My refuge

The summer seems to be quickly winding to an end, and that means that our journey to China is quickly approaching. We should each be encouraged to pray for one another, to pray for our group leader, Jeanie; to pray for all of friends and family and churches that have been so supportive of our trip. And to pray for the people of China, for the many friends we have yet to meet, and for our sisters in Christ.

Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You.
Psalms 25:20

Less then a month to go

With less then a month before we leave for our journey, the excitement is starting to build. So many last minute details... Visas, room assignments, gathering photos... Let's make sure we make plenty of time for prayer. Pray for China. Pray for our group. Pray for our supporters. Be blessed as you continue to prepare for our Ubuntu Journey.

Suggested articles from Diane

Ubuntu Friends,

The home page of the General Board of Global Ministries features an article on how churches in China are preparing to receive visitors to the Olympic Games. These are exciting times all around in China!

See www.gbgm-umc.org.
Or http://gbgm-umc.org/global_news/full_article.cfm?articleid=5069.

Cheers,
Diane

Suggested read from Jennifer

Hi everybody!

There was a neat cover story in the Chicago Tribune about the spread of Christianity in China--it was very interesting. You can click here to read it: Jesus in China

Also, a while ago I finished a book called Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It was a very good read.

Hope everybody is having a great summer
Jennifer

Sending Forth Service

From Jeanie:

Ladies, On the Sunday prior to departure of United Methodist Volunteers In Mission teams, a church service of Sending Forth is generally held. This service acknowledges that your service is recognized and supported in prayer by church members.You are encouraged to speak with your pastor right away to ask that your church conduct a service of sending forth for you as an Ubuntu Journey sister. A copy of the sending forth service that is included in the UMVIM Training Manual, with a slight revision for our mission service, is provided in via email. If desired, your pastor has access to other sending forth services in the Book of worship.
Blessings,
Jeanie

A poem shared by Diane Allen....

As the Ubuntu eXplorers group strives to promote contact, partnership and mutual understanding with Christians in China, here's a prayer that can be used asking God to bless China and its people.

God bless China
its cities, towns and countryside:
with fertility for the land
clean air to breathe
a stable, just economy
fair shares for all
respect for differences
support of the weak.

Grant to the young, mature and old alike:
healthy bodies
lively minds
safe living and working conditions
freedom to question, change and grow.

Bless the authorities with wisdom:
officials with gentle sensitivity
the church with confidence and joy
the people with happiness and love.

With peace, friendship and co-operation
at home and abroad:
God, bless China!

© Friends of the Church in China, 2008
(used with permission, no reprint without permission)