Story number 1 for 29 Aug 2002

(China)–In the headlines today, China’s swollen Yangtze River has flooded many cities, while leaving others untouched. As word of the crest reached Wuhan, there was some concern for other areas nearby, including Jiangxi Province. China Partner Ministries’ Erik Burklin doesn’t believe the waters will reach their training school, or prevent classes. His concern is for others. “As far as students getting to the Bible school and everything, I don’t think that would really affect them that much. I think who was mostly affected was local churches in the northern part of Jiangxi, those Christians who have lost property, or even their homes. I have heard that there are many Christians who are helping out to get them back on their feet again.” Burklin says the disaster, while not uncommon to this area, actually helps mobilize the church. “It’s just exciting to see how Christians are actually helping their fellow Christians with this need and, by the way, using this as an opportunity to reach out to the non-Christian population, and, that’s being a very tremendous witness.”