shie-Ho University moved to Shao-Wu, and a few more brothers who are one in striving for the gospel have been added. Since returning from Shao-Wu, I have written to eleven co-workers in south Fukien, asking them to come to work in north Fukien. Thank the Lord that Brother Chen Ke-san has replied and told me that two or three brothers will come. Probably they can leave for the north next month. I ask you and the saints in K'un-ming who are concerned for the Lord's work to pray earnestly so that the brothers can be filled with the power of the Spirit and spread salvation to Yien-Ping, Kien-Ou, and Shao-Wu, bringing many sinners to salvation. Afterwards, we hope to see meetings properly established and the breaking of bread initiated. Sister Chu Shue-chin has been in Kien-Ou for five months. She is working as a nurse in the Christian Hospital. Lately, she has been sick. When I visited her and talked to her about the Lord's truth, I was overjoyed to find out that she is a sister. She was also comforted by my visit. I know that you are concerned about her. This is why I mentioned this. Shao-yun will graduate from vocational school in Foochow this term, and Jia-en is still here. Thank the Lord that they have made much progress lately. Since you are so concerned for them, I thought that I should report their progress to you. Peace and grace from the Lord to you. Greetings to Sisters Wang and Chang and to Mrs. Nee, the senior Mrs. Nee, Mrs. Weigh, and Sisters Lee and Yu.
Sister Yu-bing, the evening of September 27
The Lord has been protecting us, and we are still safe. Most of the brothers and sisters have returned to Swatow, and the meetings have resumed. We can only thank the Lord. One thing gives us reason for great thanksgiving: He has led His servant Stephen Kaung to come and conduct meetings in Swatow. During the past week we have had gospel meetings in the evenings, in which we have seen His saving grace for sinners. We hope that the Lord will still be gracious to us and give us more meetings starting next Monday. We hope that He will grant us words of edification through His own so that we can grow in grace. Enclosed please find X dollars for brothers and sisters in need and difficulty.
Brothers in the Lord,Tsai Gi-chen, Hsie Tse-shun, Chen Wen-kwang,Chen Fang-ching, September 19
P.S. Enclosed also find X dollars from two sisters in Thailand. Please use it according to their written directions.
After the first air raid in K'un-ming, most of the citizens were dispersed to the villages. They return to the city at night. A few days ago the city was quite deserted. But it is now gradually coming back to life. Mrs. Nee (Watchman's mother) and Mrs. Nee (Watchman's wife) left for Hong Kong on the twenty-second of last month. I heard that Brother Lin Yau-huei from Kweilin is being relocated and is applying to come back to K'un-ming. Last Lord's Day we had the eighth baptism in K'un-ming (with six brothers and nine sisters). The lease for the meeting hall is up. Because of the turmoil, we do not intend to rent any place for the moment; instead, we will conduct the meetings in the brothers' and sisters' homes. The prayer and gospel meeting on Wednesday night is held at Mrs. Yin's house at the following address: [omitted]. The Bible study meeting or the meeting for testimony and edification on Friday and the bread-breaking meeting on the Lord's Day are held at Brother Hwang Tsung's house. A small number of brothers and sisters have moved into the country. Everyone is preserved and safe. I have been staying at home to do some literature work, to have some spiritual time with the Lord, and to engage in some personal preaching and counseling.
Brother in the Lord,K. H. Weigh, evening, October 10
Mrs. Tseng is still in Hong Kong. Sister Ro-chen is still in Macao, and her letter said that she is engaged in personal work. Brother Ma Mu and his wife are staying in Macao. The senior Mrs. Nee and Sisters Yu Shu-jen and Rachel Lee arrived in Hong Kong from K'un-ming on September 29. Brother Stephen Kaung completed his work in Swatow and returned to Hong Kong. The address of the meeting in Hong Kong changed on August 1 to [omitted]. News of the churches and correspondence can be sent to P. O. Box 1664. The work here is being carried on as usual. On the Lord's Day morning we have the gospel meeting, and the opportunity is great. The number in attendance is also high. Unless the Spirit does His own work, no one can repent and turn to the Lord. From October 3 to 8 there will be a special gospel meeting at the meeting hall for the women. The senior Mrs. Nee and Sisters Rachel Lee and Yu Shu-jen will be responsible for them. We intend to rent a sign in the busiest section of Hong Kong to be used for a gospel billboard. We intend to put Scripture verses made of neon lights on it so that the pedestrians and those on the ferries can see it. May the Lord lead us. Thank the Lord that we have prepared quite a bit for this work. But we pray that the Lord will bless this so that it will glorify His own name. Please pray for all these matters. Peace to you in the Lord!
