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Retreat and Mid-Autumn Holiday

September 30th through October 1st, we went with the church and two sister congregations to the mountains near the Great Wall for a retreat. The theme of the retreat was “Where there is God, there is a way!” Gary Jackson preached the lessons and we had wonderful small group times. Our small group consisted of other American missionaries and a family from Russia. We really enjoyed growing closer through the sharing in our group.

The reason we were able to take a three-day retreat was because of the annual Mid-Autumn holiday, during which China celebrates the anniversary of the PRC. This year was the 60th anniversary, so there was a major celebration and parade. We watched some of the parade from the retreat center. Each year during the Mid-Autumn holiday many Chinese take a week off from work to go visit their families in their hometowns. As a result, Beijing was much quieter and more peaceful last week. We really enjoyed the break from our language school and other responsibilities too!

English Corner

On Friday, October 9th, we went to a local mall and held an “English Corner” in their open courtyard area. Usually this is a high-traffic area and we are often able to talk to many people. This Friday, however, was much slower. We are not sure if it was because the weather is changing and it is beginning to be much cooler at night or because many had yet to return from their holiday travels. Still, we had some good conversations and invited a few people to join us for an English movie-watching party that we are hosting next Sunday. We plan to go back on Friday.

By the way, during English Corner, we simply hold up signs that read, “English Corner” or “Do you speak English?” We then talk to as many people as we can about anything that they want to discuss. Sometimes, crowds gather around to listen and talk. It is a wonderful experience!

Preaching

Today, Sunday, October 11th, I had the opportunity to preach at our local congregation. It was the first time I have ever preached with an interpreter. My lesson covered the first five Chapters of 2 Corinthians and I spoke primarily about three R’s that Paul addresses in the text… Relationships, Reconciliation, and Responsibility. I am especially thankful for Alicia Yan and her willingness to interpret for me.

Seekers’ Study

Tomorrow night we resume the Seeker’s Study in our apartment after a week off for the holiday. We are excited to meet with our friends who are asking questions about God and what it means to be in relationship with Him. Please pray for this weekly meeting.

Language Study

We are still going to class Monday through Friday for an hour and a half each day to learn Chinese. Our teacher is really great and we are learning a great deal. We try to practice what we have learned often. Also, one of the men from the Church, Wang Qi (Chee), is coming to our apartment on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one to two hours at a time to tutor us. He is focusing on helping us learn how to write the characters. We are thankful for and humbled by his sacrifice of time and his servant spirit.

Friends and Teammates

We also wanted to let you know that God has really blessed us with a great team, here. We are developing friendships and feel a strong sense of community because of them. Please add them to your prayer lists. They are Gary and Danita Jackson, Katherine Gould, Marcus Riley, Alex (Yi Yue), Andrew and Jamie Hill, Ma Rui, & Marcus and Julia Rodriguez.

Thanks so much for your love, the encouraging emails, the Facebook comments, etc, and for your continued prayers on our behalves. When you are ready to come visit and to share the Word of God with the Chinese, visit www.lst.org and get the ball rolling! We love you and miss you and we pray God’s blessings on you and your family.

In His love,
John, Susan, and Nash Cooper


The Team


Wang Qi and his wife with Nash!

For more awesome photography visit www.marcus2137.smugmug.com!