The Oxford Seven?

Last weekend was absolutely hectic. I drove the two hours to Oxford four times in the week. We had five events in three days. On Friday 90 people came to a day conference in St Aldates church. 90! On a Friday! As was to be the catchphrase of the weekend, this was beyond expectation, but below hope. I was delighted with the turnout, which included people from as far afield as Bournemouth and Nottingham. There were several who are themselves seriously considering working in China, there were a whole bunch of Reps from different agencies, and there was a handful of pastors from the Oxford Churches. This was the slight disappointment. It would have been fantastic to have had a larger representation from the 'Christian leadership' of Oxford.

Saturday was special. A China fun day. Not something I have experienced before. For four hours, we converted St Aldates to a festival centre, with Chinese musicians, juggling, plate spinning, face painting - and then more specialities - learn to write your name in Chinese. Learn Chinese chess, etc. The very special nature of the event was the team in charge of it: Christian workers, regular church goers, Chinese church members, and a handful of non-Christian Chinese (but very influential ones). It was superb to observe the synergy and partnership between the different groups. At the post-event debrief, there were 50 seated in a circle who had worked hard to see the day be a success. I was thrilled to see 50 people working together to bring off a China event. May it bring much fruit.

Sunday we had seven preachers in seven churches - if only one member from each church were to commit to a year or more in China, it could be as significant an event as the Cambridge 7 in the 19th Century. And then in the afternoon, a briefing for those curious about working in China. At least half of the fifteen attendees were from St Aldates and had been inspired by Ross Paterson in the morning. We had watered this event down somewhat. Perhaps if we had maintained food for those who came, we may have achieved greater things.

Who knows what fruit will be achieved from the hard work. In many ways, it will be quite intangible - unless of course we do get seven people writing together to say "Here I am, Send me". Note to self: Must keep praying.

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