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Brothers Ai-seng and Jia-teh:
I have had two meetings at Ju-Tzen. The situation is now very different. When we spoke the word before, we did not accompany it with faith. Even as we spoke, we did not believe that our audience would receive the grace that we spoke of. We spoke truth without flowing out grace. While I was in Peking and Jirin, the Lord gave me a special turn in the work and in my spiritual condition. He showed me that our teachings could not render help to the saints because of our very selves. The enemy had injected the image of the audience's evil condition into us and suppressed us to the point that we could not believe that they would receive grace. We did not wrestle with him on this point. Instead, we blamed the audience for their refusal and poverty. Should not those who refuse and who are poor be released? Should not the evil ones be saved? Yet many people were bound by our condemnation. We did not plunge into the spiritual warfare. As a result the unhealthy condition of the brothers was a weight upon us. We were powerless to release others or to sympathize with their poverty. On the contrary we condemned them and bound them, thinking that they did not deserve grace, and that this one and that one were bad. Actually, they had fallen into this condition because we conceded and accepted it. We were overcome by it. As a result, the devil created in the church the very condition which prevails in us. We blamed the brothers and sisters for lacking zeal, for not pursuing after the Lord, for not growing, for their rejection, and for taking the truth with the flesh. However, this condition existed because we first allowed the enemy to work on us to the extent that the truth became a loss to others instead of a blessing.
While I was in these two places, the Lord showed me again and again the vanity of the work. The work had no results, and the few who were able to understand our speaking were very poor. I was forced to seek the Lord again, realizing that if I continued on in this way, I would waste my whole life, and the brothers and sisters would be following after me in vain. Thank the Lord, He showed me that I had not been fully saved and therefore was unable to be a blessing to the church. The church does not lack truth but blessing.
Thank the Lord! During the past years, He has released much truth concerning victory and sanctification. This is much better than the vain teaching of exhorting men to do good. Yet the messengers of the church have not yet brought in the blessing, and the church is in desolation before our eyes. At the same time we are condemning the sin of the unsaved ones. Even some who take the same way as us are being set aside. When I realized this situation, I could only wail before the Lord, confessing that the Lord's rich grace has been limited by our narrowness. This rich salvation has been sealed up by us; we are not able to make many rich, and the poor fleshly ones and the ones who are in false spirituality are still bound by their condition. When I confessed these things to the Lord, He showed me the salvation of death and resurrection, and He showed me that I am already in resurrection (1 Cor. 15:22). The resulting condition of Adam's fall is finished. Now in resurrection and in Christ, our fallen condition is finished, and we have become God's children, full of love and mercy. Hallelujah! Only when we are in resurrection can we be manifested as the children of God, resurrected with a new image and a new likeness. The old image is finished in His death and the grave. Nothing of it comes out in resurrection. The image in resurrection is incorruptible, unchangeable, strong, and full of glory.
Dear ones, do not be afraid that the work might produce the flesh, and do not be afraid to discover what is impotent and poor. This fear is but an attempt to preserve the soul. We should do our best to uncover the poverty of the unresurrected state so that we can receive grace to enter into glory. Please note that faith in death and resurrection is not attained through self-effort in grasping hold of the truth, believing in death and resurrection, or appropriating the word of the Bible. Most people think that faith is man's duty and man's act. But the result is vanity. When the Holy Spirit reveals the unsanctified areas in us, we can only desire death and the experience of death and resurrection. There is no need to act in any way. All we have to do is wait for Him to act in our spirit.
I have been forced to the point where I must have this experience of resurrection. He has created a deeper faith in death and resurrection in my spirit. He has created a faith not only in resurrection but also in ascension and enthronement. First, He showed me the scene at the throne. The Lord manifested the condition of the throne on earth. (We experience His victory first, and then His enthronement.) When He needed the colt or the upper room (Mark 11:1-6; 14:14-16), He merely asked the disciples to take them and use them. Through His faith, all the evil power of men (the evil of rejecting the Lord, not being for the Lord, and being indifferent toward the Lord) was finished; it has all been overcome. This is the victory of the cross. He did not believe for one moment that the evil power of men or the operations of evil spirits existed before God anymore. Only this faith can release men and give them blessing.
Unfortunately, the poor condition of the brothers and sisters always looms over us. They have not been able to receive grace. We have not been able to dispense grace to them. We are subdued by the evil nature of men and by the result of the devil's operation. We have not brought the authority of the kingdom to earth and have not prevailed in the battle. All the nations should be blessed because of us. But first we must conquer man's evil power of rebellion against God. Then we can exercise the faith to bring in blessing.
We used to think that evil men and those believers who do not want the Lord are merely waiting for judgment. We did not believe that they could be saved or be turned to the Lord. Actually the faith that is upon the throne is a faith that believes that all of man's rebellion against God has been subdued by the victory of the cross; there is no more rebellion. Even the unbelievers should be working for the Lord; they should not be rebelling or be destined for perdition. In the past we allowed them to rebel, so they acted in opposition to God. The result was a curse. Now we are sitting on the throne. We have overcome and shattered the evil power of man and have subdued all the evil power that comes up against God's work. The evil condition of being against the Lord and of being ashamed of loving the Lord is gone and shattered. Everyone has to give his heart to the Lord. Everyone has to offer himself willingly to the Lord. Although this age is becoming more and more evil, the faith of God says that the glorious church is closer and closer to heaven. It may sound strange, but the fiercer the devil, the stronger our faith is in believing that his end is near. Although Lazarus was dead for four days and stank already and although it appeared to be hopeless, he was still living in the eyes of the Lord. Man's death cannot prevail against His resurrection. Although the Jews rejected Him, His faith was not weak; He still believed that the colt and the upper room were reserved for Him. In His eyes man's death (spiritual) and the devil's work are under His feet. This is kingship. This is enthronement. Hallelujah! This victory comes from man's active desire and is wrought through his spirit. Spontaneously, we inherit this faith. It is not something we acquire through strenuous effort in believing or through grasping hold of such a truth. It is something generated from within when our own activity ceases. Only that which is begotten of the Spirit is spirit. There is no activity of the self. Rather, everything issues from His Spirit through our will. Hallelujah!
Henceforth, we will see many people blessed, released, and seated in the heavenlies because of us. This faith turns that which is not being into being and calls that which is dead into life. It removes everything that is poor and dead, making the church full of riches, resurrection, consecration, love for the Lord, and the glory of God so that we are no longer ourselves but are the sons of God. May praise and glory be unto Him forever and ever! Amen. Peace be unto you.
Brother Hwa Tien-min, November 12, 1938
(This letter was sent to two brothers in Feng-Tien, who transferred it to us — Editor.)
I left Peking for Tientsin at the beginning of October and spent two weeks conducting meetings at the chapel of the Evangelistic Crusade. Then I had a few days of meetings with the saints in Yao-Hwa Lane on the subject of the cross and life. At the beginning of November, I left Tientsin for Chefoo. In Chefoo I spoke with the brothers and sisters about the kingdom and the matter of testimony, and then I met with the co-workers for a few days. The condition of the saints in Peking was quite good. In particular, the sisters seem to have experienced an inward revival. Two sisters seem to have been called by the Lord. They are both nurses and had discussed the matter of calling with Sister Wang. The time was not yet ripe for them then. But now perhaps the time is ripe. Brother Chao Chi-gwang has been raised up to join the co-workers. This brother studied at the Baptist Seminary in Hwang County. Now he is preaching the gospel around Si-Shiang. Brother Chang Tien-ren is now working for the Lord in Yi County. They all came with Brothers Chang Tze-jieh, Kuo Bu-yueh, and Chao Bi-chen to meet with us in Chefoo. Then Brother Chang Tze-jieh went to Tsingtao. He is still there. Brother Chao Bi-chen went to Tsinan and intends to stay there for some time. Brother Kuo Bu-yueh left for Tientsin and is now in Peking. Presently, four sister co-workers are in Chefoo — Soong, Ang, Lee, and Wang.
Concerning the literature work, we have not taken care of The Christian properly during the past few years (the responsibility being mainly with me). But more and more I have the inward feeling that this magazine is necessary. May the Lord bless it and grant that it be published once every two months as scheduled. The Lord has mainly shown me the truth of the kingdom during the last year. In Peking and Chefoo I have turned the attention of the brothers and sisters to the pursuit of the kingdom. I have the intention of making the next few issues of The Christian special issues, concentrating on the gospel of the kingdom. I also feel to write on some simple subjects and something related to prayer.
Has Brother Nee left for the United States yet? I have not corresponded with him for a long time! I wonder when he will be back. I deeply desire to be taught by him again. I read one piece of news from a Brethren magazine, The Witness, which spoke of Mr. Nee's testimony for the Lord abroad. The listeners had a very good impression of him. Thank the Lord! I intend to prepare some articles for The Christian here. The Lord willing, I will go to Tsingtao, Yi-Du, Gao-Mi, and Tsinan after the Chinese New Year and visit the brothers and sisters there. The Lord's grace be with you.
