Increasing Capacity

Beijing's Capital International Airport made Asian aviation history recently when it successfully tested the simultaneous use of three runways. This will increase the airport arrival and departure capacity from 80 flights to 105 flights or more per hour when the third terminal goes into operation in February of next year. Extensive airport expansion is underway in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Assessing Beauty

Despite the sandstorms, the pollution, and the congestion, Beijing was chosen as China's most beautiful city by the China Institute of City Competitiveness. Beijing beat out 558 competitor cities to win the title. Hong Kong came in second, Shenzhen third, and Shanghai fourth. Cities were assessed on a basis of infrastructure, architecture, culture, and natural beauty.

Disappearing Greatness

Western sections of the Great Wall of China are disintegrating and may disappear entirely within in 20 years, according to the official government news agency. Ecologically insensitive farming methods of the 1950's have resulted in intense sandstorms that are eroding the wall in sections of Gansu Province along the ancient Silk Road trade route.

Treasured Partners

Thousands of short-term workers travel to East Asia each year to join in strategic ongoing work. Some of them return annually to perform vital ministries. As you read the story below, join us in thanking God for all of the treasured short-term partners who "just can't stay away."

Just Can't Stay Away

Seven years ago Randy* and Sherrill* visited East Asia to help out at a large gathering of East Asia workers. They had no idea that it would become a much anticipated annual journey. On their second trip, they brought another couple, Bud* and Candy*. The four of them teamed so well together that they have made the journey together every year since then. Now their planning for the following year begins as soon as they arrive home in the U.S. They just can't stay away!

The two couples have a lot in common. Both sets are grandparents. Both of the husbands are engineers. One member of each couple is retired, and one member of each couple takes their vacation every year to serve in East Asia. They are all members of First Baptist Church, Concord, Tennessee. They all work tirelessly and joyfully. Most importantly, they all have a special love for the workers of East Asia.

Over the years, they have seen children of workers grow into teens, single workers get married, young married couples start families, and middle aged couples send their children off to college. They have joined with East Asia workers in countless worship experiences and have even been present at the poolside when the children of some of the workers were baptized. Randy summed it up, "They're like family now." Click here to read the rest of the story.

Volunteer Moments

Take a quick glimpse into East Asia through the audio slideshows of volunteers at: http://easia.imb.org/media/volunteers.html

*Name Changed

From Frontline Workers

These brief accounts from front line workers in East Asia remind us of the great spiritual needs in China. Please join us in prayer today and throughout the month for the one billion people of China who do not yet know Christ as their Savior. "Lord Jesus, may they experience the joy and assurance of knowing You."

Not About Me, But Him

"I was teaching a (high school) English class, and a guy named Eli was in the class. And I asked them who they thought was the most important person in history. A majority of them said Chairman Mao, and some named other figures throughout Chinese history. But this Eli guy raised his hand, and he said, 'I believe that I'm the most important person in history.' And I said, 'Well could you explain that?' And he said, 'Well I'm the only one who can make myself happy. And I'm the only one who can fulfill my own life. And I'm the only one who can do the things that I need to do with the rest of my life.' And I looked at the rest of the class, and instead of being shocked at his arrogance; all of them looked as if to say, 'Man, I wish I had thought of that.' And that really epitomizes for me where China is right now. The majority of them think they are the most important person, and that their happiness should come first. And they haven't discovered that that happiness can really only come through a relationship with Christ."

Who is Amen?

"We had always heard that the questions you get on the field would be a little different than the ones back home. This held to be true when, after studying a little booklet with a new friend, I was asked, and 'Who is this Amen guy who wrote this prayer?' (Since then) this friend has professed faith in Him."

Earning the Right

"I spent four days this week in a village living with a friend and her family. It was my third visit. On the first and second visits, I was treated like royalty. I was first to eat, had water in a basin brought to me to wash my face and feet at nighttime, and was not allowed to get up out of my chair to help them do anything while they were cooking. It drove me nuts. I wanted to jump in, help them, and show them I cared, but they wouldn't have it. On this most recent visit, I was delighted (and exhausted) to finally earn the right to help do chores around the house. I was a very proud vegetable picker in the garden, a deliverer of pig slop, and a washer of mushrooms. I prepared a cucumber dish, and cooked them Western food. I swept the floor, washed the dishes, and served food in their family's restaurant. This is our normal life here: showing love, working hard, and sowing seeds. Even though she has not yet believed, I was able to share some more with my friend about Father and get in some very good conversations about my faith. I know Father is plowing the soil of this family and this village."