Would you say, “Yes, Lord Jesus, I am ready to serve You!” if you are a poor preacher living in a poverty-stricken rural area who has to forgo the income they could earn for their family through primitive farming in order to preach the gospel and care for the flock.
This is one of the many challenges faced by poor preachers in dire need like 33-year-old Mu Weixu, a pastor of Thai ethnic origin living in the mountainous regions of China’s Yunnan province. Many of these spiritual servants face a dilemma. They are torn between responding to God’s call to serve as pastors to local people in impoverished rural areas and simultaneously being filial sons, faithful fathers, and the primary breadwinners for their families.
"It is difficult to share the good news with people from my group, the Thai ethnic group, because they have deeply rooted customs and traditional beliefs," says Pastor Mu. He and his wife serve together in their church, as both feel a longing in their hearts to reach the minority group they come from.
On the other hand, Mu admits he faced the temptation to seek a well-paid job in the city to meet his family's essential needs, especially after becoming a father last year, and the health of his elderly parents began to deteriorate.
Believers in rural churches, particularly those belonging to ethnic minorities in Yunnan province's rural areas, can barely support their preacher. Most pastors serving among minority groups are "volunteers" who support their families through farming for household needs or through part-time work, which they do in addition to their duties of preaching and caring for their churches.
The Impact of Coronavirus
The widespread outbreak of COVID-19 and the epidemic in China aggravate the financial situation for Christians belonging to these poor ethnic communities.
Although Yunnan province is 2000 km away from the pandemic’s epicenter in the city of Wuhan, the cancellation of all church services in the country until further notice means that these spiritual servants cannot receive any financial support from their communities. Moreover, part-time work was impossible during the travel restrictions and isolation period in China.
An Open Door for Opportunities
The peak of the epidemiological crisis could be an opportunity for preachers like Mu to serve their affected congregants. As many of the Christians in rural areas struggle with fear for their health and losing their jobs in the city, this may be an open door for these poor preachers to encourage their church members.
"I am grateful for the support from UBS (United Bible Societies), because now I can visit more brothers and sisters and travel far to preach God's word. Moreover, the needs of our baby are now met. This has strengthened my faith that God will always take care of me if I serve Him faithfully!" Brother Mu wishes to share his gratitude with us.
Text: Marcus Xiao and Pamela Cho
Photo: Yunnan CC/TSPM
Main Image: Frank Zhank/Unsplash.com
Translation from English: Yoanna Ruseva
Source: United Bible Societies (UBS) © 2020