Brother Witness Lee, January 17
My work here has witnessed much blessing. I hope that everything bears eternal value before the Lord. More and more I feel the need for the natural man to be bound. When we lose our freedom, we will have the power of life. Do you agree with me? My concern about the co-workers is that not too many know what their natural strength is, much less how to deny it. I sigh for purity for myself and seek to be without any mixture. May the Lord grant us the grace.
Brother Watchman Nee
P.S. My concern all these years has been that brothers who have come in after us have not learned the cross; they do not know the corruption of the flesh. They lack the experience of the hollow of Jacob's thigh being touched. They need revelation, and they need to be touched by God so that their flesh will experience an irreparable blow that makes them lame for the rest of their life. When we passed through the Lord's dealings, we did not treasure these dealings. When we see the need in others, we realize how much these dealings are necessary. I intend to leave England for America on February 4. I am still translating Rethinking Our Work [The Normal Christian Church Life]. I will return home from America. If there is the need for me to return earlier, please write, and I will come back earlier. My correspondence address is: c/o Thomas Look & Son, Paris via Siberia.
Brother Luan:
I was greatly comforted to receive your letter today. I am now quite free and am quite happy to write several messages for you. As I settle down to write, I may be able to give you a brief outline of all these messages. Please allow me to first sincerely thank you for your letter and tell you how my heart is encouraged whenever I receive news from you and the dear brothers and sisters in China. Thank the Lord that He has given all the glory to the name of His Son! This is true even in this age of tribulation and confusion. Since Brother Nee arrived in England, the Lord has given me many opportunities to meet with him and to find out the many things that are happening in China. God has blessed many souls in this country through our brother, among whom I am one. I praise God for the help Brother Nee has rendered us.
Since my departure from your country two years ago, the Lord has shown me many things concerning spiritual pressure and conflict. Through these experiences, the Lord has been leading me to know Him in a deeper way and has been revealing His great and eternal purpose in a clearer way. He has given me much light for my pathway. I believe that His will is to lead me back to China in the near future. It may be at the end of this year. I hope to go to Norway in three to four weeks, and from there to Denmark and Sweden. I should be back by the first of November. Unless the Lord gives me clear guidance, I will not return to England before November, because He has assigned many things for me to do in the Scandinavian Peninsula. After November I intend to stay in England for a few weeks and then go to China with Miss Deck. We cannot be sure about the future, but if we take our steps according to the Lord's will, He will reveal His will to us in a clear way. How my heart rejoices at the thought that I will see you soon and will be discussing the things related to the increase of the kingdom of heaven in China.
Miss Deck is now in London. She hopes to go to Scandinavia with me. Miss X is working with the Lord, and the Lord has blessed her testimony in Denmark. In October there will be conferences in Denmark, and some have invited me to go as a speaker. I put much emphasis on prayer and believe that God will do a new thing for His own church in this country. Please join me in prayer for this so that I can accomplish all of His will during my stay in Norway and Sweden and then return to China. May the Lord accomplish everything according to His own will. Please give my warm regards to Mrs. Luan and your daughter and to all the brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Elizabeth Fischbacher, September 1, 1938
From the upper course of the Nu River around Dah-Dah in Gung-Shan County, Brother Hu and I descended to Gu-Dah around Shang-Pa County. We spent over a month passing through eight places. All eight places were areas where Brother Hu once labored. We had to go through on foot. In each place we stayed for a minimum of two or three days and a maximum of seven or eight days. There are about two thousand baptized nominal Christians in this area. However, we met only a few hundred of them, and most of them are not genuinely regenerated. A few of them are saved, but unclear about the truth of salvation. These people have given up demon worship and have demonstrated faith in prayer for healing. Yet there is an element of superstition in them. This is not a judgment upon them, because they have never heard the clear gospel or other truths. During a month's work, thirty to forty people raised their hands at various times to confess that they believed and had received eternal life. Their hearts are sincere and simple. When they say that they want to believe, it means that they genuinely believe. At the beginning some did not understand. But thank the Lord, He opened their eyes, and they began to rejoice greatly. One elderly man in Gu-Dah jumped up when he understood the redemption of the cross, the effectiveness of the blood, the grace of forgiveness, and the truth of eternal life and shouted, "I've got it!" The Lord's joy filled Him. Those who have been enlightened by the truth wish that we could be with them all the time. They told us that they never heard such a gospel before and implored us to speak more of God's truth to them. Thank the Lord that the door of the work has opened. May the Lord greatly bless His own work. We are but unprofitable and empty vessels.
Since the door of the work is open before Brother Hu and I (there are other places which do not have any believers, but which have requested that we come and preach, sell books, and teach the truth), we feel that we need to prepare the necessary provisions for the work. Before I set out on my journey, I will send my wife to K'un-ming and shop for necessary supplies for the evangelistic work. I will return by February of the next Chinese New Year. If any co-workers wish to join me, they should come as quickly as possible. If the Lord permits, we will pass Nu River, Gung-Shan, and Gao-Li into En-Mei, Kai-Jiang, and Pien-Ma and work there. I have heard that this region is more desolate and that the people are wilder. Please pray so that I do not waste my time or occupy my place in vain. May the Lord gain what He wants to gain in me, and may He enable me to take up the cross to follow Him. Amen. I will not elaborate. Peace be to you. Greetings to Brother Yu Cheng-hwa and all the brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Brother Hsu Jung-jieh, K'un-ming, December 21
(Last November, while I was in K'un-ming, Brother Hsu was there with his family. The few co-workers had one or two meetings together, in which we asked Brother Hsu to report a little about the work in the remote border regions. I asked of the need there and what he would need to bring with him when he goes. He said they first need literature, Bibles, Questions and Answers on the Truth (published by the China Inland Mission), and Hymns in the Li-Suh language. They can purchase only the four Gospels and Acts in the Li-Suh language from the Bible Society. The other books of the Bible have not been published yet. There is no place to purchase hymnbooks and Questions and Answers, etc. If they want them, we will have to print them ourselves. The Lord willing, Brother Hsu is willing to translate Bible Studies for Beginners into the Li-Suh language. This will help them learn to read (they have no language of their own) as well as make them clear concerning the basic truth. We will try our best to buy some hymnbooks, which will be usable temporarily. Before Bible Studies for Beginners is translated, the four Gospels and Acts can be used.
Second, he needs a sturdy accordion for use in the evangelization work. Pioneering evangelism is very difficult; there is no suitable place to gather people to listen to the word. But the Yee tribes love music. Hence, an accordion is a must.
Third, there is the need for lamps and oil. It is hard to get these things now. Oil is expensive and difficult to transport. We intend to send homemade candles in its place. The work there is conducted mostly in the evenings.
Fourth, there is the need for some kind of medicine. The Yee tribes have many kinds of diseases and infirmities, such as malaria, common colds, eye diseases, parasites, boils, epidemics, cholera, etc. We will furnish them with some common medicines to meet the immediate needs. We are not trusting in medicine for their healing, but this is a means for us to draw near to them and to provide them an opportunity to hear the gospel.
Fifth, we will purchase a tent which holds three to four people for use in their traveling. This will alleviate some of the suffering of camping in the rain in the mountains.
Sixth, they need one or two mules for carrying luggage; the men can walk — Editor's note.)
The situation in Kulangsu is the same as before. There has been an increase in number. The place is calm, and there is no lack of food, except the prices are somewhat expensive. Brother James Chen is still here. Two Bible studies were held recently. First, we studied the Song of Songs when Brother Wu Ren-jieh passed by. Second, Brother James Chen conducted a study on the subject of salvation and the kingdom. The number was quite large. Last week we had a baptismal meeting. A few who were once deep in Buddhism were released. Glory to His name. The number of refuge centers has been reduced, but we still have much opportunity for work. The meeting in Amoy has resumed, but the number is not large. Communication with inland provinces has not fully been restored, and traveling is inconvenient. Sister Yien-tse's health has improved, but Sister Yuen-yee is still bedridden.
Sister Chan Wan-chin, November 29
Dear Sister Lee in the Lord:
I hope that you have arrived in Shanghai by now. A few days ago Sister Bao Hsu-min wrote and expressed her desire to go to Shanghai for some edification. This stirred up my desire to go to Shanghai. In looking back, I think we were fed too well; now we are too hungry. By myself, I am unable to undertake any of the work here. But thank the Lord that everything is of Him. I can only follow Him and consider His work. The brothers have not set out for the north, because their traveling documents are not yet ready. But all the localities are eagerly expecting their visit. Sister Chou Gi-chen has been here for several days already. Thank the Lord that I now have one more sister who is one with me. Peace to you.
Sister Yu-bing, December 18
A few weeks ago the co-workers sent you X dollars from Chuenchow to be used for relief to brothers in need. I wonder whether you have received it. (We have received it — Editor.) The regions along the coast in Fukien province have witnessed the clear working of the Holy Spirit during the past year. However, if there are no proper workers, how can we have proper work? Even if we work, everything is futile if we do not accomplish God's most excellent will. For this reason we desire very much that you come and help us. We have written and mentioned the work in Dong-Yuen. Thank the Lord that He brought us through. Thirteen people were baptized, and the Lord's table was started. There is now a testimony of the local church. Glory to His name!
