Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests by Zhi-Ming Yuan

Dear brothers and sisters, as the Thanksgiving holiday is approaching, may abundant grace be to you from our Lord Jesus Christ!

My Physical Condition

In February of this year, I found a small tumor in my lower jaw, and it was very hard when I touched it. In early March, I went to have a CT scan to find out that the size of the tumor is less than 2 cm. As I came back from my mission trip to six European countries in April, the tumor grew larger. I lost more than ten pounds and felt tired easily. Therefore I had to cancel some preaching engagements in the East Coast and Canada, and could only lead evangelistic meetings in the West Coast. Furthermore, I stopped coloring my hair (I had white hair when I was young). My physical appearance caused many friends to worry about me. At that time, I made psychological preparation to rest in the Lord. My original plan was to go on a mission trip to Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong together with my wife and daughter. But in consideration of my physical condition, I wanted to cancel the trip. My daughter, however, did not agree because for a long time she wanted a trip for the whole family to travel together. She wanted this family trip before she leaves for Harvard University in September. She told me, “Dad, don’t cancel the trip, because by that time, you will be healthy.” I went through a whole body CT scan in May, and no problem was found. In June, the result of a puncture check also indicated no problem. So, we started our trip in July. During the trip, I had to speak in more than ten meetings, but with God’s mercy, I was able to serve and witness God’s glory at every meeting. In August, we came back and I have gained several pounds and have no other physical problems. (I also want to thank my wife for helping me in giving testimonies at two meetings.)

After coming home, the tumor was still there. The doctor said that the cells taken out from the last puncture were just salivary gland cells. He doubted the accuracy of the sample. Then in September, another doctor took some cell samples for examination again, and the result was still the same. I talked to God, “My Lord, since this tumor is given to me by You, only You can understand why, and only You can take it away.”

For the past six months, God personally taught me many precious lessons of life, which I might not be able to learn in other times. Many pastors, teachers, brothers and sisters in the Lord also provided help and support for me. God’s grace, truth and power poured into my heart like torrents. From the very beginning, I can see my loving heavenly Father’s painstaking efforts and good will at work. Therefore, all these days, I was not fighting a battle in my life, but rather living through a life of thanksgiving and praises instead. Even now, my Heavenly Father is still earnestly teaching me lessons. Upon completion, I will report to you all of what I have learned.

“Gospel” Progress Report

As every one is concerned about the production of the “Gospel” film, we would like to report that work is progressing according to our schedule. The draft of the script has been completed. We are now collecting movie clips in preparation of editing of the film. The project should be completed by next year at this time.

Many Chinese through watching the film -- “The Cross—Jesus in China” have learned through the touching testimonies of how Chinese Christians in mainland China have sown in tears and reaped in joy. They cannot help but ask: What is the Gospel? How come people are willing to sacrifice their lives for the Gospel? Thereafter, we were convicted by the Holy Spirit to make our next documentary film, “the Gospel” to introduce Jesus, the Son of God, directly to more than 1.2 billion Chinese people who have not heard the Good News of the Lord Jesus. “The Gospel” consists of three parts. Each part is about one hour:

Part I: “Search”

Part I shows that from the dawn of human history, man has made great effort in order to seek the truth. Man originally does not know what they are seeking, and they still do not have an answer even to this day. On the contrary, man has fallen into the predicament of these three major realms: science, morality and life.

Part II: “Descend”

Part II introduces the whole redemption story of Jesus coming into the world to save people. It is based on the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 14. Through this episode, people will learn and recognize Jesus’ incomparable grace, truth and glory.

Part III: “Spread”

Part III describes the tremendous impact the Gospel has had on all aspects of the world for the last two thousand years, particularly on major world events, on important people, and on human history as a whole.

Christmas Gift

During this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I have a gift to all of you, which is a karaoke disk of the selections from Canaan hymns. It is a MTV called “O Lord, I Praise Thee”

“O Lord, I Praise Thee” is recorded with beautiful screen shots and three sound tracks for selection (voice, orchestra accompaniment, and erhu--a two-stringed instrument). It is suitable for overseas Christian fellowships or mainland house churches gatherings. Of course, it can also be used for personal devotion and appreciation.

“O Lord, I Praise Thee” has the recordings of twenty songs by Xiao Min that the churches inside and outside of China are most familiar with, including “My Most Intimate Friend”,” Five O’clock in the Morning in China”, “To Sing A Heavenly Song”, and “God Is Here with Us”. Four of these 20 are sung by Xiao Min herself under the blazing sun in July, and the other 16 are sung by the Beijing Canaan Choir and two outstanding singers, Wei Ping and Yue Mi from Chicago with the accompaniment of the Russian Orchestra.

“O Lord, I Praise Thee” is in both DVD and VCD formats. DVD is suitable for use by overseas and mainland city fellowships. VCD is specially made for churches in the vast rural area in China. (Most rural families do not have a DVD player, and only have a VCD player). Overseas brothers and sisters can send the VCD to friends and relatives in China as gifts. It is very convenient for them to play and make copies.

We want to thank the Lord for bringing brother Hua Xin to us during his seminary summer break. He is in charge of producing this karaoke. May God remember his hard work, and greatly use this wonderful product.

Furthermore, we have a live recording of a concert of the selections of Canaan hymns (in Los Angeles in April of this year). This recording titled “Five O’clock in the Morning in China” is in the VCD format. This concert was conducted by Wen-xing Su, a Beijing Christian musician. Soloists Long Tao (he sings the song “Cried, Laughed, Sang and Being Reticent” in the documentary film “The Cross”), Gao Lei, Wu Pei sang with the joint choir of the churches in Los Angeles. In the concert, I gave a short message and made an altar call. At that time, I had just shaved my head, as I have decided not to dye my hair anymore. While preaching, my mouth felt dry and my body was weak, but God’s grace was always sufficient for me.

Dear brothers and sisters, although the series of films like “China’s Confession” and “The Cross” have exerted great influence, China Soul for Christ Foundation is a very small Christian organization with only three to five co-workers. Since God has given us a great vision (especially concerning the 1.3 billion souls), we have to look up to Him for greater grace. Otherwise we cannot carry such a heavy load. We will encounter more attacks and interruptions, openly or secretly, because there is a spiritual warfare going on. Therefore, brothers, sisters, and churches, we ask for your prayer support. Please pray for us, for our ministry and for our families.

Lastly, on behalf of our Chairman of the Board, Brother Hsieh Wen-Jai (God’s grace is with him, for he has established another mission organization called “Smyrna”, specializing in the production of discipleship training material.), Executive Director Nelson Lao and Director of Finance Esther Lao (husband-wife team volunteers moved here from Washington , D.C after their retirement) , and co-workers Sisters Yi-Ching and Yuanyuan (Helen and Steven have moved south because of the need of the family) to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas.

November 2005