Read more
This book describes in their own words how Gerald and Sylvia Zimmer served as missionaries in the remote area in southwestern; primarily Guizhou and Hunan. That endeavor required the combined lifelong efforts of numerous missionaries, and was invariably affected by events and decisions that occurred thousands of miles from where the actual ministry was taking place. The task was incomplete when the missionaries were forced to leave, but the foundations for the Church which were laid have stood. Great challenges of cooperation that faced the missionaries during the Japanese invasion and Civil War. It also reveals the rich rewards that were obtained by the united efforts of committed Christians who had no timetable for withdrawal, but only an unwavering commitment to work together until the task was accomplished. The book consists of excerpts from hundreds of letters written to their mothers. One thing that stands out is their emphasis and importance of prayer and trust in the Lord. They believed that God will use prayers of faith to do His work and urged their mothers and their prayer circles to continue praying for the Chinese people. Key lessons learned that apply today included; 1) expectations of a minister's wife, 2) need for the understanding of unique social practices, 3) understanding of the unique celebration of events like funerals, weddings, and holidays, and finally, 4) the beliefs, and practices of the local people. The book explains the adjustments made by the Zimmer family while serving God in China. Clinton Stanley Zimmer is the son of Gerald and Sylvia Zimmer, graduate of Ashland University, married to Patricia Zimmer with four children and nine grandchildren, 30 years with IBM as International Marketing Management in USA, South American and Asia Pacific, leader of numerous trips into China with medical and English focus with MSI International. Founder of Zimmer Foundation for China that provided over 60 university scholarships to needy students, provided over 2,000 Bibles to local Fellowships, and built three rural medical clinics. Leader of adult Bible studies and was adult leader with Boy Scouts of America in North New Jersey.
