March 27 through June 10, 2014 is Ivy’s first quarter of teaching and her first time to be a Practicum Supervisor at Macau Bible Institute (MBI), one of our ministry partners. Most students have to choose a practicum field, either in a church, an organization or other place during the school year. One of the students, Mr. Xu, has a strong sense that the Lord has called him to serve people with drug addiction, and he has devoted his time and energy to serve the people across the Pearl River Delta areas in the southeast part of China which includes Macau.

In April, MBI had a two-day faculty and staff retreat at a distant city.  On the way there, Mr. Xu invited us to visit his Gospel Rehabilitation Center for Drug Addiction. The Center consists of two simple buildings with one or two floors with a minimum allowance of electricity.  The Center houses about ten people along with some volunteers. They have planted 250 fruit trees and vegetable fields around the center and raise chickens and pigs. They cook outdoors over open fires. Within two years, the gospel has borne fruit in several young people coming to the Lord. One of them recovered from his addiction and became a volunteer. The following is his story he shared with us that day.

"When I was addicted, I was rejected by my family, especially my father. Every one isolated me because they were afraid I was going to steal their money.  Since I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord and was transformed through His words, my father trusts me. His acceptance of me has restored my dignity.  He trusts me to be the head of the house.  Once again, I am accepted into the family. I am honored. The most important thing is that I am loved.” 

Indeed. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this one of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:21-24)  He is a modern example of the prodigal son in scripture.  Surely God's word and truth change lives.

We will return to the US for the World Mission Conference (WMC) at Green Lake, WI in July.   After the WMC, we will visit churches in Ohio and the San Francisco Bay area in late July through mid-August.  If God is willing, we may see you soon this summer.

May God bless you and give you a wonderful summer!