Morning worship with the Beijing International Christian Fellowship

Today we had arranged for John to speak at the Beijing International Christian Fellowship. Arriving at 9.15 for a 9.30 service, we were met at the door of the 21st Century Theater by American Rob Tucker (Pastor of Operations). We had to pass through a security check and show our passports as the church is only open to foreign passport holders. John had the opportunity to speak at 2 services, each attended by at least 500 worshipers. The 9.30 service in English and Mandarin, 11.30 English only. John spoke for about 8 - 10 minutes on each occasion, giving a brief outline of Running the Race (English and Chinese versions), his message then centred on the impact of Eric Liddell. He contrasted the attitude of Eric Liddell to sport and fame with the present day. This was in many ways summed up in an interview by Liddell with a journalist in 1932. He was asked: 'Are you glad you gave your life to missionary work? Don't you miss the limelight, the rush, the frenzy, the cheers, the rich red wine of victory?' 'O well', said Eric, 'of course its natural for a chap to think over all that sometimes, but I'm glad I'm in the work I'm engaged in now. A fellow's life counts for more at this than the other, not a corruptible crown, but an incorruptible, you know.' John went on to speak of the influence Liddell had in his own life, coming to profess faith in Christ. Running the Race was the culmination of a long term interest in Eric Liddell's sporting and Christian life. He explained the title of the book in relation to Hebrews 12v 1-2 and 1 Corinthians 9. He encouraged the hearers to seek the greater prize that these texts spoke of rather than a merely earthly ones; to run the race of faith, looking to Jesus. He kindly thanked the congregation for the opportunity to share with them and prayed the blessing of the Lord on them in these days. Among those who spoke with appreciation to John afterwards was the 1968 800 metres Olympic champion Madeline Manning Mims.


We spent the rest of the day quietly with Joy before her overnight train to Shanghai.