Jesus Christ - Hope of the World

Christmas Greetings!                                                                December 2018

 Despite what you may have heard, this month we in Beijing International Christian Fellowship did what Christians have been doing all over the world for the last 2000 years – rejoiced in Emmanuel!

We had the privilege of sharing the Good News of His coming with all people for the 8^th year in the Haidian Church. We are very thankful for the welcome and Gospel-partnership we enjoy with the brothers and sisters of this church.

 For 2 nights in Dececmber the Lord filled their sanctuary with more than 1500 people as we declared our hope in Jesus through song, dance, drama, and proclamation.

Now that we have almost 30 Small Groups in our church, spread across many of the Universities in our part of the city, December is packed with Christmas outreaches and parties. Several groups decided to give popcorn to all the International students in their dorms. Lots of popping and packing! Then followed by lots of surprised smiles and words of appreciation for their random kindness in Christ’s name. Who doesn’t need a study break to enjoy some popcorn…and a Christmas card with some Great News!?

It was our privilege to enjoy dinner with this small group and their friends. We met in a ‘Halal’ Muslim restaurant near their campus. We enjoyed a great meal, sang Christmas carols, exchanged ‘white elephant’ gifts, and Mark was asked to share a brief Gospel message. Less than 25% of the students pictured above are members of the small group…so far! You can see that their friends had a lot of fun and are quite open!

Closed Doors can Open More

Our BICF ZGC Korean pastor had his visa revoked about a month ago. So, we suddenly had to organize Pastor John’s (in black coat, wearing a lei from Dayna) farewell/commissioning and Pastor Steven’s (blue tie, next to John) appointment. God has been preparing Steven through five years of serving with John.

Pastor John was here to welcome us to BICF ZGC, serving for over a decade. So, it was hard to say good-bye. But he continued to be a wonderful example and encouragement in Christ right to his final benediction. He enthusiastically told us to trust God who both closes and opens doors in the advance of His Kingdom. Pray for John and his family in their next steps of service and Steven and family in their new role.

We stepped up our game this Thanksgiving. We found a larger venue and a better menu! Over 200 happy eaters seemed to think it was a good move. Lots of students brought their seeking friends, pray for them!

Thanks for praying for our travels to Jinan, China in early November. We had the privilege meeting with 150 students from 33 cities in China who were chosen to participate in a Leadership Conference. They lead Small Groups on University campuses all around the nation, reaching their classmates with the Great News. Mark was asked to be their Speaker and shared “Lessons on Leadership: Paul’s Letter to Titus.” We learned together and from one another. Their testimonies of endurance and obedience were humbling and invigorating. Some groups are now forced to meet in dormitory stairwells! But they vowed to press on!  

Christmas Sunday

We had our normal 11 am and 6 pm services on December 23. Members worked hard to present a great program of dance, drama, music, and preaching from Luke 2. The Advent reading was presented in languages from the Pacific (Samoan, Hawaiian, and Tongan – with English translation on the PPT screen) and songs were sung in English, Portuguese, French, and Swahili! Jesus truly is Savior of the whole world!

After morning service many of us went to our new favorite all-church lunch spot. Lots of people were saying the meal even topped Thanksgiving! So, like people all around the world, we ate too much. But we were well-fueled for stepping back into the cold for Christmas caroling! And, like last year, we were invited inside our shopping mall, onto their center stage….!

Our newest ZGC ministry is called Joshua Training. The title was coined in hope that men and women will be better equipped for service through the message of the Word and mentoring in their walk and witness. We feel responsible to take even more advantage of the opportunity we have to equip student/leaders from around the world. We want to be more intentional in helping them be ready to serve their churches, even plant new churches, in the places God will lead them with the impressive academic credentials they earn here in Beijing.  Given the busy schedules of folks in Beijing, we are trying to find the right balance of how much time to require for this program. The current schedule is one day a month. Courses are offered all day on a Saturday or two Sunday afternoons. People can choose what works best. So far, we have had more than 100 ZGC members taking each of our Joshua classes. Mark will be part of the teaching team for the January course on “Ecclesiology: The Church”

We’re blessed to have our son Josiah with us these holidays. As we wrote, he has left Kazakahstan and has been looking at job opportunities here in China, and beyond. Thanks for praying for him. We had the best Christmas dinner right outta Dayna’s kitchen! Several friends came to share! Rejoice! Emmanuel has come!

