In the late 70's there were an estimated 3 million Christians in China. Some are optimistically saying that there are now more that 130 million. If so that’s a 43 times multiplication! That makes it one of the largest growth spurts in Christian history. Similar comparisons could be made to modern day Africa and Latin America and what is now beginning in the great nation of India.
What has been the driving force in China? There have been no great crusades allowed, no big churches running great programs. As people crowd in small and uncomfortable houses, for hours on end to hear the gospel - buildings, car parking and toilets are not one the big considerations.
The Gospel has spread from person to person. In China the gospel has spread like a virus. Similar parallels to the current spread of the H1N1 virus could be made. The authorities might try and stop it and the best medical minds try and limit its contagious spread but it relentlessly continues on to spread from person to person. Such is the power of a virus. It is contagious and out of control. It starts small then spreads like wild fire. Once it is out it is hard to stop. That is what the gospel is supposed to be like. But in our Western form of Christianity, have we effectively locked it up? Have we inoculated Christians against sharing the gospel? Have we created non-contagious Christians? Something’s wrong.
I don't know about you but I am hungry, in fact I am desperate for the same infectious spirit to be released in our nation... and in me.
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