I live in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province\u2014the most populated province in all of China. For centuries, this has been a city of trade and opportunity. As far back as the 3rd century, European traders came here and called it \u201cCanton.\u201d Today, Guangzhou is still known as the \u201cCity of Flowers,\u201d because our subtropical monsoon climate gives us year-round harvests and endless fields of blossoms. Walking through the streets, you see markets overflowing, skyscrapers rising, and people moving with urgency. This is truly a city always in bloom.<\/p>\n
Because we sit so close to Hong Kong and Macau, Guangzhou has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Business never stops here. The wealth and trade flowing through this place often mask the deep spiritual poverty of its people.<\/p>\n
Our nation is vast and complex\u2014over 4,000 years of recorded history, more than a billion souls, and great diversity, though outsiders often think of us as one people. Here in Guangzhou, you can meet people from every corner of China and beyond. That makes this city not just a commercial crossroads, but also a spiritual gateway.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve heard the stories of the great Jesus movement in our land since 1949\u2014how over 100 million came to follow Christ despite opposition. And yet, today we feel the weight of persecution. Many believers in my city live quietly, gathering in secret, while Uyghur Muslims and others face even greater trials. Still, we hold to hope.<\/p>\n
As I walk through the flower-lined streets, I pray that Guangzhou will not just be a city of commerce and beauty, but a city where the fragrance of Christ fills every heart. With the government\u2019s vision of \u201cOne Belt, One Road\u201d pushing for global power, I believe this is also an hour for China to surrender to King Jesus. My prayer is that His blood will wash not just this city, but the nations of the earth, and that all who wander these busy streets will come to know the only One who can give eternal life.<\/p>\n