Trips Blog

The Outreach Foundation invites you to revisit this trip blog as a group of nine women from Presbyterian churches around the U.S. make a unique mission-vision journey to the Middle East to meet, learn about and build personal relationships with Presbyterian women from Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.

The confident faith in God that we have seen in Chinese believers was echoed in this morning’s devotion from Romans 5 lead by Matt Scott. He shared how important the doctrine of the atonement has been to him, and we all gave thanks for hope in Christ that does not disappoint us.

Before departing by train for the journey from Hangzhou to Shanghai, we made visits to two beautiful places, West Lake and Chongyi Church.

by Quinn Harkless

It’s another day’s journey, and I’m glad about it. Today began with a devotional from Proverbs 4:7 which expresses that in all our getting we should get understanding. This devotional was intended to stress the deeper understanding of God’s purpose for having us all together at this time on this trip. Before we left Ningbo today we made four stops, the most we’ve made in a day. 

by Rob Weingartner

On Tuesday we began the day with a visit to the Jiangsu Provincial Seminary where we were welcomed by vice-president Rev. Fan Jingfang and other members of the faculty and staff. The school, founded in 1998, currently has 300 students in a four-year bachelor’s program that provides theological education and practical ministry training. The Outreach Foundation has had a relationship with the school for many years.

by Matt Scott

We went to the Nanjing Amity Printing Company this morning and were given a warm greeting and tour by their staff. The equipment was very high tech from various countries, obtained in order to manufacture Bibles for use in China and across the world. Amity Press is now the largest Bible printing company in the world. As of last month, 135 million Bibles have come off their production lines. After the tour, we had lunch with our guides and headed to the Nanjing Seminary

by Vance Whippo

We have traveled far and been graced by our Christian brothers and sisters, preparing the way for us to learn and grow. Today, Sunday the 28th of June, we worshiped with the Christians of Nanjing. Though the language was different the meaning was the same: our Lord and Savior died for us that we might have a place in God’s house.

Today, Friday, June 26 was, in some respects a day of contrasts. We began with young people filled with hope and promise and ended the day with ancient figures, many broken in pieces.

by Rob Weingartner

What a joy it is to be in this place together, listening and learning. With plane issues in the U.S., our group ended up arriving on three different flights instead of one, but everyone did make it in, if a bit tired from the long journey.