Brothers Chen Ke-san, Chai Tse-chung, October 27
After the meetings in Shi-Si in Tai-Shun, I went with Brother David to Ju-Si. He received a special commission from the Lord the next day and left to go to Tsen-Shia-Kwan. After staying in Tsen-Shia-Kwan for five days, I went to Ding-Bu-Tou, Yueh-Hu-Yang, and Wan-Yao. Now I am in Chiao-Dun-Men. Tomorrow I will be in Kwan-Mei and Wu-Tai- Shan. Everywhere I go we will have a few days of meetings. I have been taught and am now clear that the ministry God has assigned to me is not to gather many people and conduct big meetings. Rather, it is to visit small places and to have home meetings every evening according to the condition of each place. Drawing near to the Lord, studying the Word, and mutually asking and answering questions in this way gives everyone a chance to touch God. From my experience, this affords the Spirit more freedom to work in the meetings. This is what I am doing. May the Lord make me faithful.
Brother Chang Kwang-rong, January 31
Dear Brother Dah-Wei:
After the conference in Ning-Hai, I went to two meetings in the villages in Shi-Pu at the invitation of Brother Hwang Mei-tong. Recently, I joined Brother Lou Chuan-en to work in the denomination in Hun-Si-Kou. I would be happy to see any so-called results of the work manifested at the judgment seat of the Lord. The responsible brothers here hope to join Brother Chang Kwang-rong to do some work and render the brothers some help in the cities and the villages when spring arrives. Some believers in Shi-Pu need your edification. Brother Hwang Mei-tong charged me to request your prayer for him. Recently, I have been learning the lesson of a prayer life. Dear beloved Lord, although we are separated in different parts, may Your pillar of cloud guide us all the time so that our ways, our life, and our work will fall within Your will, amen. Peace to you in the Lord.
Brother Hwa Shi-bin, September 14, 1938
I left Ning-Hai for Sin-Chang at the end of July. On August 2, which was a Lord's Day, I went to Chang-Loh in Sheng County for three days of meetings. About thirty brothers who came from Shen County and Dong-Yang were seeking the truth. The atmosphere was good. May the Lord lead them on. On the eighth I arrived at Wu-Yi. I went to Yao-Chi the next day to work together with Brother Ding Keh-chang. We prayed and served the Lord together and testified for the Lord day and night. Thank the Lord! The Lord willing, we will first do some work in the villages, and we will wait on any large-scale meetings in the cities until you come to Wu-Yi. I heard that Brother Chou Shing-yi is resting in Ping-Yang due to illness. Please give my sincere regards to him. If Brother Chang Kwang-rong returns to Ping-Yang from Tai-Shun, please give him my regards. May the Lord's grace be merciful to me so that I can be dealt with through this coming trip, so that my self-life may be lost, and so that the spring of life can flow out from His fullness. Peace to you in the Lord.
Brother in the Lord,Hwa Shi-bin, October 3, 1938, Ning-Hai, Chekiang province
(We received Brother Hwa's letter on February 2, stating that he had returned from Jin-Hwa over ten days ago. He conducted five conferences in towns and villages around Ning-Hai in January. Because a few local churches have weaknesses, Brother Lou Chuan-en will not leave for now; instead, he will strengthen the church in Ning-Hai. There is the need for the prayers of those in one accord — Editor.)
I moved to the village (Chou-Jia-Dien) on the thirteenth of last month. I hope to stay in the countryside for two to three months. Next spring I will pay a visit to Chi-Li and then go to Dah-Yung. Thank the Lord that my health has been recovered. I expect to be able to withstand the hardship of traveling. By summer of next year, I may be able to work in Yuan-Ling and Chen-Xi. The only thing I am clear of is the first step. I will have to wait for His guidance concerning the rest.
Brother Han Fu-shen, December 31, 1938
Since the time I sent out my last letter from Fu-Shan, three months have passed. During these three months the Lord has given me evidence of His grace in everything. This does not refer to the result of my work. (The success or failure of the work does not have much to do with me personally.) I am referring to spiritual experience. God has shown me the evil and corruption of the flesh. The flesh can only please men; it cannot please God. God is the One who searches man's inward parts. Outwardly, we may be completely separated from the world. But inwardly, we are still mixed up with it. There must at least be once when God deals with our self and the flesh in a deep way. When we see the Lord being hung on the cross, we cannot refrain from speaking from our heart, "Lord, You have paid such a high price for me! You are worthy of everything from me." After I consecrated myself unconditionally to Him, God began to show me how my way is one of loneliness and dejection. My previous experiences were something outward, but now His real work has begun. We met with the sisters in Chungking for four days. Although they initiated the meetings, God showed me my own needs. Hence, this meeting was altogether for me. During the past two weeks, under the Lord's leading, I came to preach the gospel in Jiang-Bei in Brother Wu Fuh-chu's home. His wife was recently saved. We will leave Chungking after the middle of January. We may go to Bei-Pei, or we may travel to the south. In the meeting hall at 9 Garden Road, there were gospel meetings every night from the second to the seventh of this month. There was quite an enthusiastic attendance, and the seats were all filled. The main speaker was an American by the name of Brother X. Please do not forget to pray for me, Sister Ma, and all the brothers and sisters in Chungking.
Sister Luh Tsi-tsien, January 4
Thank the Lord! He has been gracious to us, leading Mr. Luan, senior Mrs. Nee, and Miss Wang to conduct a conference in Macao. We received the help, and we saw God saving sinners. From the seventeenth to the nineteenth of this month, there were three consecutive days of baptisms. Altogether eighteen brothers and sisters were baptized. A good number of sisters have changed since the ten days of conference. They have truly realized that they can no longer neglect spiritual things. I left Macao with Miss Wang to come to Hong Kong on the afternoon of the nineteenth. The Lord willing, I will return to Macao in two or three weeks. Brother Liao Bo-hui wrote to Hong Kong from Lung-Men. Thank the Lord that He has kept him in safety.
Sister Ro-shen, December 22
Over twenty brothers and sisters were baptized into the Lord recently in Yung-Ping and other places. May the Lord preserve them to the end, and may they obey the Lord in everything. At this moment Sister Chang Shou-jen is rendering some help to the sisters there. The correspondence address is [omitted]. The brothers in Penang are all at peace. Thank the Lord! I cannot go to Surabaya this year. Please pray about this. Can one of you sisters come to Southeast Asia? Please do not neglect us. There are many needs among the sisters. Sister Huang Yu-mei is in New Foochow; I cannot go there to join her work yet. I feel very lonely and feel that I owe much to the Lord's grace. I dearly hope that some co-workers can come and work here. Peace to you!
Brother Faithful Luk, November 18
Tomorrow I may have to go to Penang. From there I will decide whether I will go to Sitiawan or to Thailand. There are two sisters in Thailand from Swatow who are living in Pu-Ji Island near Penang. There are 170,000 to 180,000 Chinese in that place, mostly southern Fukienese. I intend to take a trip there. Please pray for my future. Sister Ding is still resting in Singapore in the house of Dr. Hsie Wen-lung. Peace to you!
Brother Faithful Luk, December 28
Through the Lord's good will and His commission, I came to the Philippines for His work as scheduled. Thank the Lord that His Spirit moved ahead of me. Not long after I arrived, I encountered Him in many things. I was sick for ten days after I arrived, because of my maladjustment to the environment. However, it was actually the base attack of Satan. Thank God that He always leads us into victory in the Christ. Hallelujah! Glory to Him! I need greater dealings, brighter revelation, and deeper knowledge. Spiritual work is indeed most serious, proper, and real. Unfortunately, we have worked foolishly, capriciously, and loosely in the past, and we have truly come short of the glory of the Lord. Except for the Lord's mercy and endurance, our one talent would have been withdrawn and given to those who have ten talents. Thank the Lord that He is willing to give us grace, and by grace we are still able to go on. The victory of Joshua at the bottom of the mountain was due to the lifted hands of Moses and the supporting hands of Aaron and Hur on the top of the mountain. Please pray much for the work in the Philippines. I hope that the Lord will give us some Filipino and Western co-workers, release much truth, and build up the scriptural local churches. In Christ there is no difference in nationality, race, and social status. If we only preach to the Chinese, is our work not somewhat unbalanced? Sister Chai Teh-an is still here. May the Lord open the door to the work among the Westerners and the Filipinos. "O Jehovah, revive Your work/In the midst of the years;/In the midst of the years make it known;/In wrath remember compassion" (Hab. 3:2).
Brother Wu Ren-jieh, January 2, 1939
(1) Sister Bau Shu-min wrote on December 29 of last year that she arrived in Pu-Tien on the twenty-eighth. There was a conference for believers conducted by Brothers Chen Ke-san and Chai Tse-chung. Sister Lee Mo-ysai is in Fu-Ching, but she wants to come to Shanghai.
(2) Brother Chan Ching-fa wrote from Ping-Yang November 17: "Brother Chou Tsin-yi is resting in Tsin-Shia-Kuan. He is quite weak and needs prayer. Brother Wang Shiang-fa moved from Fang-Yen-Shia to Tsin-Shia-Kuan to strengthen Brother Chou. Brothers Chang Kwang-rong and Hsu Dah-wei are working in the area around Tze-Shi in Tai-Shun. Soon they will come to Ping-Yang for the winter. Thank and praise the Lord. In our dryness, God sent His servants to come to us. We believe that we will be perfected."
