Sparks in the dark night

2019, like every year since the beginning of the 21st century, has been turbulent, but it will soon become a thing of the past. For those who believe in the Lord, because they understand that He has overcome the world (see John 16:33), even in this troubled and restless world, there is still peace and hope. Because we have hope, we count our graces as we face 2019 that is about to pass.

There are still so many things to be thankful for this year. The first thing I want to thank is that I have been able to enjoy KRC camps and retreats in the United States and Taiwan, and have the opportunity to gather with God’s family, worship, study, and laugh and cry together. Secondly, I would like to thank the family and friends that Father God has placed around me. Their love, friendship and support make everything in my hands possible.

In addition, in January 2019, I visited several countries hosting the largest number of refugees, visited refugee families and workers in local refugee camps, and was greatly inspired. In September, I had the opportunity to return to Kyrgyzstan with a few brothers and sisters (exactly seven of them, calling themselves The Magnificent 7, 1960 movie), to visit my beloved friends, and to meet the suffering but full of joy. Christians, enjoy the natural delicacies of nomads together.

I am grateful to the prayer warriors who have always been my backing and who have not been able to act together due to various reasons, but who have prayed most powerfully and worked with me. This includes my elderly parents. With them by my side, even though life is sometimes not easy and the challenges are complex and difficult, I am the happiest.

In the past two years, the vision received by "Kingdom Resources for Christ Association" is about God's justice. Over the past two years, my team and I have been studying, humbly accepting, and working hard to practice on this issue of justice that is rooted in the attributes of God. The KRC team in Taiwan supports the women's ministry of "Fengrong Fellowship" in Cambodia, and focuses on caring for Taiwan's disadvantaged and indigenous groups; the editorial team of KRC magazine in the United States, inspired and led by the Holy Spirit, often feels the same way. Let’s go into the deep end together to gain a deeper understanding of the nature and connotation of justice, discuss justice-related issues more deeply, and focus on discussions from various levels such as faith, culture, economy, politics, and society. We hope that through this effort, Christians will be able to see and view the things around them based on God’s righteous attributes, implement righteousness, use words and deeds of love and mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord who loves us.

This issue of "The Kingdom of God" is as exciting as a fireworks show in the dark night. After reading it, I can't let go of the emotion in my heart, and I can't stop until I draw a conclusion and take action. The two units of Culture and Community seem to have sorted out and summarized the theme of justice in the past two years; the Outreach unit newly presents the Muslim Prosecution Conference and the Jewish Propaganda report. It is like a new knowledge that the two missionary fields are actually at our doorstep! The talent module provides various practical coaching and leadership tools for pastoral colleagues, group leaders, or business executives. In the relationship unit, Sister Jian Hailan shares her rich life after going through the deep valley of sadness; in the column [Relationship in the Screen Mirror], Sister Wen Ping uses her keen touch. Beautiful words and touching poems lead you into the inner room and have a close relationship with God. This is a new column that you must not miss.

I hope you enjoy this season of gratitude and wish you new hopes and plans for the New Year. In addition, I beg God to make KRC a part of your New Year’s resolutions and inspirations. We invite you to participate in the KRC camps in Taiwan and the United States in 2020 (please visit the website: http://www.shen-guo.org/), participate in the text and various ministry actions, support us financially, and Remember us in your prayers.

Lily Yang

Lily is the founder and CEO of Kingdom Resources for Christ. After spending many years as an executive in large companies, she now serves in full-time ministry, often speaking, teaching, and leading retreats throughout North America and Asia. She also founded and runs the natural and ethical skincare and cosmetics company, LordnLily.com.