Eric's Beijing Diary

I went to the Haidian Protestant Church today. I had been given the name and address by a friend. The first two cab drivers I talked to had not idea how to get there. The third one did some checking, and finally figured out how to take me there. I got to the place at 8 am, and stood in a long line for about a half hour. Finally we were ushered in. I was given a small FM receiver for the English translation. It didn't work very well--short or something. Strange how a limitation like language can focus your attention on what's important. I started trying to see how many times I could hear the name of Jesus. After all, that's what really counts.

I have often been told that the government churches are just a bunch of old people. Well, it is partly true. But they are very nice old people. Besides, the way I look at it, one of these days I'll be old, and then how will I feel if someone says "The church is just a bunch of old people." And they weren't all old. The guy leading the music looked to be in his twenties. And it sure was nice to hear the beautiful old hymns that are never played in church anymore. Some would say that the Chinese could learn from American churches about how to be a bit more contemporary. But I'm not sure. Somehow I have become weary of all the hype of an American mega-church. I think I'm ready to leave it behind me. Of course, I couldn't read the words in the hymn book, but I could recognize the music. When I got home, I went to cyberhymnal.org and got the words. Before you know it, I'll have my own hymn book. Hope they don't mind me singing in English.

All for Jesus, all for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers:
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.