I headed to Tianjin's old Drum Tower this afternoon and found an unexpected sight: people passing out flyers about the Great Commission. Right in the midst of souvenir shops, knick knack booths, and embroidery galleries were two or three middle aged Chinese women passing out flyers about JC. Curious at the historic-looking entrance from which they beckoned as well as by their open, outright recruitment of visitors, I stepped in.
Entering a small little outer courtyard, you go through a little tunnel-like entryway, then another smaller courtyard, and finally reach the sanctuary. Inside was a very old lady talking about the story of JC's birth and death. It was very small, probably seating about 40 people, and a little rundown, with visible water spots and stains on the yellowing walls. As I left, one of the volunteers approached me asking me to stay a little longer. I told her I already knew JC and asked if it was one of the government sanctioned cherches. She said yes. That explained the very open distribution of flyers in the tourist district. Nevertheless, I'm amazed this place exists amidst the shops selling little lucky charms and Buddha head figurines.
I headed to Tianjin's old Drum Tower this afternoon and found an unexpected sight: people passing out flyers about the Great Commission. Right in the midst of souvenir shops, knick knack booths, and embroidery galleries were two or three middle aged Chinese women passing out flyers about JC. Curious at the historic-looking entrance from which they beckoned as well as by their open, outright recruitment of visitors, I stepped in. 
Entering a small little outer courtyard, you go through a little tunnel-like entryway, then another smaller courtyard, and finally reach the sanctuary. Inside was a very old lady talking about the story of JC's birth and death. It was very small, probably seating about 40 people, and a little rundown, with visible water spots and stains on the yellowing walls. As I left, one of the volunteers approached me asking me to stay a little longer. I told her I already knew JC and asked if it was one of the government sanctioned cherches. She said yes. That explained the very open distribution of flyers in the tourist district. Nevertheless, I'm amazed this place exists amidst the shops selling little lucky charms and Buddha head figurines.
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