A weak member in the Lord,Ho Nai-yee, October 5, 1938
I have not corresponded with you for a long time, partly because both my wife and I have been very busy and partly because we do not know where you are. A few days ago we received a copy of The Open Door, and figured that you would be in Chungking by now. Enclosed please find X dollars for you, for the Lord's workers in central and west China, and for brothers and sisters in need. Please distribute it on our behalf. Our whole family is well, thank the Lord! Brother Simon Meek travels often to different parts of the Philippines for evangelism. Today he is leaving again and will not return for a few weeks. The Lord willing, one worker, Brother Wu, will come to Manila from Chuanchow soon to join Brother Meek in his work. We hope that Brother Witness Lee can come also, because this place needs workers like Brother Lee to come and edify the believers. Please bring this matter to prayer before the Father. Greetings to you and to the brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Brother Lin En-hung, September 7
Thank the Lord that the church in Yung-Ping rented a meeting hall on April 1. There are about thirty brothers and sisters, of which about one-third are baptized. The work here has witnessed the Lord's blessing. On the Lord's Day we have a gospel meeting at ten o'clock. In the afternoon we have the bread-breaking meeting at two o'clock. On Thursday we have a prayer meeting. I sent X dollars on the twenty-first of this month. It is to be used for the expense of The Open Door and for helping the saints in difficulty.
Brother in the Lord,Cheng Kwang-ju, September 23
Brother Lan Tsi-yi wrote from Hankow on October 7: "I mailed out Issue No. 12 of The Open Door on October 4. The saints who have remained in Hankow are praying day and night. The situation is well. Because there are meetings and the work, we are not that concerned about the danger of the situation around us."
On October 9 he wrote, "We have received money from various places within the last few days. The local residents can all apply for refugee passports and begin dispersing. I am applying for refugee passports for over three hundred people; they include the villagers from Yee-Jia-Dun and also brothers. More mail has been received recently. Even though the military has been put on full combat alert, my work cannot be concluded yet. Although the situation is tense, I am still peaceful within. The work is very busy, if not busier. Presently, I am trusting in the Lord and doing my best to complete all the business that I have to complete. I am also praying to reject everything that is not assigned by the Lord.
On October 18 he wrote, "I dare not take risks and tempt God. Yet I cannot have the same mind as the worldly people. I entrust the burdens to the Lord and pray for His care."
On October 20 he wrote, "At night I am lodging at Bai-Tze Alley. If it becomes necessary, I will move into the Shen-Chiao Bookstore or the Shie-Ho Hospital, where the brothers are."
(1) Brother Pan Chun-hsiang wrote on September 14 that several dozen people are meeting in Shia-Fang-Chiao in Shiao-Shing. We hope that God will send workers into their midst to nourish them.
(2) Brother Yu Hung-fei wrote from Ning-Hai that senior Mrs. Chang Ching-hai is still living in Dao-Mao Lane in Tai-Ping-Men in Hangchow.
(3) Brother Lou Chuan-en wrote on August 20 that he may go to Ning-Po, Yu-Yao, and Shiao-Shing to visit the brothers.
(4) Sister Tu Ding Yun-sien wrote on September 24 that she has recovered the use of her left leg, and she thanked the saints for their prayers.
