Foreword:
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”(Romans 1:17)
Recent years have witnessed many changes in how rural churches have done evangelism. Music performed by bands has replaced the distribution of gospel tracts, attracting more people to Christianity.
Some churches gradually have added instruments, such as keyboard, drum, guitar, trumpet, and tuba.
Before performing with instruments, bands rehearse the songs they will play and accompanying dance performance. People come to know that the Christian faith is not just limited to church services or gatherings but also includes an enriched cultural and faith life.
When rural churches give a musical performance with a band, a basic interpretation of Christianity will be given plus the explanation is written in gospel booklets.
It’s hard to preach the gospel to the heart of people as some hymns or dances seem no different from commercial activities. The band performance presents the Christian faith in a different manner.
Second, rural churches spend much time in nursing homes or hospitals, aiding elderly lonely seniors in doing household chores, including cleaning sheets and giving haircuts.
A Christian woman I know often went to help elderly residents of a nursing home wash their socks and bed linens while preaching the gospel to them. Eventually, an elderly person, moved by her good deeds, accepted the gospel.
During festivals, believers visit elderly homes and give gifts of fruit and clothes, revealing through their love that Christianity can bring help and hope to people’s lives.
In the past, rural people enjoyed meals together at the edge of their villages, each holding a bowl at the home of another person while chatting about household affairs. That served as the third opportunity to share the gospel in the countryside.
Maybe when a Christian was known by their village, non-Christian members were reluctant to accept Christ as Savior because that person failed to give a good testimony through their family life and personal conduct.
Actually, the great challenge for rural believers lies in family life and personal deeds. If a Christian can’t manage the relation between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law or teach their children well, or have a bad personal reputation, the identity of “Christian” becomes nominal. Then the world sees a Christian as nothing different at all.
We need to spend time and effort in our faith as we strive to bring glory to God in every day's life.
- Translated by Karen Luo
