A Better Future for Xiao Ling

Some of you have heard us talk about Xiao Ling in the past. Her mother owns a brothel in the countryside, and rather than make her daughter work in her own brothel when she turned 16, she sent Xiao Ling to our city to work at her aunt’s brothel instead. Because of Eden’s relationship with the aunt, she asked us to take Xiao Ling into our shelter and have her work at Eden instead of getting into prostitution. 

We have always been thankful that God spared this young girl from ever having to get into the hopeles life of prostitution. Since moving into our shelter, Xiao Ling has been enrolled in high school, has become a Christian and is doing amazingly well. She recently returned from a YWAM Discipleship Training School for high school students that took place in the Philippines, and she now wants to return there as a missionary some day! In addition, she is taking extra English classes at a local school here in town, and has been sharing her faith boldly with her teacher. I actually know her teacher, and she has been sharing with me that Xiao Ling is always telling her about her faith and even giving her reading materials about the Bible. I’m amazed to watch her already sharing Christ’s light to people around her - what a blessing it has been to see God grow in her life! 

new territory

I have always loved the idea of playing guitar and leading worship. The first time I ever had the courage to get up and be a part of the worship team was thanks to my brother- in-law, Jeff, when I was a summer intern in the youth group back home. I wasn't plugged in and I was lost most of the time, but it was fun anyway. Lacking courage and opportunities, I haven't played a lot since then. Then last year, I had a similar nudge from a friend in the international fellowship here in kunming. It all started with a "Singlish Corner" at his house. About 25 Chinese college students gathered to share songs and practice English. My contribution was "Be With You" by Mr. Big (big shout-out to all of the children of the 80's). For the record, it was supposed to be cheesy. After that night, my friend asked me to play with him the next time he led worship. I was nervous for sure but also so excited and we had a great time worshipping together with our church. After that I have become more and more involved at our fellowship leading worship once a month and helping other people step out. I have also begun to learn more Chinese songs and lead our house group each friday night. I even had the opportunity last month to do a kids worship workshop at our church! I am so excited to be used in this way. I can't explain the feelings of pure joy these experiences bring me and i’m so thankful that God is giving me these opportunities. I just wanted to share this blog now to encourage you. If you feel that God has given you a desire to serve Him in some way that seems beyond reach, don't be afraid to step out and do it! Don't worry about your ability or your qualifications. He can take what you have and use it in cool ways.