Trip to Asia - The Best Part

I saved the best for last! What was the best part of the trip to Asia? Without doubt, the people. Over the two weeks our group met so many people. People of every kind. We met marketplace people, business people, white-collar people, blue-collar people, older people, very young people, and everyone in between. These people were the highlight of the trip.

Kind and Friendly

We did not find anyone who was less than kind the entire trip. Yes, the taxi cab driver trying to rip us off at the mall wouldn’t fit in this category; however, the average citizen was delightful. I would have never considered it, but it fits their traditional cultural beliefs. In each of the Chinese traditional religions, kindness is valued highly. The people also value respecting others. These things were evident throughout the trip.

Political and Cultural Climate

Although there is a trade war going on between the governments of the United States and China, the people live unaware and unconcerned for the most part. When asked, most individuals used President Obama’s name more frequently referring to the president of the United States rather than President Trump.

Additionally, I hardly met any anyone younger who did not want to go to America. One of the conversation pieces we used when asked where we were from was, “America, ever heard of it?” This line brought many responses. Most were filled with glowing responses and hopes of coming to America some day.

Further, the people love English speakers. They would walk their children over to us to begin a conversation, get a picture, or otherwise just interact some. When we would say “hi” in their language, they would many times grab a child to have them engage us with English. We spoke a few words with so, so many people.

The net result – Burdened

As I looked into so many of their eyes, observed their smiles, acted silly with them trying to communicate, and otherwise enjoyed them, I developed an incredible burden for these people. The stories of their lives are remarkable. Each person different. Each person an individual.

At the end of the day though, each one of these nice, kind individuals face an eternal destiny. Either they will go to heaven or hell. Now most of them do not believe in heaven or hell. They look for nirvana of some type (depending upon their particular religion) through reincarnation and karma (again, terms differ). The idea is the same – do good and eventually you be a place of peace.At the end of the day though, each one of these nice, kind individuals face an eternal destiny. Click To Tweet

This is simply not true according to the Bible. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, emphasis mine). Belief in Jesus Christ for one’s forgiveness of sins is the exclusive way to heaven. Jesus said regarding himself, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:17-18). One must believe in Jesus to go to heaven; failure to believe in Jesus means condemnation.
Read carefully Paul’s explanation in Romans 10:9-17.

…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Paul makes it clear belief in Jesus Christ – calling on the name of the Lord – is the key. But how is it possible to have faith? Faith comes through hearing.

Jesus and Paul were burdened.

Jesus lamented over the unbelief of Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39), and His spirit was troubled at the unbelief of the Jews (John 11:33). Paul was no different. He lamented too as he wrote, “I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh…” (Romans 9:1-5).

Jesus and Paul both lamented over the unbelief of others. We can do no less. These dear people in China do not know their only hope in the name of Jesus Christ. Almost all of them have never heard the name of Jesus Christ.These dear people in China do not know their only hope in the name of Jesus Christ. Almost all of them have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. Click To Tweet

The Bottom Line

If they must have faith in order to become a follower of Jesus Christ – a saved person who is guaranteed heaven for eternity rather than eternal damnation, then how can we do anything less than our best to tell them? I have never felt so helpless in my life than I did in China. To be in the middle of millions of people who desperately need to know what I know about salvation and have no language ability to tell them.I have never felt so helpless in my life than I did in China. To be in the middle of millions of people who desperately need to know what I know about salvation and have no language ability to tell them. Click To Tweet

As I talked with men and women who were in their nineties, I could not help but be overwhelmed by the fact that these people are only days away from eternity. Who will tell them?

As I talked with the marketplace shop keeper of almost 30 years, I could not help but think, who will tell him?

As I talked with the young mother and her child over lunch, I could not help but think, who will tell them?

O friend, the burden is great! These people need the gospel.

But Wait…

But wait a minute…so do our neighbors here in the States who do speak our language. What are we doing to influence them? What are we doing to introduce them to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What hope are we giving them? Are we telling them of Jesus Christ? They need the Gospel as well! We can’t assume that someone else will tell them.

You can't have a conversation about Christ until first you have a conversation! Click To Tweet

One of my newest favorite quotes is this: You can’t have a conversation about Christ until first you have a conversation! It begins with the spoken word – like “hi” or “how are you?” or any number of ways to begin a conversation. But it takes a conversation. Here’s my final question, “Are you even initiating the conversation that gets you to the greater conversation about what really matters?” May we do our best to share the wonderful news of Jesus Christ right here at home and across the seas.

Will you scroll through these pictures, look at their faces, and pray for their salvation? (click to enlarge images and scroll to right or left – 15 total pictures)