Christ is Here, Christ will Come Again! and Happy New Year! Mark and Dayna Blair

Our Mission  Pioneers - 10123 William Carey Dr - Orlando, FL 32832 USA          

Checks to ‘Pioneers’ – with attached note: ‘Mark and Dayna Blair, Beijing.’                       

Electronic transfers: https://give.pioneers.org/p-75-give-to-a-missionary-or-project.aspx 

(Our Account # is 110565, Mark and Dayna Blair)

Email blairstan2@gmail.com  Or blairstan@psmail.net  (secure)

Blog  www.blairstan.blogspot.com  Web Site  www.pastormarkblair.org

Our Ministry Beijing International Christian Fellowship www.bicf.org/zgc

http://bicf.org/sermons/latest-sermons/messages/speaker/mark-blair

                                                                                                    

BICF Sermon App for Apple or Android: www.bicf.org/#app   (ZGC Sermon Tab)

Autumn in Beijing

Greetings from Beijing on this beautiful fall day!                                   October 2018

The sky is blue and the leaves are brilliant yellows and oranges as we pack up the shorts and rubber slippers and get out the flannel and fleece. We’re back home in Beijing after a great Home Assignment in California.

We landed the end of August and jumped into the busy Fall season in Beijing International Christian Fellowship Zhongguancun. Each Sunday we welcome students from many nations who have come to study in the 82 Universities in the neighborhood of the hotel where we worship. Mark has been preaching through the book of Daniel Sunday mornings and coaching the young preachers through Luke on Sunday nights.

Last week our work visa was extended for one more year. Given the religious restrictions here you might be reading about (www.chinasource.org), and the fact that we’re not getting any younger, we waited to get this in hand before sending out this update. We rejoice and are humbled to be entrusted with great responsibility to serve the Most High God in this fruitful field of His harvest.

We have already had several events to connect people to God, church, and one another. Dayna organized our bi-annual “Welcome to Beijing” event where a team of our church members shared many practical tips on how to thrive in Beijing – understanding your Chinese professors, renting doc-less bikes, shopping on the internet, navigating subways and bus routes, etc. We had a great turn out of people from all faiths and no faiths who appreciated this free opportunity to connect.

CIF - In early September we gathered in Xiamen for the China International Fellowship. As leaders of International churches throughout the nation it was great to renew friendships, hear what the Lord is doing, and pray for one another. Mark was invited to speak on “What are the characteristics of international church leadership?” There are still many cities – some with thousands of ex-pats – that have no international church. We decided to meet in one of them next year. Have you heard of Chongqing? There are just 30 million people that live there?!

Holiday Camp  During China’s  national holiday  week in October, 137 of us headed for the hills outside of Beijing for three days., 70% were international students, many of them new to Beijing and our church. We were knit together  as we shared, hiked, played games, ate, and studied Scripture – a number for the first time – together. A number already feel very connected to our BICF-ZGC community. There was great

fellowship and fun with people from many nations. We rejoiced together in the Gospel of God’s grace as we studied through the book of Ephesians. Three decided to be baptized and were baptized last Sunday, from Congo, Belgium, and USA.

A Big Move  Our son Josiah is moving from Kazakhstan this week. We're grateful for your prayers for him and our granddaughter Maylee, now 14, who lives with her mom in Almaty. Josiah has lived there for 20 years and is fluent in Russian. With the Kazakh economy in decline and a slowed down market, it is quite hard to save for Maylee's future education - she got her US passport this summer! He has skills and experience in international business, teaching, television presenting, voice recording, customer service training, and consulting. We recommend him very highly! If you want a great team player, write josiahblair@gmail.com  

International Weekend This month we had three days of great fun. We hosted a dear brother, Wilbur Sargunaraj, who uses music, dance, and kindness to share truths about life together in this world. Check out how the Lord is using him all over the world. (http://www.wilbur.asia/wilbur30/ ) We had a packed room full of students from around the world for his “Cultural Intelligence” night. Many of them were not yet believers, several had never visited a church before, and they wondered if such fun and unbounded joy was what happened in church every week…uh…?! Soon Wilbur be posting videos he made during his few days with us about eating ‘Peking Duck’ – the setting for a frank exchange about race relations – and another film will feature a bunch of excited Chinese students dancing on the Great Wall!

Teaching in November

ICFC trains Christian leaders and provides a platform for unity and service in various Christian fellowships across China.  November 8 and 9 we will visit Jinan City and teach student leaders who will gather from many cities in China. Mark will teach on “Shaping of a Leader” from Paul’s letter to the young leader Titus.

