In the spring of this year, 2009, CBF partners David and Ann Wilson led efforts to tangibly minister to those communities affected by the devastating May 12, 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Working with CBF field personnel in Sichuan, the Wilsons sent several generous gifts to be used by the Jiangyou Christian Church as it ministered to needs of their county. Jiangyou County and city are located on the northwestern edge of the fertile Sichuan basin, adjacent to high mountains. It is along this mountain-basin geographic border that the earthquake of May 12 occurred. Jiangyou County has experienced near weekly aftershocks with diminishing severity for most of the last twelve months. The Jiangyou City church was destroyed and rebuilding is scheduled for sometime this year. In the mean time the city congregation meets under tents stretched across the rubble of their old sanctuary.

The congregation of Houba in a northern township of Jiangyou County, was selected as distribution center for more than 200 high quality dress shirts for men and women. Through the Wilson’s gift, believers and seekers in this community were presented with much needed and appreciated spring clothing. Recovering from the earthquake and subsequent severe flooding, these folks have had little time, resources, or energy to think about replacing such things as seasonal clothing. This gift was a wonderful way the church could reach out to their community by meeting basic needs. CBF is happy to share and minister the Good News of Jesus Christ holistically in this way. Thank you, David and Ann Wilson, for bringing this opportunity of ministry before your church and leading efforts to share the love of Christ as you have.

Ladies from Petaluma Valley Baptist Church in California made and sent a box full of beautiful prayer shawls to be given to Chinese Christians here in Sichuan. Pictured are current students in a lay training program for registered church leaders in Sichuan. These hand-made shawls were emotionally received since they represent loving and prayful relationships with sisters in Christ from the other side of the world.

Teaching English in communities around Sichuan Province is a great way for your group to meet a most desired need among Chinese students. Qualifications for this service are as simple as being a native English speaker. Please contact us if you or your church group would consider a week long project of sharing your English language skill and culture!