(3) Brother Chi-tse wrote on January 12: "Recently, I have been weak and not able to travel. But I know that the Lord's arrangements are always the best and ever to be praised. Hallelujah! Every time I think of the brothers and sisters working in the remote regions, I cannot help but pray for them. May the Lord grace them."
(4) Brother K. H. Weigh wrote from K'un-ming that Brother Hsu Jung-jieh went to Chu-Ching on December 30 (where Brother Chou Kang-yau is). Brother Chan Hsi-wen has arrived in Luh-Liang (where Brother Chou Hung-bao is). On the afternoon of the twenty-fifth, three brothers and two sisters were baptized.
(5) The addresses for Brothers Wang Yau-yi, Han Chin-shiu, Keh Lien-min, and Keh Yi-tung are [omitted]. Brother Lan Ching-yan wrote on January 20 that he has gone to preach the gospel in the coastal villages around Wei-Nan.
(6) Sisters Hu Lei-min and Dai Tze-fu (British missionaries) arrived in Hong Kong from Shanghai, and Miss C. Coleston arrived in London from Shanghai.
(7) Brother Philip Luan, senior Mrs. Nee, and Sister Peace Wang left Hong Kong for work in Swatow on January 19.
(8) Brother Chang Yu-zhi will preach the gospel in Chi-Shien-Chiao, Pu-Tung, Kiangsu in the near future. Brother Tang Shou-ling will preach the gospel for a few days in Shanghai in the near future. He may go with Brother Chang to Lan-Si in Chekiang at the end of February.
(9) Sisters Tso Fu-ru, Lee Chi-ching, and Wang Shuai-shin, together with a few sisters from Kweilin, arrived safely in Shanghai in December.
(10) Sister Liu Hwei-fen is taking care of her sick mother at home. She will remain in Tsientsin for a while. She sends greetings to the sisters in Shanghai.
(11) Brothers Chiu Chung-man, Chang Ming-ching, and Shi Meng-yu are in Hunan.
(12) Sister Yu Fang-rui is in Wei-Chia-Chuan in Chu-Yi, Shantung. She will come to Shanghai after the new year to look for a job as a school teacher. Please pray for her.
(13) Brother Han Fu-shen wrote from Ch'ang-Teh on December 31: "A few brothers from Yueh-Yang will be settled soon. Brother Chang Kung-shun is quite ill and in dire trials. Please pray for him."
(14) Brothers Lee Shin-lin, Tsui Wei-tien, and Hsu Keh-ren wrote from Da-Chiao, Hwei-An, in northern Kiangsu that the church in Da-Chiao, which was dislocated from the Body of Christ during the past two years, is now being reconnected to the Body. Last year the Lord revived them and saved many sinners.
(15) There was a conference in Yi-Lin in northern Kiangsu on December 1. Brothers Chi and Chiu were responsible.
(16) A letter from Hong Kong on January 5 said that Brother Chan Chu-shien and Sister Shang Yi-rong were married. A letter dated January 30 said that Brother Ho Nai-yi had left for Macao.
(17) News from Chungking: There was a one-week gospel conference in January. An American brother, Tan Di-foo, conducted the meetings, and Mei Yi-lin translated. There were many listeners.
(18) Letter from Sien-You, Fukien, December 19: "Twenty local brothers and sisters were baptized on the eleventh of this month. Brother Chen Ke-san arrived at the beginning of last month. Brother Tsai Chi-chung also came. There were two weeks of meetings. These brothers returned to Pu-Tien on the thirteenth of this month. They intend to travel to north Fukien to work for the Lord."
(19) The Lord's Day morning message meeting in Shanghai has resumed (Shanghai News of November 1, 1938).
(20) Brother Chan Heng-chiu is in Hsin-Ren County, Kweichow. He has preached the gospel in several places.
(21) Mr. Shiao Jun-yueh in Swatow wrote on December 28 that he received much help from Mr. Chan Fang-ching who worked in the post office in Swatow. He is testifying for the Lord all the time in his home in Dah-Ma.
(22) Sister Shen Wan-ching wrote on December 5 that she is teaching at an elementary school in Lo-Yuen.
(23) The correspondence addresses for Brothers Liu Ai-wu, Yang-dai, Chang Kung-shun, and Kuo Ching-yun in Hunan are [omitted].
(24) Brother Chang Kao-lai in Wenchow wrote: "Mrs. Pan Huo-ling is living upstairs from the meeting hall. She has one son who is studying at the Pei-Ling School in Ping-Yang. They have been much blessed by the Lord. The responsible brothers and workers in Wenchow are Chang Ting-shiang, Chang Tsai-kuang, and myself. Please do not forget to pray for us."
(25) A recent letter from a sister in Shansi said that Brother Tsai Shang-eng is in the villages in Ho-Jin and that he is safe. Brother Yang Shao-tang is also safe.
The Lord has His good will in leaving me in Hankow. I am completely safe. God has arranged for Brother Hu and I to serve the refugees in the refugee district beginning in November. The work is very busy. My wife is well after giving birth to the baby, and the child is safe. Please continue to pray for us. (God is already giving us some orphans.) Peace to you in the Lord! My regards to all the brothers and sisters.
Brother in the Lord, Lan Tsi-yi
P.S. Brothers and sisters who are still in Hankow are [omitted]. Since October 26 we have all been preserved by the Lord and are safe.
Brother Kuo was in Ch'ang-sha and was the last one to leave. He has been shuttling between Ch'ang-Teh and Yi-Yang, and he knows the condition in that area firsthand. He and I have been seeking the Lord's guidance in oneness concerning the way to distribute the money you sent. I was filled with thanksgiving to the Lord when Brother Kuo related how the saints from Ch'ang-sha escaped from danger. Sister Chao Shi-chi intended to stay in Ch'ang-sha but eventually left with Brother Yen Wen-shiang's family. We heard that the bombing in Ch'ang-Teh was quite devastating. Nothing has happened where I am. In particular, the neighborhoods around the homes of Brothers Shang, Liu, Yang, and Shen have been burned because of the bombing, but the burning stopped at their doorstep. The Lord is truly the refuge to the saints.
Brother Yang Dai, December 14
I intended to send money through Brothers Liu Ai-Wu, Yang Dai, and Zhang Gun-jih to be distributed to saints in difficulty throughout Hunan. However, Brother Liu has gone to Ch'ang-Teh, and Brother Zhang has gone to Dong-Ping in An-Hwa. Brother Yang moved into the countryside sixty miles from the city of Yi-Yang. Thank the Lord, I met a Mr. Lung Rong-hwa of the Lutheran Church on my way from Ch'ang-Teh to Ch'ang-sha, and he was willing to send the money to his home. By the time I reached his home, I was able to cash it back. I had not intended to involve myself in this matter. As I walked back to Ch'ang-sha the next day, there was a storm on the way, and it was difficult to go on. I returned to Lung's house and left my belongings there, choosing instead to walk to Brother Yang's place which was sixty miles from Yi-Yang. I was happy to see him and his wife. When we talked about the money, Brother Yang suggested sending it to Ch'ang-Teh to let Brother Liu decide on its use. I felt that this was not the right thing to do, and I advised Brother Yang against it. The instability of the political situation has caused mail correspondence to become extremely unreliable. A letter from Ch'ang-Teh to Tao-Yuen, which is only sixty miles away by road, takes a week to get there. If the brothers did not see each other, the mailing back and forth could take more than a month, not to mention the loss in postal fees. Even if the money arrived in Yi-Yang, I was not certain that there would be anyone who could distribute it to the countryside. This is why I persuaded Brother Yang to distribute the money immediately.
When Yueh-Yang capitulated, all the brothers who had jobs before the city capitulated were given two or three months' salary in advance before they dispersed. Some brothers are still drawing a salary even now. Therefore, they do not have much need. After the great fire in Ch'ang-sha, most of the brothers and sisters left. Only four sisters who worked at an orphanage of a Westerner remained. Although the orphanage was burned, the livelihood of the four sisters was taken care of by the Westerner. The ones who are finding it difficult to make ends meet are the saints who have escaped to Yi-Yang, An-Hwa, Ch'ang-Teh, and Yuan-Ling (with a few poor local ones). Their suffering is untold. In the past they have always been distributors of money to others, taking care of others rather than meeting their own needs. When I found out their true condition and after much prayer, I had to give the money to them, according to their practical needs.
Yueh-Yang capitulated, and Ch'ang-sha was burned, but the Lord's children left in time. No one was stuck. The Lord has been gracious to His children.
Brother Kuo Jen-yung, December 14
(Brother Kuo, we thank the Lord for the way the money was distributed. From this matter we see that our God never delays! — Editor.)
Brother Zhang Gun-jih's family and I arrived in Tung-Ping from Yi-Yang on November 13. The Lord guided us all the way. Brother Zhang has been sick for more than two months. Presently, he is not in critical condition, but he still needs the prayers of all the brothers and sisters. The fever has not left, and there is still much coughing.
