The WMU of First Baptist Church Kenedy began a week of prayer for international missions with a study of Beijing, China on Monday night, Sept. 3, in the CLC of the church. FBC members and guests Julie Ochoa and Sylvia Olivarez of Jerusalem Baptist in Runge and Cheryl Bush from Choate Baptist Church learned more about the people of Beijing and their activities and beliefs. WMU Director Jan Anderson welcomed those in attendance and shared a few facts about the capital city, illustrating the many contrasts in this city of 20 million. Missionaries who were celebrating their birthdays on the 3rd were prayed for, along with a blessing of the evening’s meal. Chris Moses had prepared a supper of Chinese food for the group to enjoy and the table setting included chopsticks for the adventurous to try as they ate.

After the meal more information regarding Beijing and the Chinese people was shared. Pat Hyde spoke of the officially registered Christian churches found in Beijing and related that there are websites where services can be viewed. In contrast, Joyce Maynard told of activities at a centuries-old Buddhist temple which draws young worshippers. Renetta McGee provided information about a young woman attending an unregistered (not recognized by the Communist government) Christian seminary. This school, and others like it, are aided by Baptist funds and are vital to the growth of the church in China. “I am lucky to be alive” was a statement made by the young woman Mary Lou Falks told about. Her parents defied the “one-child policy” which came into effect in the late 1970’s. Her story gave an interesting glimpse into the social order in China. Joline Wiley reported on Operation Starfish, which provides previously exploited women in Asia the opportunity to make a living by making jewelry. When she finished door prizes were awarded. Those whose names were drawn received Christmas ornaments made by Chinese artisans. These ornaments were from WorldCrafts, which provides artisans from 30 countries around the world the opportunity to make a sustainable living. Although not everyone went home with Christmas ornaments, everyone did take home fans with Chinese characters painted on them and recipes of Chinese cuisine.

Earlier, on Sunday, December 2nd Blenda Wilson of Gonzales spoke to the congregation of FBC Kenedy about her trip to China this past summer. Her presentation was to highlight the beginning of the 2012 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. The church has set an offering goal of $10,175. All funds raised by this special offering go to support the work of Southern Baptist missionaries on foreign fields.