(5) Brother Ho Yueh-chiao wrote on October 4: "Brother Shan Kai-fen has an ulcer and is in grave danger. Someone is taking care of him, and he can take in rice porridge." On October 12: "Brother Huang Tse-hou wrote from Chi-Shiu Girls' Middle School in Nan-Kuang, Shu County that the brothers and sisters are in the International Relief Camp. Although many have suffered losses, their lives have been preserved."
(6) Sister Lu Tang (Mrs. Chou) wrote from Jie-Shou, Chiang-Pei: "Sister Shao Ai-yu is still working in the nursery in Kao-You. (She has since moved to the countryside — Editor.) Sister Shao Heng is now in Changchow."
(7) Brothers Lin Yau-fei and Miao Huei-chen and Sisters Shang Yi-rong and Wu Deh-shing are in Wu-Chow.
(8) Brothers Wang Shu-keh and Hu Shen-fu from Kao-Mi, Shantung wrote on September 26 that there was a baptism, that Brother Hu's mother was ill with ulcers and in need prayer, and that Sister Chia Shu-mei left Kao-Mi for Tsingtao on September 26. Please remember her in your prayer.
(9) Sister Chou Chi-chen wrote from Yang-Kou on September 20 that Brother Chiu Ying-san and his wife moved from Foochow to Yang-Kou. Sister Chi-chen moved from Shia-Yang to Yang-Kou on August 23. She is staying in the Gospel Hospital. On the Lord's Day there is a small number in the bread-breaking meeting.
(10) Letter from Kuling on September 6: "There are meetings on the Lord's Day (one session in the morning and one in the afternoon). There are about seven or eight brothers and over ten sisters. (Sister Hu Ai-yi's family has left Kuling. Brother Yu Shin-liang's family together with Brother Ching Cho and Sister Tao Teh-chi are still in Kuling.)
(11) Brother Liu Ai-wu wrote on September 17: "My health has improved since coming to Yi-Yang. After visiting two sisters, I was weakened through the long journey. I am back to my previous condition. After moving into the Methodist Hospital, my temperature improved. I was tested for germs, and the results were negative. The experience has been good, and I thank the Lord for His grace."
(12) A letter from Ch'eng-tu on October 19 said that Sister Ma Meng-chen is recuperating. Thank God for answering the prayers of many brothers and sisters.
(13) Sister Luh Tsi-tsien wrote on September 16 that her correspondence address after October would be [omitted].
(14) Brother K. H. Weigh wrote on September 24: "It would be wonderful if the Lord arranged for some medical doctor- brothers to come to Shi-Ping. They could take care of the business of the church and also make a living. There are great prospects for starting a medical facility there. I wonder if there are brothers who can do this." He also wrote: "The church in Ku-Jiu has stopped its table meeting because the responsible brothers are too immature in the truth."
(15) Sister Tsui Wang Feng-Meng is working in the Health Clinic in Ku-Jiu, Yunnan.
(16) Sister Chia Shu-mei in Kao-Mi is looking for the following persons: [names omitted]. Those who know the whereabouts of these saints should write to her.
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(1) Thank the Lord! He heard our prayer. We were able to mail out Issue No. 12 from Hankow before October 5. Mail to and from Hankow will be stopped beginning October 23. Therefore, beginning with Issue No. 13, we will move the publication work to Shanghai. By the grace of God, we hope to put out at least one more issue.
(2) It is difficult to send letters from one place to another. Before the mail routes become clear, we hope to send out one or two more issues of this magazine. The churches and co-workers who receive the magazines first should spread the news to other brothers and sisters. Those who receive the magazine later by surface mail should also try their best to distribute it to other brothers and sisters who can read.
(3) In the past there were shortcomings in the way we handled the correspondence in this magazine. I am, of course, guilty of such mistakes. I pray that God would give me the grace and the leading of the Spirit to work more carefully in the future. I also pray that the message in every letter would be written under His grace so that it will express the pure love in Christ, manifest an unceasing union in the Spirit, and relate all the work of God through the saints and the real condition of the gospel work everywhere. May all the correspondence bear spiritual value and be for the furtherance of the gospel and the benefit of the church.