Brother Yu Yien-chuan, November 26
After spending some time to recuperate, and through your prayer and concern, I can ask now that you turn your prayers into praise, because God has completely healed me, one who has so little faith in Him. I came out of the Yi-Yang hospital with God's promise. Although my fever was gone and the test on the sputum was negative, I still had many ailments — headaches, stuffed nose, bronchitis, etc. — when I was in the hospital. I weighed only ninety-seven pounds and figured that I would need over half a year for recovery. But God's thoughts and ways are higher than mine! In early September Brother Yang Dai came back to Yi-Yang from Ch'ang-sha. He had a letter from a brother in Tientsin, which spoke of a sudden tragedy in his life that caused him to become very sick. The Lord enlightened him, and he realized that he had not obeyed Him. In desperation he called on the Lord and confessed his sins, and God gave him a promise from Proverbs 4:22. His sickness then left without the assistance of any medicine. The letter did not affect me much at the time. But as I was praying one day, I felt that the Lutheran Hospital was not doing my health any good, and that I might have to pass through the suffering of surgery if I went to the Shing-Ya Hospital. It seemed that the best thing was to ask for God's healing. At that moment the promise of that brother entered me. I did not know then that I would receive the healing medicine by faith. I only knew about God's healing and decided not to remain in the hospital.
After leaving the hospital, relief was not as steady as it was in the hospital. My temperature was the same, but I could get up and walk around a little and do a little work. While faith was just beginning to establish itself, it was tested. Brother Zhang Gun-jih, who was living in the same house, came down with typhoid fever. He said that when he had a fever earlier, he realized that it was the result of forcing himself to work before he was completely healed. He also said that he learned the lesson that one has to deal with sickness as one deals with sin: the dealing must be thorough. I was afraid after I heard this, and I prayed that the Lord would show me His will and whether or not leaving the hospital was something I had forced upon myself. In the middle of the night, I saw an elderly man with a shining garment walk to my bed and put something white on my right hand. He put his body over mine and spoke something softly like a prayer and then left. I cried out loudly and woke up, and I felt a strange scent permeating my being. I felt that this dream matched His promise very well (Prov. 4:22). The next day I got up and worked as usual. Of course, I did not have the assurance to travel a long distance or to engage myself in difficult work. When Ch'ang-sha was sacked, I retreated with the brothers to Ch'ang-Teh. I had to take a sedan chair. When I arrived in Ch'ang-Teh, the trial became more fierce. Sometimes the cold wind would become very severe, and sometimes I had to walk a long way. In the past I would cough even when I put on a lot of clothing and would feel tired even when I walked a few miles. Now I do not have to wear a fur coat in snowy weather and do not cough at all. I am not tired even when I walk over twenty miles. Faith has been tested, and the fact has proven itself that I am completely healed and recovered to my former health! Hallelujah! He alone is the One who calls things not being as being and who resurrects men from the dead! He alone has done wonderful things, answering the prayers of all the brothers and sisters!
Recently, I have been resting before the Lord and learning to hear His voice. Hebrews 10:5 and 7 have often touched my heart. Since He has prepared a sound body for me, I should walk according to His will. The ministry which He intends for me to receive from Him has been recorded in the Scriptures, the ministry of feeding the lambs and caring for orphans in tribulation. Providentially, I have seen God's provisions. I left the orphanage last year. Since then Brother Kuo Jen-yung has also received a burden for serving the orphans; he has suggested that we embark on this work together. I thought the time was not appropriate, and I suggested that we pray more. When I returned to Ch'ang-Teh, Brother Kuo came from Ch'ang-sha a few days later. He had thought about going to K'un-ming; instead, he returned to Yi-Yang. He came to Ch'ang-sha on the tenth of the month with the intention of traveling from here to Yunnan. After he left, I felt the meeting in Ch'ang-sha and the work of the orphanage deeply pressing upon my spirit. As a result I wrote a letter to him asking whether he had the same leading. I intend to move into the city and give myself to recovering the meeting and to starting a school for the poor on a small scale (gathering less than ten pupils at first). Presently, I am still waiting to see whether this is His pure and good and acceptable will.
Recently, I received a letter from Sister Chang Ai-teh. She did not escape during the great fire. During the most dangerous moments, she could only trust in the Lord. There was burning on both sides of the Faith Orphanage, but God protected them with His mighty power. When the fire spread next door, the wind turned and the orphanage was preserved, even though there was fire all around. Many unbelievers came to know our God after the fire, and they acknowledged Him as the real and living One. Hallelujah!
Although the ones meeting in Yi-Yang have been scattered, Brother Chiu Chung-seng and Sister Tzo Teh-en are still there testifying for the Lord in the surrounding areas. The Lord is responsible for protecting them. Brother Yang Dai is still residing in the countryside, but he may move back into the city soon. Brother Zhang Gun-jih moved to Dong-Ping in An-Hwa along with the Lutheran High School.
Law and order have gradually returned in Ch'ang-Teh. I personally witnessed the bombing on the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth of last month. The devastation is great within the city. Although the area around the meeting hall and the Living Stream Teahouse have all been turned to rubble, these two houses have not suffered any damage. Not even a piece of glass in the meeting hall was shattered. A few houses behind the teahouse were bombed, but the bombs did not explode. God has been gracious to us and has perfected the faith of His children in a wonderful way. There are not too many in the meetings, but we still have the Lord's table on the Lord's Day. Brother Han settled in Chou-Shi-Tzen and will be resting there for a while. He will travel to north Hunan and work there next spring. Brothers Shang and Zhu are living with him. Brother Shang said that he has received much light by reading the biography of Madam Guyon, and that he is learning the lesson of not working for the Lord. Brother Zhu still needs your prayer!
He never fails! He is glad to grant us the grace! May praise and thanksgiving be to Him forever, amen!
Brother Liu Ai-Wu, December 26
Brother Chao Bi-chen returned to Tsinan from Tsingtao. Beginning on January 9 there will be a week of prayer, followed by a week of perfecting meetings, and then a week of home meetings. The time for all the meetings will be from six to eight o'clock. May the Lord bless all the meetings. Brother Witness Lee will pass by on the railway line before the Chinese New Year and will probably be able to come to Tsinan. May the Lord bless his footsteps. There are about twenty brothers and sisters at the table meeting in remembrance of the Lord. The atmosphere before the Lord is somewhat depressed at the present moment. There is a lack of brothers and sisters who can go out to visit others. May the Lord raise up some among us. Please pray for us.
Brothers representing the meeting in Tsinan,Chen Shi-chen, Ren Yi-cheng, Yu Jia-chi
Greetings to those who are members together in the Lord:
A brother in the Lord learned from Issue No. 11 of The Open Door in the "A Word on Behalf of the Editor" column that the saints in Chekiang and Kiangsu had needs because of the war, and that there was also a need of supplies for saints in Szechuan, Hunan, and Hankow. He realized that we are all one Body in Christ, and he was willing to participate in helping the saints. Enclosed please find a check in the amount of X dollars. Please distribute one fifth of this amount to the saints in need in Chekiang and Kiangsu and the rest to saints in need in Szechuan, Hunan, and Hankow. Peace to you in the Lord.
Brother Zhia Shen, October 12
Brothers in the mutual love of the Lord!
May He receive the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, forever and ever, amen. May the Lord lead us all to the stage of Song of Songs 4:9. May His grace, mercy, lovingkindness, compassion, power, authority, and blood always overshadow us until He returns. May the Lord hide us in Himself until that day, amen. May He receive the rightful place in the church, and may He be exalted in the church. May the Lord's redeemed say, "Give thanks to Jehovah, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is forever." Enclosed please find X dollars of the Lord's money. May the Lord distribute it according to His will, pleasure, and need. May the Lord gain the rightful glory, and may the glory of His victory be displayed everywhere, amen.
A child in the Father's houseDecember 4, 1938
(The above envelope was received from the offering box in Peking. Half of the amount has gone to the needy saints, and the other half to co-workers in various places — Editor.)
Brother Chen Bo-heng passed away as a result of the war's turmoil. This brother had a pure heart for the Lord. But the Lord allowed him to go first. Not only are the believers grieved about him, but even the unbelievers felt sorrowful about his death. Brother Sun Shi-bih returned to Chou County and has temporary lodging. I returned to Dong-Tan-Dien Village. There is still a Lord's table meeting every Lord's Day at Si-Kwan in Chou County. The correspondence address is [omitted]. Presently, Brother Sun and I are engaged only in some personal evangelistic work. We are also studying the Bible, praying, and taking turns meeting in the saints' homes. Please pray for the brothers in Chou County so that we can walk with God in all things and so that glory can go to the Triune God.
Brother Liu Tien-min, November 3
Since the capitulation of Shu County in April, I have been living in the countryside and learning the lesson of prayer with the brothers and sisters. Although we passed through the valley of the shadow of death, we feared no evil because the Lord was with us. The Lord brought me through the past year almost exclusively through the word in John 17:2a and Isaiah 54:16. As far as the work goes, it is difficult to preach the gospel or to gather any meetings. But we still engage ourselves in visitation. The brothers agreed that I should return home from Shu County on November 21. I stayed in Tsinan for five days, fellowshipping and breaking bread with the saints. On the twenty-eighth, I returned home. Through the Lord's dealing and stripping, I have come to realize my emptiness, uselessness, and the need to prostrate myself before the Lord and to look to His mercy. Since returning home I have been waiting for the Lord's revelation and guidance, seeking to walk in His will and to glorify His name.
