English

I can suggest five things you can do to "know God".

1) Start talking to God (pray). You don't need special "religious" words. In your own native language, in your own words, tell God you want to know him (God isn't a male or female, but is referred to in the Bible with the male pronoun- e.g. as a loving father or husband). Ask God to show you his love, his character and his truth to you. Tell God your worries, cares and problems. Thank God. Ask God questions. Don't be afraid. God wants to communicate with you, and loves it when you share your thoughts with him.

2) Read a Bible in your language. The Bible is God's written message to humans. I think of it as a VERY LONG love letter- containing great sorrow, great joy and other emotions in it. By reading the Bible, you can learn about what God is like, how to live in harmony with God and other people, and about the meaning of life. You can find most language Bibles online if you click here. If you read with an open heart and mind, and ask God to speak to you, God will speak to you through the Bible's words! But what part of the Bible should you read first? Click here for some suggestions about what to read.

3) Talk to someone who follows Jesus. A true Christian is someone who follows Jesus (God). Many people misunderstand the word "Christian". The truth is, although many Canadians may call themself Christian, probably less than 20% of Canadians seriously follow Jesus. Therefore, because of these misunderstandings, I like to think of true Christians as "followers of Jesus".

You can find some "followers of Jesus" at IVCF-ISM activities (we have many volunteers who follow Jesus). Of course, we are NOT perfect followers of Jesus. But with God's help, we seek to love others and follow Jesus faithfully.

Talk to Mark or ask him about other "Jesus-followers" you can talk to. They are people you can ask questions you have about God. Or ask them to pray for you, or with you. Or, if you feel you are ready, you can ask them how you can be a "follower of Jesus". However, we will not try and force you to believe and follow Jesus! That's your decision to make, not ours!

4) Join a Bible study discussion group. In such a group, you can ask questions, read the Bible with others, and learn more about what God is like. IVCF-ISM offers some Bible study groups. Click here for information. Again, we will not try and force you to believe and follow Jesus in these groups!

5) Visit one or more churches. People who follow Jesus value community. We can know God better by seeking God together.
Email Mark for some other churches he recommends to visit. One church I recommend highly is:
--Fort Garry Evangelical Mennonite Church (602 Pasadena). They have a special class for international students you are welcome to attend. Map. Phone: 261-1084

Chinese

Song of a Wanderer Book
(In Simplified Chinese Characters). The author is a graduate of Beijing University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in the United States.

Chinese Churches in Winnipeg:
(All have some Mandarin classes and/or services)