My last letter looked back in a review of God’s mercies to us in 2013. Now let us glance forward to at least the first half of 2014, mindful of James 4:13-17.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2) God showered us and our colleagues with many blessings in 2013.

Offering a listening ear, sympathetic heart, and godly counsel provides one of the best opportunities for communicating the truth and love of God to Chinese.

In the Great commission, Jesus told his followers not only to bring people to faith, expressed in baptism, but also to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28)

In my recently-published book, Reaching Chinese Worldwide, I mention a few points of contact between Chinese culture and Christianity. One of these is Christianity in America.

A few years ago, I began writing monthly letters based on the theme of reaching Chinese around the world with the gospel of Christ. These have been expanded into a book, Reaching Chinese Worldwide.

Jesus said, “As you go, make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). He further defined making disciples as “baptizing” (helping people come to full faith and commitment) and “teaching” (helping them grow in Christian maturity).

The Lord has confirmed the priority of the written word and mentoring for my ministry. Not only in my own private devotions, but also through illness and fatigue, he has shown me that the time has come to focus on these two activities.

God has demonstrated his grace and mercy to us in manifold ways again in the past year, just as he has for many decades now. For his glory and your encouragement, allow me to mention only a few highlights of 2012.

Since the inception of China Institute in 1989, we have adhered to a few basic principles for reaching Chinese with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Here are a few of them.