Yuantong Temple

Last week while in Kunming, we visited the Yuantong Buddhist Temple. This is the entrance to the Yuantong Buddhist Temple. Our guide did not have it scheduled for us but we wanted to take the boys. It was very close to our hotel so we caught a taxi by ourselves. As we entered in the gate, our hearts were so heavy. The beauty of the architecture and the landscaping was breath- taking but....
the lost souls broke our hearts. There were people there of all ages but the most heart breaking moment was when we looked around and mostly saw older people having no hope and eternal life.

Shortly after we entered the gate, we smelled burning incense and saw smoke. People were bowing three or four times in all directions, asking for blessings for themselves and their family, living and the dead.
Many bowed to this multi armed statue.
Notice the amazing carvings on the wood. In the middle of the area, men were building this beautiful building. Most of their prayers are related to money and health. They are living their lives now with no comprehension of eternity, building buildings and 'working' their way to blessings for themselves and their family.

Joel B was the photographer most of the day and got this great picture of these two monks. Many live inside the temple.
The saddest moment of all was meeting this man. He stopped and talked to us in Chinese and was so friendly. We wanted to take the boys to the temple to help them better understand the need for Christ for millions of souls in China. Joel B said afterward that he is so happy he is growing up in a Christian family. He thinks what he saw that day was "dumb' and that believing in Christ makes more sense.

Lord, show us how we can share the gospel to so many lost people in China. Thank you, Lord for giving us our HuiHui. Help us to guide him as we teach him about you.