Then later in the month Mark will teach a BICF Seminary class on “Preaching and Teaching Skills.” It will be a practicum for those who want to grow in their communication skills. We are thankful for the opportunity to offer internationally accredited Master’s level courses right here in Beijing.

Thank you for praying for these great opportunities to share God’s Word with young leaders. Bright young leaders from many nations have received scholarships from China to come and study here in their best universities. Many will return home to key positions in their homelands.

Summer Home Assignment

We had several ‘firsts’ as we visited California this summer – 3 days in Yosemite National Park, Oakland A’s Stadium, the ‘ghost town’ of Bodie, animal-style fries at In & Out, Manzanar, Gas Lamp in San Diego, Shat’s Bakery in Bishop, Basque food in Bakersfield, driving Highway 395, getting rear-ended by speeding drunk driver (not injured, car damage minimal…huge thanks to the Lord!),  rode the LA Metro Rail,…

It was three years since we’d been to California. Seeing dear friends who have so faithfully prayed, loved, and supported us for so long is very humbling and gratifying! Saying thank you is surely not enough, but we say it sincerely!

We really enjoyed our grandsons – Kekoa and Makana – and their parents Nathan and Heather too! We had a great time with our son Aaron, learned to play DISC golf (it’s not Frisbee!)

Back to Mao’s Home Town

This summer a team of 8 from BICF ZGC made our 2^nd trip to Mao’s home town. Last year Dayna was on the first trip and they made good relations with several schools through English language teaching for their students. This time our team was invited for a week-long camp with about 100 students.

Their theme was “He Never gives Up on Me” based on the chorus, “His love never gives up on me…” What a precious truth for kids amidst a highly competitive academic system to hold in their hearts. Here, if you aren’t in the top percentile of academic success you will not get into University, and will have a tough time getting prized jobs. Hundreds of students commit suicide when they learn they have failed their final placement exams! Life, real life, is about so much more than what can be found in test results!

International Students in China

Mark was asked to write a few sentences for the forward of this e-book about international students in China, download it here – in several languages! – freely.

https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/ebooks/international-student-ministry-in-china

Phil Jones has several great articles about what God is doing among international students here…

https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/chinasource-blog-posts/my-heart-burns-for-them 

We are Very Thankful  for your generous prayers and support! Mark and Dayna Blair

Our Mission  Pioneers - 10123 William Carey Dr - Orlando, FL 32832 USA          

Checks to ‘Pioneers’ – with attached note: ‘Mark and Dayna Blair, Beijing.’                       

Electronic transfers: https://give.pioneers.org/p-75-give-to-a-missionary-or-project.aspx 

(Our Account # is 110565, Mark and Dayna Blair)

Email blairstan2@gmail.com  Or blairstan@psmail.net  (secure)

Blog  www.blairstan.blogspot.com  Web Site  www.pastormarkblair.org

Our Ministry Beijing International Christian Fellowship www.bicf.org/zgc

http://bicf.org/sermons/latest-sermons/messages/speaker/mark-blair

                                                                                                    

BICF Sermon App for Apple or Android: www.bicf.org/#app   (ZGC Sermon Tab)

Prayer Card

Easter in Beijing

He is Risen…in Beijing!...and Everywhere!!                                           April 2018

Easter morning over 600 in Beijing International Christian Fellowship Zhongguancun joined the global Church giving praise to our Risen Lord Jesus. Six new family members – from USA, UK, China, and Thailand - professed their faith through baptism. One very sweet and powerful moment was when a 10-year-old boy who was baptized shared his testimony, “I know I have broken all 10 commandments except maybe for the adultery one”! His sincere gratitude for God’s gracious redemption brought tears to all our eyes. After the service many of us enjoyed a celebration lunch…

Easter Night many students gathered for a worship celebration followed by Ceilidh dancing!

Good Friday night we again heard the Words of the Savior from the cross as people from Uganda, USA, Ghana, The Netherlands, Uruguay, Canada, and China shared their reflections on His saving love.

Pregnant! Not married!!

