We enjoyed “Unity Sunday” at Beijing International Christian Fellowship (BICF). That’s when all 29 congregations (70+ nations) got together in two services (because the building won’t hold 4000 people) for Sunday worship. I can tell you it was wonderful! GOD doesn’t have a problem understanding Chinese characters, but for many of us “foreigners” the words were displayed in Pinyin (English-like words). We sang in both languages in an interdenominational service. An African choir “rocked” the Church during the offering and had the crowd on their feet and everyone clapping. Hands were raising, joyful voices filled the room and GOD was glorified.
Chinese nationals can’t attend our services and it hurts to see them turned away at the door. I hope and pray their services are like ours. You might wonder why anyone would agree to the restrictions on our Church services. I can tell you, a lot of foreigners live in Beijing and they are being touched by GOD through the ministries of BICF. Foreign Christians need the preaching, teaching and fellowship BICF provides. In our services the Holy Spirit isn’t restrained and can’t be controlled, if we let Him have His way. Someday in Heaven we will all worship together, without language or government barriers. It’s going to be great!
Wayne Lance (2014)