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In
April 2005 we (Alan and Ursula Millar) made a pastoral visit to Guangzhou
in Southern China to visit two church members living in that vast city. Our
aim was to give pastoral support and encouragement to the couple, to see the
fellowship which they are involved in, to learn something of what God is
doing in China and where possible to bring encouragement.
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong province and is located on the Pearl
River delta near the South China Sea 182 kilometres (111 miles) away from
Hong Kong. It is China's largest and most prosperous city in the south. [It
is an important seaport for foreign trade and a famous historical and
cultural city over 2,800 years old.
The
city is known for its mixture of culture, tradition and even names. It is
called Goat City or Flower City by the Chinese, while for decades after the
Opium War (1839-1842) it was known to foreigners as Canton.
From
our friends we learned that Guangzhou has undergone dramatic modernization
in recent years, and although boats still shuttle back and forth on the
Pearl River, the cross-river tunnel and underground railway are increasingly
bringing a new look to the city of Goat and Flower. One of our first
impressions of Guangzhou was
that it is a city on the move in every way. It is a modern city, with older
enclaves, but it is the high density that strikes you. The official
population is ten million people, but the true figure is probably nearer
thirteen million people. There are over 11,000 people living to the square
mile. Compare that with Wiveliscombe and its population of 2,500 people.
Our
hosts made our stay memorable and it was a privilege to be in their home for
two weeks. We trust that our visit achieved its purposes and that our being
there conveyed the love and care of the fellowship here in Wiveliscombe.
From our point of view it was good just to be there with them in their home,
to deepen our friendship, to get to know them better, to laugh and enjoy one
another’s company and to share together in the partnership of prayer.
During our stay it was our joy and privilege to attended the
Guangzhou International Christian Fellowship. We also met some other
family members and what thrilled us was their love for God, their hunger for
his word and their passion that others will come to know and love Jesus as
Lord and Saviour. |
