We are absolutely dependent on God to accomplish His mission among the Hui. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, there is no need for us to live among the Hui or spend time traveling among them on a short-term trip. Our money, time, influence, skills and charisma do not turn Hui people to Jesus; it only happens through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Christmas is a week away! Around the world Christmas trees are lit up full of shiny ornaments. Preparations are underway. Christmas parties are happening nightly. People are taking vacation days to prepare for Christmas or traveling home to celebrate with family. We like to think that everyone knows Christmas is coming! However, among the Hui there is little evidence that Christmas is about to arrive.
Hours before sunrise Mr. Ma, his father, grandfather, and 4-year-old son, Ibrahim, all rise and get dressed. Winter has almost arrived so they pull on their warmest long underwear before slipping into their finest clothes. Mr. Ma slips on black dress pants, a new white shirt and a nice grey sports coat. His son has received new clothes for this special day. He has a new white outfit that resembles traditional Muslim clothing with a colorful prayer cap (skull cap). The Ma men leave their mud brick home and walk down to the local village mosque where they find a tour bus waiting.
Due to dire family circumstances, Mei En had to drop out of school in the 6th grade and begin working. Her brother and sisters all have had much better educational opportunities than she, but she never has a bitter word to say. She lovingly supports them in their endeavors and joyfully shares with others the difference that Jesus made in her family once her mother became a believer and led the rest of the family to Him.
Down a small dirt alley hidden in the middle of the city are old broken down apartment buildings with no running water, no toilets and no central heating or air. My friend, Li Hua, lives in one of these small studio apartments. Half of the apartment is taken up by a kang, a wooden box that is used as a bed as well as place to eat and sit. A small wood stove sits in the middle of the room surrounded by a few stools.