Ministry in Australia

At the church complex we were shown plans for a kindergarten for hepatitis B sufferers. As no one else would take them, the church was willing to fill the gap in a most exemplary way. As the church was very short of ordained ministers, lay people took on all kinds of leadership rolls, but they wouldn't let them preach.

Mr. Ko persuaded us to climb the 6 Bunyan Pagoda, which had been built in 1358. I was terrified because of the incredible hight, but the view from the top floor was absolutely magnificent. We also saw lots of pagodas and temples, as well as the Sun Yat-sen Memorial hall, one of the largest columnless halls I have seen, seating 4,700. Mr. Ko also introduced us to ancient Chinese culture. When we walked through one of those beautiful parks he cited a proverb:

"Rather to eat without meat, than to live without bamboo". On the last day Mr. Ko escorted us to the train and told us about train travelling in China, and how to buy our tickets. We travelled 'soft class' in a 15-car train, real luxury. Our compartment had embroidered linen, a table lamp and a flower pot. Our two Chinese companions unfortunately, couldn't speak a word of English. There was even a thermometer to show that during the night the temperature came down to 32°C. The train journey of 38 hours took us through some of the most beautiful landscapes, along rivers, through mountains and tunnels. Sections of the second track were still being laid, but they hoped to finish it by 1988. On stations we were able to buy as much food as we could eat. There were also meals provided on the train. They came in polystyrene boxes and were not bad, except the rice, which was terrible. After the meal these boxes were just tossed out of the window. What dreadful litter, we thought. By the time we arrived at Hangzhou, we were well known by many fellow travellers on the train, and one came to speak to us in good English. He was a musician and composer, working with the Hangzhou Orchestra.

We hadn't booked a room in Hangzhou, but from the Lonely Planet guide we picked a hotel in the middle range and hired a taxi to take us there. I left Alison in the taxi and went to the reception desk: "We would like a double room please. Is there one available?"

"Yes." "How much for one night?" "One hundred and fifty Yuan. (about $60)" "Oh, that is too expensive for us. We are not rich American tourists. Have you got a cheaper room?"

"Yes, for seventy five Yuan? (about $30)" "That would be fine."

We signed in. The room had an en suite and was very comfortable. I think I had discovered a way of bargaining, without them losing face.

Hangzhou was the capital of Zhejiang, the smallest province in China but one of the most prosperous with the largest number of Christians, approximately one million people. We eventually found the church after

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