The more important of the recent developments is not what will happen to us, the missionaries, rather the spotlight belongs to what God is doing in the church here in Harbin. It is apparent, yet not totally certain that we will be deported in the next few few days. This means we would most likely be unwelcome in China for several years, but what belongs to God is the reaction of His church in Harbin. God should be praised for work He has done in these young men’s lives, creating in their hearts an unshakable faith.

The pastors remain undeterred, the group of five interns have not quit and continue towards full time ministry. The result of God using the Taube’s in the last 7 years are four churches in mainland China that are being managed by full time pastors. This Wednesday night we attended services again wanting to encourage believers, but it resulted in the missionary being encouraged instead. It is evident if our departure is necessary, then these churches will endure both financially and spiritually. God is saying, “the missionary isn’t that important”, God is and always has been running the show, building His church.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Success for a missionary isn’t weighed in being able to stay in places of persecution as long as one can, but rather obedience to the biblical command that we call “missions”. Paul, our missionary example frequently knew what it was to be ousted and pressured on every side. Missionaries and frankly anyone who names the name of Christ should know what it means to be persecuted, because it is inevitable for anyone carrying a Holy message to a sinful world.

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
what desolations he hath made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth;
he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder;
he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

I expect we will know within a couple days what will become of us, and then we will need to decide as missionaries where the next church planting field will be if it cannot be mainland China. I am certain we will continue to work where there are Chinese and in places where Chinese is a major language. We need wisdom reading God’s Word and looking for our answers for the future decisions. We will let you know what happens and which road we will eventually take.