e live in a momentous time in human history!  We can see events of biblical proportions occurring before our very eyes.  There is natural disaster upon natural disaster, nation rising against nation and because the wickedness in the world grows, the love of many dims and flickers.  In Matthew 24:3-14, Christ told His disciples that before His second coming and the end of this age, all these things must come to pass.

If you are familiar with Chinese history, you will know how the Chinese people are well acquainted with wars, natural disasters, famines, disease and human atrocities beyond our imagination.  They understand what suffering is all about.  Now they want to understand the true meaning of life.  The Chinese people do not want to go through another cycle of futility.  They want to base their hope and future on something genuine…something real.

Ruth and I believe that the Spirit of God started moving in China long before missionaries set foot on its soil.  The Spirit was preparing hearts and minds for the time when those who were called to China would come to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Only seeds sown in fertile soil yield a great harvest.

Ruth and I are extremely proud of our son Ned and his wife Christina as they have been quietly and faithfully serving the Church in China through East Gates Ministries over these many years.  For those of you who are just now becoming acquainted with East Gates, I will tell you it is a unique ministry and one that chooses to work legally and with great cultural sensitivity in serving the Church in China.

When it comes to serving the Lord in another nation, we’ve always told our children to share the gospel in the way Jesus Christ would – sincerely, transparently and honestly.  East Gates has been true to this and as a result it has gained the respect of believers at every level – from the most rural House Churches all the way to the top levels in Beijing.

I was extremely impressed with a statement made recently by Dr. Edward Yihua Xu, Professor and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and International Relations at Fudan University in Shanghai.  He stated:

“I have always been amazed by East Gates’ determination, sound strategy, efficiency and creativeness in carrying out its work in China.  Its achievements in the past 15 years represent the best of what a faith-based organization can accomplish in a Communist country.”

Some people want to criticize East Gates and say that it doesn’t focus enough on the persecuted Church in China but just on all the positive things that are happening.  All I can say is that you must go to China to see for yourself the amazing things that are taking place there.  Yes, there are areas where religious persecution occurs but one must keep in mind that there are far more positive things happening for the Kingdom in China than can even be reported.  God is touching China like no other country.

In this 15th anniversary newsletter you will see what God has been able to accomplish through East Gates.  We praise God for what He has, is and will continue to do through this great ministry.  Ruth and I join with you in supporting East Gates as it continues to have a strategic, positive impact on the course of Church history in China!

—Billy Graham