Brother Yuan Lin-shu, December 3
Miss Fu-en:
Someone is leaving for Hungchow tomorrow. Therefore, I am jotting a few lines and asking my friend to relate the rest to you. This will save me another letter. May the almighty God be with all the saints, amen. (1) We are happy to hear that Brother Tang Shou-ling has returned to Shanghai. Please send our greetings to him. (2) Miss Yeh Chui- chung had asked for prayer for Miss Kao. Now she is saved and is diligently studying the Bible. She also has a good understanding. We ask that God heal her sickness. Perhaps this one is a chosen vessel of God. The Lord has been doing all the work in the past. May He continue to grant us grace. Please do not cease your prayer. (3) Thank the Lord for bringing Miss Ruth Lee and the other sisters back to Shanghai. Our two families, Sun and Yu, are safe in the mountains. There is also an opportunity for us to do some work here. Indeed, we have been in the experience of 1 Corinthians 2:9. Praise His name. (4) We have now moved to [omitted]. Because of the school situation for Ming-Bao, the mountains are comparatively safer now. (5) We have received The Christian from Brother Ho Yueh-chiao. Thank you. In the future, please send any new books to us. The mail route is not clear, and delay is unavoidable.
Sun Wen-yuen, Chen Hsiao-ai, Chen Yao-jenJanuary 13, 1939
I read about two sums of money in Brother Chao Jing-hwai's letter from Chefoo in Issue No. 13 of The Open Door. On October 1 Brother Lan Tsi-yi wrote to me concerning the same two amounts. Brother Chang Hwei-zhi wrote on October 7 that the wire transfer fee was too high and that he could transfer the amount to us through his account. After further investigation I learned of the circumstances of the intended recipients: Brother Wang Fu-tang's family moved to Yi-Yang and Mr. Yu Teh-hwa was killed by Japanese soldiers. I wrote back to Brother Lan on the twentieth and told him everything. There is no way to forward these two sums. I have not taken out the money from Brother Chang Hwei-zhi's account because I am unable to do a transfer. Please let Brother Lan know about this. On the fourteenth of last month, Lan-Si was bombed for the seventh time. None of God's children were hurt. The houses of two sisters were damaged, but no one was hurt. Over ten brothers and sisters were in the meeting hall, including Brother Mong-tsao and I. Although the glass was shattered and the ceiling fell down, we were not hurt. The flesh suffered some shock, but inwardly we were still at peace. Thank and praise the Father!
Brother Ma Chuan-foo, en route, January 8
Brother Yueh-chiao in the Lord:
Most of the brothers and sisters in Ning-Po are still hiding in the countryside. A few saints have been added to the ones in the city. A few of them would even like to gather together for meetings. They have discussed the matter with me. I also feel quite lonely, especially on the Lord's Day. Presently, however, I only see the need of the members and have not yet discerned the need of the Lord. Hence, I dare not act rashly according to my zeal and set up meetings. May the Lord's mercy and timing come quickly. May He gather His saved children to build up His own Body so that all the members can function according to each one's part. This is our prayer. Please pray for us! Brother Wang Shu-fa from Ping-Yang wrote that he is clear concerning the Lord's calling and will conclude his business next term and then devote himself to serve the church, working in areas around Ping-Yang. Peace to you in the Lord. Greetings to Sister Ruth Lee and the saints in Shanghai.
Brother Yu Yun-fei, January 3, 1939
Brother Rong-fei:
The address of the meeting in Hu-Shu is [omitted]. Thank the Lord that He is leading us. We have six newly saved sisters and three newly saved brothers among us. The responsible brothers in Hu-Shu are Brother Tao Chun-yen and myself. The meetings are better than before the war crisis. Brothers [omitted] send their greetings to the brothers meeting in the name of the Lord everywhere. Brother Lu of Gou-Juang is now in Dong-Yang. Brother Chao Tze-ren will return to Hu-Shu. Brother Yuan is safe in the city. Thank and praise Him. Brother Sun Hsao-shan is working in the accounting department in the Kwang-Tzi Hospital. Brother Ruan Feng-tien is in Hangchow. Senior Mrs. Chang's address is [omitted], and she is healthy. Brother Hsu Yung-ming is serving as a doctor in [omitted].
Brothers [omitted] send greetings to the saints in Ning-Po and to Brother Yu Rong-fei and his family. The meeting hall in Hangchow has only thirty chairs left. The organ is still there, but the rest is gone. Please pray for Hangchow.
Brother Lee Kwai-sien, December 26
Brother Yueh-chiao in the Lord:
Enclosed please find X dollars collected from the local offering box and designated for saints who are in difficulty around Hankow. Please direct it to Brother Lan Tsi-yi or to Miss Ruth Lee for distribution. (This fund has been directed as instructed — Editor.) Thank you. Peace to you and greetings to the saints in Shanghai.
Brothers Pan Fu-ching, Chou Mong-shuen, Chou Da-ching
Through The Open Door we have come to realize the sufferings of the wandering saints who are fleeing from the war. We thank our unchanging God who has graced us in difficult times and who has brought us through with His mighty hand. Last Lord's Day an offering amounting to X dollars was collected from our locality. X dollars of this are for the expense of The Open Door, while the rest is for distribution to saints in need. Isaiah 26:3. The saints in Wenchow and Ping-Yang have been under the Lord's preservation. Please add thanksgiving to your prayer. May the God of peace be with you until that day.
Brothers Hwang Yi-seng and Hwang Li-chuan, October 15
Enclosed please find X dollars for The Open Door. The rest has been collected from the offering box and is designated for the gospel work in the remote border regions. (The sum for the gospel work in remote border regions has been sent to Brothers Hu and Hsu — Editor.)
Representing the brothers in Tou-Peng, Hsiao-Shan,Fan Chi-hung and Chen Dah-liangJanuary 20
Enclosed please find X dollars from the church in San-Yang and X dollars from Pei-Ling School. Please distribute it to the brothers who are in need as a result of the war.
Chen Chin-fa
Mr. Cheng-hwa in the Lord!
By the Lord's grace, He has sent Brother Chang Yu-zhi to our conference. How blessed we are. Brother Chang delivered messages concerning the importance and difference between the salvation of the spirit, soul, and body. The conference lasted from January 27 to February 5. Every day we had over seventy people. In the last meeting the Lord gave us a great release. May glory be to God. Peace to you in the Lord and peace to the brothers and sisters.
Brothers in the Lord,Feng Mei-lin, Chu En-seng, Yang Chun-lin, February 8
Our meeting moved to its new address on October 24. We can only say that everything that happened before was God's work; man did not try to do anything. Everything here is good. Brother Tang gave us much help during this period. May the Lord reward him much on that day. There was a conference from October 24-30. Brother Tang was responsible. Praise the Lord that He has blessed His own work. The brothers and sisters were all edified, and the number in attendance was great.
Because of the peculiar situation here, we feel that workers should be stationed here all the time. We have Brother Tang's approval and have written to Brother Stephen Kaung, inviting him to come and work among us and to shepherd us. We have not received an answer from Brother Kaung yet. May God lead him to us soon. Please pray about this. Presently, the house where the meetings are held belongs to Brother Luk. In order to facilitate the negotiation of affairs related to the meeting, it became necessary to ask Brother Luk to be responsible for the affairs of the church. Later, we were given the consent of Brother Tang to ask Brother Luk to take up this responsibility. We would like you to know that there are now five responsible brothers. May the Lord be with you and bless your work. If the Lord delays His coming, we will surely have opportunity to see each other again. Please do not forget to pray for us. Peace in the Lord.
Brothers Mei Tui-an, Lee Yun-sien, Liu Kwo-hwa,Ge Shien-shen, Luk Tsi-shun, November 3
Dear Brother Shou-ling in the Lord:
Thank and praise the Lord that I, who drifted away in 1938, am now back in the Father's house. When I was in Hankow, you exhorted me twice in the name of the Lord, but I was still stubborn. However, God's love was upon me, and I would like to relate what happened. In December of last year, I was busy with my own business and with the world. Sometimes I had to work late and did not get home until two or three o'clock in the morning. On the night of December 26, I could not sleep, and on the morning of the twenty-seventh, I realized that I had a fever. By the afternoon, the fever was higher. My whole body was weak with chills. Fortunately, two brothers in my house were doctors. Another brother next door was also a doctor. They diagnosed that I was infected with some kind of virus, and they suggested that I rest for two weeks. While I was laying on my bed, the Lord continued to send those who were His to come and visit me. His love was displayed at every minute. Our God is worthy of praise and thanksgiving. On the afternoon of the thirtieth, one brother came to visit me, and we prayed together. While I was praying, my body was numb and my chest was pressed with unspeakable weight. It was painful. The faith given by God enabled us to pray. When we stopped our prayer, my faith led me to measure my temperature because I believed that God had healed me. When I measured it, I found that my lingering temperature was gone. The terrible virus had left. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Brother, my past stubbornness truly offended God and the brothers and sisters, as well as my whole family. May the Lord forgive me again because of His beloved Son Christ! I wish you well, and may peace be unto your house.
