Eric's Beijing Diary

Went to Haidian Jiaotang this morning. I sat next to a microbiologist from Beida who told me that this church has seen tremendous growth in the past five years. They are right now building a new sanctuary that will hold 3000 people. It is interesting to me to see the comparison between a church like this, and the American megachurches I was used to in the Phoenix area. It is a bit like taking a step back in time. Perhaps some American young people would have a hard time getting used to this kind of service, especially if they were not familiar with the hymns. But I think many churches in America have gone to the opposite extreme. It seems as if the church in China has become what the church in China always wanted to be, but was not allowed to be, and what the church in America has always been allowed to be, but no longer wants to be.

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!