January 20, 2004

Dear Friends,

Xinnian kuaile. Happy Chinese New Year to everyone. We celebrated the first day of the New Year on January 1, 2004, and we will celebrate the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival on January 22.

We have just returned from the 2004 Amity Winter Conference in Kunming, Yunnan province, located in southwestern China. Kunming is approximately at the same latitude as northern Mexico, only on the other side of the world. It is situated on a 1.2 mile-high plateau and enjoys a protected location. With mountains to the north, east, and west, it has a mild climate, with an average temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, making it spring all year round.

The two-hour bus ride took us through the beautiful and splendid countryside of southwest China. As our three buses snaked along the mountain roads, the local farmers’ labor was evident. We saw steep mountains terraced and planted in crops. No space appeared to be untended or wasted.

Upon arriving in Xiachangchong Village, we divided into smaller groups. Our small group visited one of Amity’s water conservation sites at a reservoir high above the village. It was no easy task getting there, and our respect for our driver increased as he continued up the mountain trail that was much more suited for a horse or mule, rather than a jeep.

The village has drinking water and enough water that the food yield increased, providing ample food for the village with some left over to sell as cash crops, which raised the village’s standard of living. Amity also helped the village to build a pumping station so that the water could be delivered to the village through a pipeline. Each family in the village pays 7.5 yuan yearly for the salary of a man to care for and maintain the reservoir. The villagers are very pleased with their reservoir work.

After a wonderful lunch of salt pork, rice, pickled greens, pumpkin, and other delicious vegetables, we visited the village church. The deacon of the church told us about the village church. They do not have a pastor because there are not enough trained and ordained pastors for all the churches in China. He told us that there were about 200 people in the village and most of them attended church.

The highlight of the day was the gathering of the Miao village and the Amity people on the school playground. As we, the visitors, gathered to sit on the benches surrounding the pine needles that had been spread in our honor, the village lifted their voice in the singing of hymns. Accompanied by two accordions, the hymns were melodiously presented in four-part harmony. After the Miao sang a song, they sat down and the Amity group stood and sung “Amazing Grace.” The accordion player recognized the tune and started playing for us as the Miao people started singing in their language. Then the Miao sang another song. The Amity followed with a song. One person in our group referred to it as “Dueling Hymns.” It was a wonderful experience. The next to the last song the Miao people sang was from their hymnal. As they were getting reading to sing, some of them came over so that we could share their hymnal with them. It was very touching to see such Christian generosity even though no one from Amity could read their language. The afternoon singing was finished with “Until We Meet Again” sung in English and Miao. It was such a blessing to spend the afternoon with believing brothers and sisters in Christ.

Christianity in China

God be with you ‘til we meet again;
By His counsel’s guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you;
God be with you ‘til we meet again.

‘Til we meet, ‘til we meet,
‘Til we meet at Jesus’ feet;
‘Til we meet, ‘til we meet,
God be with you ‘til we meet again.

God be with all of you until we meet again.

In Christian love,

Billy and Vickie See