May 28, 2014

It's Hot in Beijing!

Very warm greetings from Beijing, China!

Our short, pleasant, Spring quickly melted into sizzling heat; every day  will reach 100 F (37 C) this week. But we did not move from Hawaii for the weather. Shorts, slippers, and A/C work here too! Even in the heat, we are thankful for the season of fruitful ministry the Lord has placed before us.

Easter Celebration

We joined the Church around the world to remember our Crucified and Risen Lord during Holy Week last month. Once again seven members spoke briefly Jesus’ seven words from the cross during our Good Friday service. Great News was shared by brothers and sisters from Nigeria, New Zealand, China, Samoa, and the USA. While I met with the young man from Samoa to review his message, I was touched to hear what God was doing in his life. He said, “I have recently come to understand there is nothing I can do to save myself…not my religion… my baptism…not being good…I believe salvation is completely a gift of God who loves us!” Now he helps me craft my sermons J!

From that reflective night we moved to rejoicing on Resurrection morning. It was especially fun to be led in praise by our Youth Band with a 12 year old not much taller than the keyboard who effortlessly cranked out joyful tunes with a contagious smile as he “rocked the house.”


Dayna joined our other Polynesians with worship in dance. Easter morning we doubled our attendance – over 800 packed into our hall.    

Heddy’s Dilemma

After Easter we offered a follow-up program to explain more about the Christian faith to seekers. We used a simple, biblical, teaching program called 3-2-1 (www.321.revivalmedia.org). Their simple, direct, explanation of the Trinity right up front is very helpful and honest.

In one of our discussion groups I met a 30 year old Chinese woman named Heddy. Following Jesus was interesting to her, but the cost was great. Chinese describe a woman of her age with the cruel phrase, “past her expiration date.” So she faces strong parental pressure to marry the boyfriend she moved in with five years ago. Back then he made big promises of taking her to the States for her pursue her dream of a Ph.d. Now, he gives many reasons why they should postpone both travels and marriage – and he is out most nights chasing other women. But Heddy does not feel strong enough to walk away from him. Her parents have told her that if she walks away from him, they will walk away from her – sacrificing their daughter for a scoundrel because of their social honor. Lots of complex relationship pain in this nation! And if she follows Jesus she will have to quit her membership in the Communist Party which is a necessary part of retaining her well-paying government-linked job. Jesus call to “deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Him” is more than abstract theory for Heddy. Pray for her.

MICN in Beijing

After Easter the BICF hosted the 11th Missional International Church Network (www.micn.org). Over 70 leaders from International churches around the world gathered for five days of study, fellowship, and sharing. Dr. Hwa Yung, a Methodist Bishop from Malaysia, challenged us with his Plenary Sessions on Contextualization of the Gospel. Here is Mark leading a workshop on “Preaching in the International Church.”  




The Good Life Hawaii Radio Show

Before leaving Hawaii we recorded an interview about our life and ministry with Pastor Danny Yamashiro for his radio program “The Good Life Hawaii.” You can listen as we go “down memory lane” with him.

China Travelers

We have enjoyed a number of visitors in the last several weeks. We hosted pastors from Kauai, Abu Dhabi, and Los Angeles who shared with our church. We also hosted a brother who has worked among International Students for many years. He was really encouraged to see the unique opportunities the Lord has given us here to reach them.

A Hui Hou!

Soon we face the sad prospect of saying ‘good-bye’ to dozens of our members who’ll graduate from their Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.d programs. It does help as Christians to say “see you later” (Hawaiian: A Hui Hou!) because by the grace of God that is true. But it also helps to remember the motto of our BICF ZGC, “Gathering, Growing, Going.” Almost 100 nations will be changed by these dynamic Gospel-servants who have become more mature leaders here in China. We trust they will have many years of Kingdom-service ahead. Pray they will find great spouses, raise great kids, and make a great impact in their families, communities, workplaces, and nations. The Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, and lived out by the people of God is the greatest hope for this lost and dying world.


June marks five years of our pastoral ministry here in this capital city of the world’s most populated nation. It still seems hard to believe we are here. He continues to open wonderful doors of opportunity! From our long morning study of Revelation, Mark plans to preach through 1 Timothy – “God’s Church: Leading, Loving, and Living.” On Sunday nights he will work with our team of young preachers as we go through the Book of Daniel. This Saturday Dayna will be one of the Teachers for a BICF wide workshop on Children’s Ministries.

Thanks very much for your faithful prayers and support. Let us know how we can pray for you too!

Yours in our Mighty Savior,
Mark and Dayna Blair

Our Mission
Pioneers - 10123 William Carey Drive - Orlando, FL 32832 – USA www.pioneers.org
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Our Blog        www.blairstan.blogspot.com

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Our Ministry
Beijing International Christian Fellowship www.bicf.org/zgc
Hear Mark’s sermons at: http://bicf.org/english-service



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