GroshLink

Franklin Graham's update on China addresses a number of topics including earthquake relief efforts by the Chinese military and partnership with Samaritan's Purse, concerns regarding any law-breaking missionary work in the relationship to the Olympics, and how he deals with the issue of needing to appear perfect during such challenging situations.

Comment:  Thank-you to Miller for passing along this helpful interview.  It was good to watch/listen to how some Christians are involved in relief efforts and the ways in which Franklin has seen China become more open to the work of the Gospel.  Although I agree with Franklin in general regarding the vision of working alongside the government and the desire not to set the Church in China back, we must be wary of becoming a pawn of the government.  Jesus the Christ is the LORD over all governments.  The people of God will at times break the law AND the Chinese House Church Movement is a great modern day example.  Secondly, Franklin didn't answer the question of how he deals with issue of being perfect except to say that he keeps his family's mission/call in front of himself and he presses on with ministry, using the recent example of what I assume is a Chinese government sanctioned evangelistic outreach held in coordination with the Official Chinese Church. 

Our Father in heaven, we pray for your Spirit's continued Presence among your people and those which act on your behalf through the various creational structures which arise by your common grace as they care for those in need, mourn, and rebuild.  We rejoice in the ministry of the Graham family and the work of Samaritan's Purse.  Continue to use them in the advance of the Gospel and the blessing of our neighbor (in China).  May China and the people of China come to see you alone provide not only relief, but daily guidance through the gift of your Son Jesus.  Grant your grace today to your people in China that they, by the power of your Spirit, might boldly live and proclaim your Word.  In the Name of Your Son Jesus who will be made known through all the nations, Amen.