ChinaSource | Sovereign among the Nations

Trusting God in a Troubled Hour

I have just returned from Hong Kong where I was reminded daily that the sovereign God of all nations is our one constant.

The people of God are seeking him and trusting in his purposes as they process a very painful season in Hong Kong’s history.

Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of witnessing a variety of churches as they have prayerfully sought wisdom and discernment in this current crisis.

I am always encouraged by the resilient nature of his people wherever the Holy Spirit is involved. It has been heartening to watch his followers wait on him, while seeking to listen to other points of view, and offer Immanuel to the questioning, hopeless, and desperate.

We can provide great encouragement to them by praying for the unity of the Hong Kong church in Christ and his word; and that his people will be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, while offering his power and peace in this urgent hour.

I found this blog “10 Things to Guide You during This Time” by Pastor Brett Hilliard of Island Evangelical Community Church, to be a thoughtful help in a very complex time, when emotions are edgy and opinions are diverse.

If you would like to go further and join the church in fasting and intercessory prayer, you can go to the church website at islandecc.hk and join the church’s “Hope for Our City/Hope Starts with Him” 30 Days of Fasting and Prayer. This is just one of many examples of the church in Hong Kong crying out to our Father for his mercy, guidance, and grace. We can do a lot in this urgent moment by offering our prayers as well.

Exciting Announcement Coming Soon!

Dr. Brent and Jasmine Fulton recently finished their sabbatical season and are now in discussions with ChinaSource about Brent’s return and the nature of his participation in the ministry. We are thrilled to have Brent back!

Our discussions are currently centered on how Brent’s involvement will best align with his skills and gifting while vitally contributing to the ChinaSource vision and purpose. A more definitive announcement will be coming very soon, so stay tuned!

More about Jon

Last month we briefly introduced Jonathan Kuert, the new ChinaSource donor relations manager. We are blessed to have him on our team and I’ve asked Jon to share about himself, his family, and his calling:

I came on the ChinaSource team as the donor relations manager just a few short weeks ago and I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing organization.

I first travelled to China in 2001 with AFC Global. That trip birthed a passion for China and radically changed the trajectory of my life. Within six months, I became director of AFC Global and worked in that capacity with my wife, Elissa, until 2008 when we then moved to China.

While in China, I taught English, studied Chinese, and led English language and leadership hikes with university students. Together, Elissa and I also established a small business initiative that created part-time jobs for rural Chinese women coming out of difficult life situations. Elissa, our daughter Gili, and I moved back to the states in 2015 and although we left China, China never left us.

Our love for the church and for China runs deep and the clarity that ChinaSource brings to the complex intersection of the two is incredible. Of course, ChinaSource is more than just content, and since joining the organization, I have been equally impressed with the heart and passion of the staff. I count it a privilege to serve with Kerry and the rest of the team and I look forward to where we are heading together. I am excited to connect with you as well, as we move into the future.

I think you can see why we are very thankful to have Jon as part of the ChinaSource community! As the Lord is growing our team and ministry in this critical time, we ask that you would pray for ChinaSource to stay true to God’s calling to serve the Chinese church, both in the mainland and worldwide, and to help facilitate a global partnering effort to advance Christ’s kingdom.

Kerry Schottelkorb
President

Ways to Pray

Ask our Father to establish his sovereign, redemptive will in the lives of the people of Hong Kong.
Praise God with us that Dr. Brent Fulton is coming back and will be with us very soon; serving and working in the mutual calling our Lord has given him and the ChinaSource team.
Pray for the ChinaSource Connect event in Spokane on August 25—that many interested friends will discover how they can encourage and partner to serve Christ’s church in China.

News and Notes

ChinaSource Connect Events

Spokane, Washington, US: Evening Dessert with ChinaSource
August 25, 2019

The church in China is at a crossroads and the current environment is growing ever more restrictive. Come hear the stories behind the headlines, and how you can partner with the church in the midst of an increasingly difficult climate for local and foreign believers.

Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 6:30pm
Venue: Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church
Address: 312 W Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA 99218

Hong Kong: An Evening of Fellowship
September 25, 2019

A gathering for those interested in learning about and praying for the church in China.

We will hear from ChinaSource’s new president, Kerry Schottelkorb, regarding God’s calling and vision for ChinaSource and from Dr. Brent Fulton on his new role in ChinaSource following his sabbatical.

Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Time: 6:30pm dinner, program to follow
Venue: Island Evangelical Community Church (room to be announced)
Address: 633 King's Rd, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

A light dinner will be provided. Please RSVP here by September 12, 2019 so we can prepare accordingly.

Webinar

What Is It Like to Be a Christian in China?
September 5, 2019

Join Joann Pittman and Dr. Mary Li Ma for a discussion of the historical, social, and political context of Christians in China, as well as the external and internal challenges they face by examining three broad topics:

China’s changing tolerance of Christian growth
Living as Christian communities in urbanizing China
Walking the narrow path in a more restrictive environment

Date: September 5, 2019
Time: 7:30-8:30pm, US Central Daylight Time
Platform: WebinarJam – webinar details will be sent to you upon registration
Cost: US$10.00

Staff news

Hannah Lau spoke about “Living Your Best Life” at the Emmanuel English Church women’s retreat on August 17 in Hong Kong.

ChinaSource Team

Written, translated, or edited by members of the ChinaSource staff. View Full Bio

Are you enjoying a cup of good coffee or fragrant tea while reading the latest ChinaSource post? Consider donating the cost of that “cuppa” to support our content so we can continue to serve you with the latest on Christianity in China.

Donate

The Lantern

Sovereign among the Nations