BREAD
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life."  John 6:35

      All of our team had arrived safely in Canton, China from Hong Kong.   After resting and freshening up, we assembled in the dining room of the hotel for dinner.  Our leader had reserved a large table to accommodate all of us.

      Gazing around at the lavish furnishings, I said to Karen, "Did you ever see such an elegantly decorated dining room? Look at the beautiful paintings on the walls---it's like and art gallery."

      When we were graciously seated by very polite waiters, I noted that there was no silverware.  Instead, chopsticks were set at each place.  I commented, "Oh, oh.  I did not learn to use chopsticks back home.  How will I manage to eat with these things?"  Our waitress then brought large forks for those of us who had not mastered chopsticks.  At that moment I determined that I would learn how to eat with chopsticks, and soon, because I was embarrassed using an oversized fork. Glancing around the room filled with people from many nations, all busily chatting in different languages, I decided no one would notice whether I ate with a fork or chopsticks.

      Very shortly, our table was filled with so many dishes of Chinese cuisine, it was mind-boggling.  I had never seen such a feast!  As we gave thanks to God in an inconspicuous manner, not bowing our heads or closing our eyes, our leader stated that the "Bread" has been delivered.

      Though outwardly I appeared calm, inside I was rejoicing.  Silently I thanked God for allowing me to participate in this tremendous undertaking.  The "Bread" our leader referred to was the nearly one thousand Bibles we had smuggled into China for Christians who are hungry for the Word of God.

      Later I learned that when the Chinese Christians get hold of a Bible they tear out and distribute the pages, hand-copying them so they can share the Scriptures with many more people.  Bibles are so scarce that there are only five Bibles for every one hundred thousand believers.

      How blessed we in America are to have access to many versions of the Bible along with commentaries and other teaching materials with no restrictions by our government.

      I am afraid we do not appreciate the freedom we have in America to meet and worship without fear.  We do not have to meet secretly to worship and pray as the people in the house churches in China must do.  Sometimes they have to change locations at a moment's notice, often being arrested and imprisoned for being Christians.

      My prayer:  "Oh Lord God, bless our Chinese brothers and sisters across the world who suffer hardships just to gather to worship and praise You.  Strengthen them to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ.  Bless them with many Bibles."