Brother Yuen How-tsai, January 2, 1939
Thank and praise the Lord for answering our prayer and for preparing a suitable meeting place for us. The church meeting was moved from Brother Chao's house and Mrs. Shen's house into the new meeting hall. The house is spacious and the location is central. There are also eight to nine adjacent houses which can be used for hospitality. (They are now filled.) Thank the Lord that He has added more saved ones to the church. We had our fourth and fifth baptism meetings; four brothers and three sisters were added to us. Rev. Tsia Yu-ming recently visited Ch'eng-tu. He has a clear burden for these young brothers and sisters. Soon the winter vacation will begin, and we hope to have a conference lasting a few days. Lately, Brother Chao Rue-tze has been spending his time traveling and inspecting and supervising projects. He is seldom in Ch'eng-tu. Brother Tien Bi-sin's foot disease has been healed. All the brothers and sisters are experiencing the Lord's grace.
We would like very much to hear your teaching on the reality and practice of the church life. Every time we think of the idea that God is bringing us back to the beginning, our hearts rejoice, and we become stirred up and elated. Yet how fearful and careful we are! May the Lord manifest His glory in weak and unspiritual vessels so that all will see that the exceeding great power is of Him and not of ourselves. The sisters are taking turns having a prayer meeting in their homes on Wednesday afternoon. This began last week. The new address for the meeting hall is [omitted], but the meeting times are the same.
Brothers Wang Yung-gui, Liu Shi-shun, Ji Tsung-yuJanuary 21, 1939
Brother Tien-sin:
I returned to Han River from Fu-Ching on the twenty- second of this month and am now residing at home. My family is at peace, which is comforting to me. Brother Chen Bi-yin came from Ku-Tien last month and had meetings for a few days. Although it was a brief time, the opportunity was great because many believers were edified and some sinners were saved. Thank the Lord. May all the glory go to His name. Brothers Chen Jai-seng and Cheng Kwang-yu and Sister Weigh Kwang-ying and my niece left for Wu-Tung Village on the sixth of this month. They rented some houses and are engaged in evangelism work. I have heard that over twenty men and women have been saved. Presently, Brother Jai-seng is conducting Bible study meetings in the village to strengthen their faith. Please pray much for the work in Shang-Zi. Greetings to Brother Faithful Luk and his whole family.
Brother Jia-jeh, October 30, 1938
The church in An-Hai (south Fukien) is under the Lord's blessing. There are now over fifty genuinely saved brothers and sisters breaking bread together. Every Lord's Day we have over a hundred people meeting with us. When an air raid came to An-Hai, all the brothers and sisters were able to stand fast in God's grace. Thank the Lord! Please pray much for us. Yesterday, I came to Kulangsu from Chuenchow, and I intend to go to Manila with Brother Wu Ren-jieh.
Brother Hsu Ching-en, September 5, 1938
Presently, Brothers Hsu Shi-chuen and Sun Ju-yee are bearing the responsibility of the church before God. Please pray for them so that they will understand God's heart and match His will.
Brother Chen Ke-san
Since my return home, I stayed with the co-workers in Ping-Yang for a few months learning to preach the gospel. Last year I was in Brother Wu Siu-liang's house in Tung-Cheng teaching a few children and helping to preach the gospel. God has affirmed the gospel with miracles and wonders, and many people have come to listen, among whom many have believed. It is a blessing for my eyes to be able to behold His work. Thank Him. There was only one household in Tung-Cheng in the beginning, plus a few brothers from out of town. But now there are over a hundred people meeting every Lord's Day. Thank the Lord and glory to Him! The Lord has indeed opened the door of the gospel for His church. I answered the call of the brothers in Si-Tou, which is a few dozen miles from Tung-Cheng, to take a part-time teaching job and to learn to serve the Lord part-time. The Lord's table has been raised up with over ten brothers and sisters. On the Lord's Day there are over thirty people in the meeting. There are two more desolate areas in Fu-Ting that now have churches of God. All the work is the result of the pioneering effort of co-workers from Ping-Yang. I tell you this as an aid to your prayer. The Lord has led Brothers Hwa Shi-bin, David Hsu, and Chang Kwang-rong to work in Ping-Yang, Tai-Shun, and Fu-Ting for a while. Thank the Lord.
Lin Wei-jung, October 14
Thank the Lord that He has given us peace so that we can testify to His salvation. Enclosed please find X dollars for The Open Door. The remaining balance is for brothers and sisters who are exiled because of the war. May the Lord care for His children, amen. Liem Tjiong Dil and his family and Sister Lin Ong Rue-tze have left for Southeast Asia.
Brothers in the church in Yu-Si, Fu-Ching,Lin Wei-tzi, Lin Shao-liang, Chai Yi-sung, October 29
By the Lord's grace, we are forwarding X dollars for The Open Door and X dollars for brothers and sisters in need because of the war or for the work in the inland regions. Please distribute it as the Lord leads. (The above amount has been sent to saints in need in Hunan province — Editor.)
Brother Tseng Bing-hun, December 22
The local church in Pu-Tien is forwarding X dollars by the Lord's grace. This amount is to supply the needs of the saints suffering from the war in Hankow. Please distribute it according to the Lord's leading. Although a cup of water cannot quench the fire from a cartload of wood, it shows the heart of the brothers and sisters in the Lord. May the Lord bless this little sum.
Brothers Chu Ai-tseng and Lin Ru-jin, October 31, 1938
Enclosed please find X dollars. Please direct it according to the Lord's leading for the brothers who are suffering. (This sum has been distributed in Hunan province — Editor.)
Brothers Lan Jin-yang, Chai Tze-chung, Wang Deng-ming,Han Jin-siu, Chen Ke-san, and Chen Jai-seng
Enclosed please find X dollars which are designated to relieve the brothers in dire conditions because of the war. The church here has seen some increase of saved ones, but one or two sisters have been tried through sickness and death. As a result some new believers have been weakened. Please pray for this. Greetings to the saints in Shanghai.
Brothers Chen Tuo-sien and Chen Bing-jiuJanuary 16, 1939
We are still meeting three times a week for prayer and worship. Every meeting has seven to eight persons. Sisters from Kwangtung, Lu Tzi-chan, and Du Ai-jen left here for Chu-Jiang on the afternoon of the twenty-fourth. Mrs. Chiang's family will go to Kuei-yang on the thirtieth. Nan-Meng was burned, but the house of Sister Sun was preserved and did not suffer any damage. I have been waiting and delaying the matter of leaving Kweilin. I am still not clear and cannot decide whether I should leave. Please pray for me so that my footsteps would be in His light and would be preserved by Him. Sister Shu-fang may take up a job at the provincial hospital. Sister Yang Ying-ying will go to Ling-Chuan tomorrow. In the future, please direct your letters to [omitted].
Sister Tze-ping, January 7, 1939
A few families have moved to Hong Kong and Macao because of the war. The rest are hiding in the countryside temporarily. The meetings are in Gung-Ho-Shi as usual. Should the situation become more tense, we will move to meet in the countryside, the Lord willing. Please pray much for us. If the mail route is closed, please direct letters to [omitted]. Because wire transfers are impossible now, I am forwarding X dollars in stamps to be used for The Open Door. My last hospital address is no longer valid. Please direct mail to [omitted].
A weak member in the Lord,Chai Zhi-yun, November 11, 1938
The Lord has raised up His own work in Macao. Since Brother Luan, Miss Wang, and the senior Mrs. Nee worked here for a week, over ten brothers and sisters have been baptized into the Lord's name. We truly thank and praise the Lord for this. We hope that the Lord will be gracious to us and set up His own testimony in the near future so that He will gain the glory. Sister Wang was in Hong Kong conducting meetings for three weeks. In the beginning they borrowed the Yu-Ren Chapel. During the last two weeks, they used the meeting hall on Shek-Kip-Mei Street and conducted two weeks of Bible study for the believers. The Lord blessed His own work. Presently, Brother Luan, Mrs. Nee, and Miss Wang have gone to Swatow for work and will be back in Hong Kong in a month or two. After they come back, they will decide where to go next. The work in Hong Kong and Macao must wait for their return before anything can be settled.
Brother Ho Nai-yee, January 23
Dear Brother Faithful Luk in the Lord:
Since you are able to come to Dutch Indonesia, this proves that the Lord has opened a straight way for you. The places where you were are far from Java, and we have not even heard of the names of these places before. Yet the Lord has brought you to these places. We truly have to praise Him for His greatness and wonder. We see that the Lord is not a respecter of persons. "The people sitting in darkness have seen a great light; and to those sitting in the region and shadow of death, to them light has risen." May the Lord's grace overshadow you, and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you so that you receive abundant power to strive together in oneness for the Lord's holy work. The brothers and sisters in Surabaya have grown recently. However, we are still young. May the Lord bless us so that we may grow and mature. The work of the preaching of salvation is still not being carried out yet, and this matter has been a burden on our heart. We do hope that this burden can be released from our heart. We hope that the Lord will bring you to us soon. Yet it must be according to the Lord's own will. Please tell us a little of your experience of coming to Indonesia, and please pray for us. Peace to you in the Lord! Greetings to the saints who are with you.
