In August 2008, China hosted the world and spared no expense for showcasing the most extravagant Olympics ever! But, in my opinion, some of the Games’ most impressive achievements were available free of charge, courtesy of thousands of Chinese Christians who diligently sowed the seeds of the Gospel in the lives of visitors and local people.

And what is really exciting is that you too played a significant role in making this happen. Because, thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we printed and distributed over 300,000 copies of a special edition of The Divine Exchange in the Olympic cities and further afield.

After the Games a young Christian wrote to us to share how he used The Divine Exchange booklets to open the spiritual eyes of disappointed restaurant owners in the Chaoyang district of Beijing.

Turning disappointments with the government’s orders into opportunities to bring people to Christ!

My name is Chen Gang and I became a Christian recently. In fact, I have not been baptised yet. One day during the Olympics I went to visit my uncle in Chaoyang. Since he wasn’t home, I ended up talking to the owner of a small restaurant (my uncle and I often eat there) who had received an order by the government to close down for a month. Seeing that he was worried about his business, I offered him words of encouragement and felt it was right to leave with him 20 copies of The Divine Exchange I had received from a friend.

Also I volunteered to meet up again to answer any questions he might have. To my amazement, he called a few days later asking, “Is this real? Can you come over and talk to me more about this Jesus?”

I went over and spent many hours responding to this man’s questions. A couple of days later I received another phone call from him asking for Bibles and more copies of The Divine Exchange for the owners of 26 restaurants in this area. I took 50 Bibles and several copies of The Divine Exchange to him and spent an evening with ten people who were eager to learn about God.

As I kept answering the questions of this small crowd yearning to know more about Jesus, I felt gladness in my heart and a growing confidence in the Lord. Today I am writing to say thank you for the booklets you sent. Glory be to God!

We were grateful for the God-given opportunities to resource Chinese believers during the Olympics. But, now that China is no longer the focus of the world’s attention, our heart’s cry is that you will not forget the spiritual needs of this nation and continue to partner with us in the task of turning converts into disciples!

Right now we need your support and prayers because:

• We are obeying a mandate from God to take Derek's teaching to different parts of China. The need for sound Bible teaching is ever present in towns and villages where new churches are springing up and young believers are taking the responsibility of leading such
fledgling congregations.

• We know we are making a difference! Every month we get stories that show how Derek’s teaching is helping believers like Chen Gang.

• The need for teaching on prayer and how to bring God’s encouragement to those who are suffering is very great, especially in the Sichuan area, where hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake.

That is why, in 2009 we want to make Derek’s teaching on prayer—especially Shaping History through Prayer and Fasting, Praying for the Government, Fasting and Spiritual Warfare—available to believers across China. Furthermore, we also aim to print Faith to Live By and Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose, both very popular books that have already encouraged millions of believers in their spiritual journey.