 An ancient global challenge. In our church full of University students, it probably happens more than we know. It is not unusual for our African students to put on heavy winter coats in the Fall and not take them off until Spring. They have never felt cold like our Beijing winds! But eventually someone noticed a bit more to skinny Sally (not her real name).  She and Roger (not his name either) are country-mates from a faraway land. They gained the courage to share with some of our African church leaders who eventually guided them to me. After sharing, crying, and praying I asked if they wanted to confess to the church.  They did. So, as I stood behind the communion table on the first Sunday of 2018, I invited them to come stand with me. I shared they had given me permission to let the church know they are with child, and not yet married. That’s one way to get people in the pews to stop looking at their cell phones! Then I handed the mic to Roger and Sally. They both humbly, tearfully, and clearly shared their love for God and their sorrow about letting Him and the church down. Then I asked the assembly if someone among us had never sinned to raise their hand. Not one hand went up! I asked again, but none. So, I told Roger and Sally we are all on the same ground before the cross – guilty and grateful! And I prayed for them and the baby. After the service there was a long line of friends to give them hugs. They then contacted their families back home in Africa. They expected problems because they’re from different tribes. But both families showed their Christian character by quickly replying with love, understanding, and acceptance of the other. They

joined our marriage course with several other couples. They also attended a Tuesday Training class on “The Gift of Life.” Sally shared candidly, “When I realized that my sin lead to creating a child I feared I would not love the child. But as I have received forgiveness from God and the church I am so grateful for this child and eager to be a wife and mom.” One Sunday in March they were married. One week later they were parents! Roger is finishing his PhD and Sally her Masters this semester, God willing. Now they plan to go back home to Africa this summer, married, parents, and graduates!

  

Bible Teaching

This month Mark will teach a BICF Seminary class on the book of “Hebrews.” After preaching through this book last year, he has really gained a deeper appreciation of this important New Testament book. The course demands most of two consecutive weekends. Pray for God’s strength and leading and for students to be able to make this time sacrifice amidst everyone’s busy schedules.

 It was a great joy to host our good buddy that introduced us many years ago, John Svendsen. Chinese New Year, when schools close and students are free, is a great opportunity for ministry training.  Here was the last day of a Bible week that he taught. We had a wonderful time considering the “Christ-Centered Bible”and the “Christ-Centered Believer.”

Being someone’s Instagram friend gives a sometimes interesting glimpse into their lives. Stuck in the middle of this class is vibrant sister from Uruguay that we baptized 3 years ago who often shares prayer requests for her classmates. Just one of our faithful members shining God’s light and love with friends from everywhere.

We hosted a 5-week “Alpha” Marriage Course with a great group of newly married and to-be-married couples in our church from Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Romania, Costa Rica, China, and USA. Now we are in the midst of 2 courses with another dozen couples. We’re hosting one and our dear colleagues in the far left of the picture are hosting another.

We rediscovered the power of pizza recently. We bought a bunch of “New City Catechisms” to share with our church families. Yet, we wondered how could we get parents to focus for the hour we needed to introduce the idea of catechism and the tool itself…with all their little kids keeping them busy! So, we enlisted our high schoolers for small-kid-crowd-control for the price of a pizza lunch afterwards. It worked!

During the Chinese New Year break we had the joy of seeing our own kids in Oregon. What a blessing to watch Nathan and Heather dedicate KaMakanaOKeAkua “the gift of God” to the Lord in their church in Portland. Makana is 1, and brother Kekoa is already 3! We also enjoyed a few days with Aaron who came up from Eugene. Even after all these years, it never gets easier to be family stretched across Kazakhstan, Beijing, Hawaii, and the 48. So, we praise the Lord for the times we can be together. We also went to Chicago for a few days to celebrate Dayna’s 40^th anniversary of graduation from Moody Bible Institute.

We are very grateful for your faithful support and prayers as we have a wonderful opportunity to declare and demonstrate the Good News amidst 70,000 International students from 120 nations in the capital city of the world’s most populous nation.

In the joy of Him who Died and Rose Again for us, Mark and Dayna Blair

Our Mission  Pioneers - 10123 William Carey Dr - Orlando, FL 32832 USA   

Checks to ‘Pioneers’ – with attached note: ‘Mark and Dayna Blair, Beijing.’                     

Electronic transfers: https://give.pioneers.org/p-75-give-to-a-missionary-or-project.aspx 

(Our Account # is 110565, Mark and Dayna Blair)

Email blairstan2@gmail.com  Or blairstan@psmail.net  (secure)

Blog  www.blairstan.blogspot.com  Skype  blairstan  New Site  www.pastormarkblair.org

Our Ministry Beijing International Christian Fellowship www.bicf.org/zgc

http://bicf.org/sermons/latest-sermons/messages/speaker/mark-blair

                                                                                                                     

BICF Sermon App for Apple or Android: www.bicf.org/#app   (ZGC Sermon Tab)