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Serving the Servers in Macau In 2006 Macau, China became the world’s richest gambling center with revenues of nearly $7 billion. Attracting over 22 million visitors each year, Macau is known as Asia’s Las Vegas. Since 2001, this 500 year old city, located on the southern coast of China at the mouth of the Pearl River, has experienced a radical transformation as U.S. casino companies have built new hotels and resorts throughout the city. Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal. Larry and Sarah Ballew, CBF field personnel who live and work in Macau with their sons Joshua and Nathanael, are making inroads with the booming service industry in the area. "We are serving the servers," says Larry. Commissioned by CBF in 2005, the Ballews use English teaching as a way to build relationships with restaurant and hotel workers. They also recruit native English teachers to teach in Macau and meet the growing need to learn English. "A part of our role in this city is to be like bamboo scaffolding around a new building," Larry says. "We work with local people and serve them in ways that can help them to connect with and serve others." While Macau’s growth has been quick, the work of the gospel there is much slower. "The transformation comes in small steps, but they are amazing steps to us," notes Sarah. Missouri churches and individuals can help the Ballews’ ministry in Macau through prayer, by giving financially, and by giving of their time through short- or long-term mission trips. Larry Ballew will share about their work in China at the CBF of Missouri meeting during the CBF General Assembly. The meeting will be Thursday, June 28 at 3:45 p.m. in the Conference Theater at the Grand Hyatt hotel. |
Giving to CBF of
Missouri:
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