(4) Some brothers and sisters do not hold the same view concerning the truth as we do. Their understanding of the church and the work may not be the same as ours. Yet because of our relationship in Christ, we have spiritual fellowship one with another, and at times, we publish their news in the column "News of the Churches." This is because we may know of gospel activities in other places. If some brothers and sisters go to these places, they can receive the help.
(5) During this critical period we are trying our best to inform you of the whereabouts of the brothers and sisters. This is to allay the concern of others and to facilitate correspondence between the saints. However, we do not know some saints very well and are not familiar with their spiritual condition. This is why we are not recommending anything here.
(6) Thank the Lord that His grace is sufficient in supplying the brothers and sisters who are in need because of the war! Most of the saints in Hunan and Szechuan have found means to take care of their livelihood. A few in Hankow still need relief; others have found jobs. Brother Lan Tsi-yi has not been able to leave Hankow. Both letters and telegrams cannot get through to Hankow. But, in reading his letter of October 21, we know that he is still taking care of brothers and sisters who are in difficulty. Some saints who intended to go to Kansu and Sinkiang have found that the Lord has opened the way for them, and they are now serving in their jobs. Some are still in north Hunan working part-time and waiting on a clearer leading from the Lord. The mail route and money transfers are clear to and from Chou County, but Shu County still is not ready. We need to pray much concerning the matter of supplying the saints' needs so that those who really need our supply are not neglected.
(7) Thank the Lord that He has given the co-workers much light through the book Rethinking Our Work. Of course, there are thousands of years of tradition and prejudice when it comes to questions related to the church and the work. If we want to return to the pattern of the Bible, we will have to pay a price inevitably. Any new light is difficult at the beginning of its practice. In this transitional period, we should obey God on the one hand and do things properly on the other hand. The most important thing is that we carry on our practice according to the Bible. Even if we do everything according to the letter, we may still be dead. We are living and full of life only when we are in the Holy Spirit. Sister Sun Wen-hwa's letter from Denmark shows us that God has prepared the hearts of a group of people to pursue and receive His truth and to accomplish His work in this age. I beseech God today to raise up more such people, to prepare their hearts to receive His truth, and to propagate His truth through prayer.
(8) I have to say a few words fearfully to our young co-workers. I am not more qualified or more experienced that I should say anything to you. But because I have seen something and because of our relationship, I feel that I have to say a few honest words. It is true that we are called and used by God, but we must still fear God. Only then will our words and walk have discipline before men and carefulness when we are by ourselves.
Sometimes we may be misunderstood or reviled. "But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God" (2 Cor. 4:2). Our corrupted self can neither cope with God's appointment nor His dealings. May the Lord be merciful to us and enlighten us so that we will know what the flesh and the self are. May we accept the dealing of the cross and give no ground to the flesh or to the activities of the self. The days are few. There are so many souls waiting to be saved! We should learn the lessons in a serious way and be dealt with in a proper way so that we can become useful vessels in the hand of the Lord.
Finally, we have to remember the brothers and sisters in and around Shansi, Kuling, Hankow, I-Chang, Ch'ang-sha, Ch'ang-Teh, and Canton. May the Lord lead them and protect them in everything.
Ruth Lee, K'un-ming, November 1, 1938
[Omitted]
[Parts omitted] The manuscript of this issue was sent from K'un-ming to Shanghai. The whole process of proofreading, mailing, and printing takes more than a month. The movements of the brothers and sisters are always changing. Below we have listed some last minute updates of those who have moved:
Brother Philip Luan left Wu-Chow for Hong Kong. Brother Tang Shou-ling left K'un-ming to return to Shanghai via Hong Kong. Brother Kuo Bu-yueh left Shanghai for Chefoo. Brother Watchman Nee left England last month for Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Then he will go to Belgium and France. Because of the need of the work there, he is not able to leave Europe now. Brother Chang Yu-zhi and Sisters Ruth Lee, Peace Wang, and Phoebe Chang will be in Hong Kong by November 27.
