The Year of the Dragon!

This month millions of Chinese travel back to their family homes to celebrate their lunar New Year holiday. the time is traditionally celebrated as a time of happy homecomings. It is estimated that over 3 billion trips will be made during this month. Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in dragon years are said to be innovative, brave, and passionate.
    Because of classes starting up for the semester, most of the Chinese students here can not travel back home for this festival. They still however take trips and during our first Bible study of the semester they shared where they went from anywhere to New York to Disney World exploring the United States.
    Our English Bible studies have started back up and we hope that more returning students will join as well as those we picked up from the airport over break. Please pray that hearts will be receptive and that the seeds planted will quickly grow. The Chinese bring their superstitions with them and we desire to help them see that every year is the year of our Lord and Savior and now is the time for salvation.
    We are so thankful that you who support our work are doing much more than simply financial support. You are committed to us and what God is doing through us. Your prayers for us are so very important and we always thank God for your encouragement and dedication towards our efforts.