(Continued from yesterday)

Joseph had determined to become a missionary. In 1859, he asked to be sent to China to translate the Bible. All the way over, he studied Chinese. By the time he arrived, he could write classical Chinese so easily that the native Chinese teachers were astonished ! In 1862, Joseph went to Peking as secretary to the American ambassador.

Schereschewsky twice declined the honor of becoming a bishop in China, and he told the other bishops he had no ambition except to pursue his translation work. He claimed he was not gifted to deal either with men or money. However, he finally yielded to their insistence when he was assured the college he wished to start would be funded. During a long furlough in the United States, Joseph was formally consecrated as bishop. That same furlough he finally became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Back in China, Bishop Joseph Schereschewsky decided to start a college in Shanghai to train Chinese leaders. "I believe the true apostles of China must be natives," he said. With three other faculty members he opened St. John’s College in the fall of 1879. Each student was required to learn English, but all other subjects were taught in Chinese. About the same time, he also helped organize a theological school and a medical school. (Continued tomorrow)

Pray for God’s discernment for missionaries and mission boards as they seek to find His direction for their efforts.-AL

1 Thessalonians 1:8

"The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia-your faith in God has become known everywhere."

One of the first signs that a church has indeed responded in obedience to the gospel of Christ is the witness the groups begin to exercise toward others, first among their own people, and then in other people groups. Missionaries today tell story after story about those who have just begun to grow in their new-found faith already expressing a deep concern for the fate of their Christless neighbors-often their former enemies.

Pray for the peoples just responding to the gospel -that the Word of the Lord will "ring out" from them.

© GPD