I wish for the church this year to be one whose members would take the initiative to share the gospel.  When we meet up with friends or relatives, or perhaps have some time alone with a stranger, we could seize the opportunity to share the gospel.  More often than not, the problem is not that we do not have an opportunity to share the gospel, but that we are simply too passive to take the first move.  How can it be that there is not an opportunity?  We are surrounded by strangers and people who are still outside God’s kingdom! 

The soon approaching Chinese Lunar New Year is an opportunity.  You should seize this time to visit your relatives and friends.  Chinese New Year visitation is a good tradition to keep.  It is a time when we can show our love to our friends, and especially, respect to our elderly relatives.  This is also a good time to share our Christian faith.  If an opportunity arises, share the gospel using “The Four Spiritual Laws.”  In your red packet, insert an appropriate gospel tract.  Get a Chinese New Year tract “Blessing” (福) from the reception table.  You can also, by the help of this tract, explain the meaning of 福.  The church will give a pack of red packets with Christian wordings to each family.  If you want more, you can also purchase some from the reception table

When you meet your friends or relatives, wish them “Blessed New Year” or in Chinese, 新年蒙福.  For older people, you may want to add, 身体健康.  Children and teenagers, you should not be shy.  Take two oranges and wish your elders.  If you do not, you may be mistaken as being rude and unfriendly although the real reason is that you are shy.  For that matter, when you meet your elders, you should always greet them.  This is basic manners.

You need not be talkative.  Do, however, engage in some conversation.  Some matters are sensitive.  Do not broach topics like, “Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend”; “How old are you?  You should be getting married.  Don’t be too picky.”  Do not boast about yourself or your children.  Do not make others feel inferior about themselves.  Rather, sincerely, say kind and encouraging words.  Ask God to give you an opportunity to share something about how God has worked in your life or answered your prayers.  You and your relative could be facing a common challenge.  This may be an opportunity for you to share about how you face such challenges, one of which is by praying for God’s help.  You can share about how God helped you.  Pray, and God may open doors for you to share your Christian faith.

Build or renew relationships with friends and relatives.  God may use you to tell someone about Jesus.  Pray for opportunities.  Do not underestimate the power of prayer.  Also, in so doing you are paving the way for inviting them to the gospel rally which will be held in September.  May you be a good testimony this Chinese Lunar New Year.