Embracing the Latter Rain: A Call to Generational Faithfulness

Returning to my spiritual home after nearly six decades, I am deeply moved by the anniversaries we celebrate—both personal and communal. These milestones are not just markers of time, but reminders of God’s faithfulness and the enduring legacy of those who have gone before us. In the Chinese tradition, we say, “When you drink water, remember its source.” It is vital to remember the origins of our ministry and the vision that has shaped us. The heart of this vision is the work of the Holy Spirit, whose activity in our generation is unprecedented. We live in the age of the Holy Spirit, the time of the latter rain, when God is pouring out His Spirit in ways that are restoring the church to its New Testament vibrancy and mission.

Reflecting on the great revivals of the 20th century—the Pentecostal and the Restoration (Latter Rain) movements—we see how the Holy Spirit has empowered believers for witness, restored spiritual gifts, and ignited a passion for world missions. The call to bring the gospel to every ethnic group remains urgent, as many still lack the Scriptures in their own language. Our ministry, rooted in these revivals, has been about passing the baton of faith, vision, and anointing to the next generation, ensuring that the fire of the Spirit continues to burn.

My own journey began with a simple love for the Chinese people, which God nurtured into a lifelong calling. Despite closed doors and impossible odds, God opened the way for ministry in China and beyond. Through the support of faithful partners, especially Shiloh Church, we have seen millions of Bibles and gospel tracts delivered, churches planted, and leaders raised up across Asia, Africa, and beyond. The restoration of the gifts of the Spirit—prophecy, healing, and the fivefold ministry—has transformed countless lives and communities.

The story of our family, our church, and our partners is a testimony to God’s grace and the power of generational faithfulness. From humble beginnings—living in a church bathroom and learning Cantonese from children—to seeing four generations under one roof, God’s blessing has been evident. The work continues, with new Bible schools, online teaching, and ongoing evangelism in places like Pakistan, India, Africa, and Europe. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, anointing us to preach good news, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives. This is our calling, our inheritance, and our joy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Age of the Holy Spirit and Restoration We are living in a unique era marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—the “latter rain”—which is restoring the church to its original power and purpose. This restoration is not just about spiritual gifts, but about returning to the heart of New Testament Christianity: worship, unity, and global mission. The Holy Spirit’s activity today is a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, calling us to participate in God’s ongoing work of renewal and revival. [107:29]
• 2. Witness Means Sacrifice and Power The Greek word for “witness” (martys) also means “martyr,” reminding us that true witness for Christ involves both the power to proclaim and the willingness to lay down our lives. While not all are called to physical martyrdom, every disciple is called to a life of sacrificial witness, empowered by the Spirit to reach those who have never heard the gospel. This is the mission entrusted to every believer, not just a select few. [108:00]
• 3. Passing the Baton: Generational Faithfulness The legacy of faith is sustained by intentionally passing on vision, anointing, and responsibility to the next generation. Just as we honor those who came before us, we must invest in those who come after, ensuring that the fire of the Spirit and the mission of the church do not fade. This generational transfer is both a privilege and a sacred duty, requiring humility, encouragement, and trust in God’s ongoing work. [109:08]
• 4. Obedience in the Face of Closed Doors God’s calling often leads us into places that seem impossible—closed nations, hostile environments, or personal limitations. Yet, obedience opens doors that human effort cannot. The story of ministry in China, begun when the nation was closed to the gospel, is a testament to God’s ability to make a way where there is none, using ordinary people who say “yes” to His call. [117:18]
• 5. The Power of Partnership and Community No great work of God is accomplished alone. The advance of the gospel, the distribution of Bibles, and the planting of churches have all been possible through the faithful partnership of churches, families, and friends across generations and continents. This interconnectedness is a reflection of the body of Christ, where each part supplies what is needed for the flourishing of the whole.
  
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [106:00] - Honoring Anniversaries and Legacy
• [107:29] - The Age of the Holy Spirit and Latter Rain
• [108:00] - The Call to Global Witness
• [109:08] - Restoration and Prophetic Fulfillment
• [112:17] - The Gifts and Ministries Restored
• [114:35] - The Latter Rain Revival’s Impact
• [117:18] - Personal Calling and Mission to China
• [122:32] - Bible Distribution and Ministry in China
• [125:41] - Miraculous Provision for Church Growth
• [130:44] - Prophetic Ministry and Revival in China
• [131:50] - Testimonies of Transformation
• [133:56] - International Expansion and Training
• [136:29] - Worship and Revival Among the Nations
• [137:48] - Ongoing Global Missions and Closing Blessing

Bible Reading

Isaiah 61:1 (ESV) — > The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.

Acts 1:8 (ESV) — > But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Joel 2:28-29 (ESV) — > “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Isaiah 61:1, what are the specific things the anointed one is sent to do?
2. In Acts 1:8, what is the connection between receiving the Holy Spirit and being a witness?
3. The sermon mentions the “latter rain” and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a fulfillment of prophecy. What does Joel 2:28-29 say will happen when God pours out His Spirit? [01:52:17]
4. The speaker shared about the restoration of spiritual gifts and ministries in the church. What are some of the gifts and ministries mentioned in the sermon that have been restored? [01:54:35]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon describes this era as “the age of the Holy Spirit” and a time of restoration. What does it mean for the church to be restored to its “New Testament vibrancy and mission”? [01:47:29]
2. The Greek word for “witness” is “martys,” which also means “martyr.” How does this deeper meaning affect our understanding of what it means to be a witness for Christ? [01:48:00]
3. The speaker emphasized passing the baton of faith to the next generation. Why is intentional generational transfer of faith and vision so important for the church’s future? [01:49:08]
4. The story of ministry in China began when the nation was closed to the gospel. What does this teach us about obedience and God’s ability to open doors that seem impossible? [01:57:18]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “When you drink water, remember its source.” How can you practically remember and honor the spiritual legacy that has shaped your faith? Is there someone you need to thank or learn from this week? [01:46:00]
2. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses, even when it requires sacrifice. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to be a witness, but it feels risky or costly? What step could you take this week to move forward in obedience? [01:48:00]
3. The restoration of spiritual gifts like prophecy, healing, and the fivefold ministry has transformed lives and communities. Are there spiritual gifts you feel God may be stirring in you? How can you seek to grow or use them in your church or community? [01:54:35]
4. The speaker’s story included living in a church bathroom and learning a new language to reach people. What is one “uncomfortable” step you could take to reach someone with the gospel or serve in your church? [02:02:32]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of partnership and community in advancing the gospel. Who are your partners in faith? How can you strengthen or invest in those relationships this month? [02:05:41]
6. The call to global witness remains urgent, especially for those who have never heard the gospel. Is there a specific people group, nation, or local community God is putting on your heart? What is one way you can support missions—through prayer, giving, or going? [01:48:00]
7. The speaker talked about passing the baton to the next generation. Is there a younger believer you can encourage, mentor, or pray for this week? What would it look like to invest in their spiritual growth? [01:49:08]