Brothers Dai Chung-ming, Chen En-shen, Wang Fen-hsing
Brothers and sisters who are called by the Lord in every place:
May the grace and peace of the Lord be multiplied to you, amen. There are many denominations in the Philippines, and the complexity of them is no different than that of other places. Over ninety percent of the Filipinos are Catholic. Although they know about Jesus, they do not understand the truth of the redemption of the cross and the blood. This is indeed sad! A few years ago the Lord's servant, Leland Wang, came to the Philippines and preached the redemption of the cross. Not long after, the Lord sent Brother Simon Meek to come and continue with the shepherding work. Although the brothers and sisters here are spiritually immature, our Lord, who is the Author and Finisher, has been working silently to accomplish His plan step by step. Two years ago Brother Watchman Nee was going to England, and the Lord led him to pass through here. During that brief period, he expounded the truth of the church a little in addition to releasing the truth of overcoming. All the seeking brothers and sisters received much help from this. Later, because of the saints' spiritual hunger and because of the need of the work which necessitates Brother Meek's going out for evangelization work, the brothers were in one accord to ask the Lord to send a servant to work in our midst. After praying, we sent a letter of invitation to Chuenchow to ask Brother Wu Ren-jieh to come. After he received the letter and after waiting before the Lord for a long time, he arrived in the Philippines in September.
After Brother Wu arrived in the Philippines, the Lord gave him the opportunity to have a conference for the edification of the believers. All the seeking saints received help. From November 24 to December 4, the Lord led the workers to come together. Workers from Cebu and Mindanao also came and joined us. All of them have some contributions for the Lord's work. We will have a more practical plan to carry out the work in the "great frontier land" and the "small frontier land." Brother Meek has been most enthusiastic and will set out for the gospel to the outer islands again. He hopes to preach the gospel even to the Filipinos so that they can bear the same testimony as ours. Please do not forget to pray for the small work in this remote region.
A young brother in the Lord meeting in Manila, PhilippinesDecember 23
We have a few sisters here who would like to offer X dollars for the workers in Szechuan, Hunan, and Hankow and for the saints in need. We do not know their names or their condition. We can only find your address from The Open Door. Please discuss this with Sister Ruth Lee. Our desire is that more help should be rendered to the sisters.
Sister Ruth Chen, October 9, 1938[Address omitted]
(1) Issue No. 13 was sent out from Shanghai at the end of November. My trip from Yunnan to Shanghai via Hong Kong was tiring. After arriving in Shanghai, many affairs were waiting to be handled. On top of this, we had ten days of meetings for the sisters. Moreover, I had to wait for news from the brothers and sisters in Hunan and Hankow before I could proceed with the next issue. Consequently, Issue No. 14 has been delayed again and again. Of course, this was not the main reason for the delay. Many times, as I was starting to edit, something within me urged me to wait a little. Today I know that this waiting has not been in vain. I thank the Lord for this!
(2) I have prayed again and again about which letters to publish and which not to publish. If there is any impurity in the heart and if the news is not accurate, we will not have God's blessing. Consequently, I have done this work in fear and trembling.
(3) Recently, we heard that some brothers and sisters have been called to serve the Lord full-time. Of course, we have to thank the Lord for this, but they have to be tested. A man should be clear himself as to whether or not he has been called and what ministry he has received from the Lord. As for us, we can only express what we feel (whether or not we are sympathetic) after we have observed and seen the fruit. This expression from us does not mean that we have any authority at all; it is merely an objective comment. The most important thing is each person's own relationship with the Lord.
(4) During these perilous end times, there are men who will not maintain respectable work, and there are men who will use godliness as a means for base gain. If we are not discerning and allow these men to come in or recommend them to others, the churches of God will suffer loss. I hope that the churches everywhere will learn of the church in Ephesus: "You cannot bear evil men; and you have tried those who call themselves apostles and are not, and have found them to be false." I hope they will also learn of the discerning ones in Smyrna, who knew of "the slander from those who call themselves Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." A man is not something just because he calls himself such; we have to test such a one. If anyone wants to recommend anyone else, he must be very careful. "And we sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is throughout all the churches, and not only this, but who has also been selected by the churches as our fellow traveler....And we sent with them our brother, whom we have proved to be diligent in many things many times..." (2 Cor. 8:18-19, 22). This is a good example of the way to recommend others. A genuinely good brother or an apostle used by the Lord will not become something that he is not just by moving to another place. The environment often only reveals man's real condition.
(5) During this critical period, it is right for all the churches to do their best to provide hospitality for the visiting believers and those who are fleeing from tribulation. But not everyone for whom we have provided hospitality can be recommended. In the past we have published the names of some people because we have received letters from the places where they come from or have passed through. We do this also to relieve the concern of many caring ones. Unfortunately, some have tried to use our publication for their own goal. This is too much of a shame to the testimony! Some do not know the flesh and engage in fleshly activities! How our heart aches over such things! We wish that God would use and bless those brothers and sisters who are pure and who fear the Lord. We are more than willing to testify for them. But if we see that some have other motives, not hating sin and not judging their flesh, how can our conscience allow us to recommend them? If we have offended anyone because of this, we do it out of compulsion. What else can we say except ask for them to excuse us?
(6) Since the time the co-workers have been paying attention to the work in the inland regions or frontier regions, we thank the Lord that much sympathy has been aroused. But we wish the co-workers in the inland regions or the frontier regions would take note of one thing: Some may write to you and tell you that they have the calling and the burden, and they may ostentatiously say that they have seen the truth of the church or that they are taking the way of the cross. You cannot consider them workers just by words in letters. If you do not know them, and no one has recommended them in a solid way, you have to pray and investigate much. Even if you have seen them face to face, you must still test them. As far as we know, two persons have written to the workers in Yunnan, indicating that they want to go to Yunnan. Fortunately, they did not go. One of these two has always been unruly and full of lies. The other one was excommunicated from being a preacher. Some have even said that the second one was accused of selling opium and had been in jail. It is a small thing to inflate numbers and reports, but it is a great thing when evil behavior ill-affects the work. Therefore, we have to point this out in a frank way.
(7) God has done more than what we ask or think in supplying the needs of the saints who became needy through the war. In Issue No. 13 we said in the "Letter on Behalf of the Editor" that the saints in Hunan and Szechuan province have mostly been taken care of. After that word was published, Yueh-Yang capitulated and Ch'ang-sha had a great fire. Reports of danger also came from Yi-Yang and Ch'ang-Teh. I was almost unable to sleep or eat, and I could only call on God. Thank the Lord that at such a critical juncture, one brother from Chefoo and a few co-workers in Chuenchow sent some money. According to their designation, not only was there enough money to relieve the brothers in Hunan province, but we were able to render help to other places as well. At that time I was in K'un-ming and did not know the whereabouts of the brothers in Ch'ang-sha, Yi-Yang, and Ch'ang-Teh. After much prayer I sent the money to Yi-Yang and asked a few trustworthy brothers to distribute it. I found out later that the brothers had left Yi-Yang, and I was condemned, thinking that the money was lost. Yet I recalled that this was what I felt should have been done in the first place, and then I felt peaceful about it. If you read Brother Kuo Jen-yung's letter in this issue, you will see that God demonstrated special grace in this matter, and I can only thank Him with all of my heart!
(8) Presently, the mail between Shanghai and Hankow is clear again. Recently some brothers arrived in Shanghai from Shu County. According to their report, everyone is safe with the exception of Brother Lee Teh-shiu, who left a while ago and has not sent back any news. There is no news yet from the brothers in Kuling. Although there have been bombings in Kuei-yang, Brother Liu Yu-chuan wrote to say that all the saints were safe. Thank the Lord. All the offerings that we have received from various places have been sent to their designated place if they have been so designated. If they have not been designated, we have sent them to places where the needs are the greatest. As far as we know, Hunan province is in more trouble than other places. Szechuan and Hankow provinces are tolerable. Many in Tai-Shan, Kwangtung, have lost their jobs. Kuei-yang already has a high cost of living. After the recent bombing, demand has exceeded supply, and the situation has become even more difficult. We have to investigate the situation thoroughly before we send them relief. In the past the amounts of money sent to the various places have not been large. In consideration of the practical situation in various places, we have always entrusted the distribution to reliable local brothers. We thank the Lord with all our heart for everything in the past, and we look to the Lord for everything in the future! On the one hand, we ask God to care for the brothers who are truly in need and to open up ways for them. On the other hand, we ask God to bless those who are offering in secret and giving in private! As for me, I receive with one hand and give out with the other. Yet I am always afraid that I do not do a good job or that my work will become unacceptable to the saints. May the Lord be merciful to me so that I would carry out the work faithfully through the prayers of many.
Ruth Lee in Shanghai, February 6, 1939
We have already run out of Issue Nos. 1, 8—10, and 12 of this magazine. We apologize for not being able to send back issues to those who have asked for them. There is still a limited number of the other issues. We will send them out until we run out.
[Omitted]
