interview with John Chase and Gail Beran Neils

Daniel Kutz’s work as an aviation engineer led to a two to four year relocation in Beijing that began last summer. The Kutz’s departed with their Bethany friends and family praying that God would make a way for them, providing another church family when they arrived.

As Daniel and Lara, and their two children, Marri and Joshua boarded the airplane for Beijing, they did so with the words of Genesis 12:1 resting in their hearts: “Go from your country and your kindred…to the land that I will show you.” And as with Abraham, the details of their journey were also left unspecified. Even as God sends people out, he prepares the way, and schedules divine appointments that bring His people together.

Daniel and Lara discovered their first divine appointment in locating a new church, Capital Community Church, a congregation of just over 100 people from all over the world. Daniel says it is different to be in a church where everyone attending is required to have a passport. Still, he and Lara have felt very welcome in this community.

Daniel’s next God-encounter occurred when he was riding the company shuttle to work. A man who had seen him at church introduced himself, and invited the Kutz family to their small group. “It’s great to be there to worship God.” They have enjoyed reading scripture, praying and worshipping with their new friends. Singing praise songs with two guitars is just a little reminder of home.

Not long after that, Daniel and Lara were invited to visit Hope Foster Home, a home which receives and treats Chinese orphans with various medical conditions. Many of these children would otherwise have been left to die, due to China’s “one-child” policy. During their overnight visit, the Kutz’s had many opportunities to play with the children there, and to witness first-hand some of God’s work in China.

God’s care for the Kutz’s did not end there, however. While visiting the U.S. embassy to sign up for language lessons, Daniel happened to meet a man, Sandy, who had previously attended Capital Community Church. As they talked, Daniel asked if Sandy knew of a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) program in the area. As it turned out, Sandy was part of a men’s group that was working toward bringing a Men’s BSF to the area, and invited Daniel to join. They are currently receiving training with plans to start the men’s class in the Fall of ’08.

Sandy’s wife, as it turned out, was also a member in an existing Women’s BSF. This provided a connection for Lara, who had participated in a BSF in Seattle for 6 years and hoped to continue. Lara is now immersed in BSF as a Children’s Supervisor and is participating in a weekly women’s class.

Daniel noted that they had expected to have more interaction with the local Chinese people. Living in a community of ex-pats, along with the language barrier, has made that difficult. But God somehow finds a way. In a culture that lies beneath the shadows of Buddhist statues and temples, there are windows where light breaks in.

Daniel shared that a Chinese co-worker recently asked him a simple question, “Why do you go to church?” That question has opened up opportunities to share about faith and religion and Jesus.

When God led the Kutz’s to China, they went with prayer that God would guide their way. Now they know. He has.

For more info check out their website at:
http://kutzesinchina.blogspot.com/