Like church in Heaven...

...that's how our friend described the "passport church" that meets at the Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe.  And he was right.  With a Scottish pastor (and his Spanish speaking wife and children), African worship leaders, Indian guitar players and Aussie service leaders, the Guangzhou International Christian Fellowship was a look ahead to what it will be like to worship together in Heaven, without regard to ethnicity or nationality.  

The Chinese government has issued the church a license to meet, which must be renewed annually. The only condition the government places on the church is that it is only open to foreign passport holders--no local Chinese are permitted to attend--hence the term "passport church."

This is no fly-by-night or underground operation.  The church has elders, deacons, a children's ministry....everything you might see in an established church.   And while you might think this is a transient crowd, full of tourists like us, only a handful of people in the packed ballroom of at least 300 stood with us when first-time visitors were asked to do so.  The church's members include expats from all over the world and a large number of ethnic Chinese who were raised in other countries but moved to Guangzhou to work due to their ability to speak English and Cantonese or Mandarin.  We met accountants, teachers and even a nice couple with ties to Monroe and Waxhaw!

The contemporary praise and worship music was familiar and powerful.  The sermon on Acts 5:12-42 was timely and relevant to any culture and the pastor unabashedly preached the Gospel.  Not only did we love it, but Peter did too. He absolutely came alive during the service, laughing, smiling and cooing.  Allie told me she thinks Peter felt the joy of the Holy Spirit.  It was such a blessing to share this service with him--his first ever time at church. 

Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights of the trip. If ever you find yourself in Guangzhou, please make your way to the Hilton for one of the best and most memorable church services you will ever experience.

 -Matt