Dear Soo Dok-Ling,

My name is Richard Davis, and I got your name from the Chinese – American Gospel Association.  It is the desire of my wife, Vivian and me to encourage you as you struggle living out your faith in a communist country.  Speaking of struggles, our 12 year old daughter, Lynn, came home yesterday with the ugliest yellow nail polish.  What will the elders at first Community Church think if we let her wear  something like that! 

Our family is praying for you.

Sincerely,

The Davis’s

 

Dear Mr. Davis,

Thank you for the letter and prayers.  I, too, was married, but my husband, a pastor, has been missing for several months, now.  He was very prominent in the underground church here in China, so there is little reason to think I’ll see him again soon.  My hope now is for when I see him in eternity.  My new baby son, Jin-Woo, looks just like him.

In spite of our trials, our fellowship continues to meet frequently, usually in homes.  Although we are always concerned about government officials infiltrating our meetings, it is always a joy to worship with other brothers and sisters.

In Jesus,

Soo Dok-Ling

 

Dear Soo,

I was very interested in reading about your home fellowship meetings.  Our church, too, has started home cell group meetings every Wednesday night.  Viv and I haven’t been attending, as the closest one is a good 20 minute drive away.  Not only that, but as much as our pastor stresses that they shouldn’t last over 90 minutes, I hear they often go until at least 8:30!  It’s just not worth it.

Our Sunday service is nice, though.  I just wish the church governing board wasn’t so concerned with the fuel bill.  The last few Sundays have been rather chilly.

Your brother in Christ,

Richard Davis

 

Dear Brother Richard,

Thank you for writing again so quickly.  My English skills are weak, so I do not understand ‘fuel bills’ or ‘governing board’.  But I do know what you mean by cold services.  Sometimes, when we suspect the government may try to break up one of our meetings, we meet secretly in the woods.  Of course, the love of Christ and fellow believers keeps me from being overwhelmed by the chill, but sometimes poor little Jin cries so hard we fear the police will find us as we secretly worship in the darkness.  We praise God for His protection to this point.

In Christ,

Soo Dok-Ling

 

Dear Soo,

I can sure relate to your story of how little Jin disrupts church.  A few weeks ago, Lynn wore a dreadful looking mini skirt and leggings to church.  Actually, Viv and I thought she looked okay, but some of the deaconesses clearly didn’t approve. 

Last night Viv and I went to a Chinese restaurant.  We blew fifty bucks!  You people sure eat well.

Your brother in Christ,

Richard

 

Dear Richard,

Again, I ask for forgiveness for my poor English.  I do not understand ‘blew fifty bucks’, and I do not know what a mini skirt and leggings are. 

Yes, my people have been eating well this year.  We praise the lord for a wonderful harvest in our village.  Most families have been able to eat two full meals every day!  I pray that such extravagance does not cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus.  I especially rejoice because we have a family in our church whose little boy was born very handicapped.  The prosperity of this harvest has allowed him to live longer than anyone expected.  He is a true living miracle.

Love in Christ,

Soo Dok-Ling

 

My Dear Sister in Christ,

I can relate to the family in your church that has a child with a handicap.  I’m quite sure our younger child has a learning disability.  His grades are nothing like his older sister’s.  The school psychologist and our pediatrician both say he’s fine, but why else would a child of ours be getting B’s and c’s on his report cards?  Please pray that he is found eligible for services as a disabled child soon.

Your American Brother,

Richard

 

Dear Brother in Christ,

My English is obviously very poor.  Your letter sounded to me, in my ignorance, as if you wanted your child to be found with a disability.  Obviously I misunderstood, as that would make no sense at all.

The Chinese government has been cracking down on unapproved churches, at least in our region.  As I hear of homes being burned and pastors being arrested, I desire more every day to see my Jesus return for His bride, the church.  Hopefully soon.

In Him,

Soo Dok-Ling

 

Dear Soo,

I am sorry to hear about the treatment of Christians in your region of China.  I, too, continue to look toward the clouds, as each day here also has it’s share of trials.  For example, just this week our refrigerator broke down, and I got a flat tire coming home from work.  Then, to top it all off, our cable went out for five hours!  I truly believe we are living in the end times.

Sincerely,

Richard

 

Dear Mr. Davis and Family,

I will not tell you my name, as I fear for my safety and that of my family.  It is enough to say we have a mutual friend in Soo Dok-Ling.  As of a few days ago, she and baby Jin-Woo have been missing.  Please do not try to write back, as that could jeopardize the safety of many other believers.  Prayy for us and we will pray for you.  ‘To live is Christ, and to die is gain.’

-A friend

(Richard folds letter, pauses, then picks up remote and turns on TV)