Another story from our time as English teachers in China:

We were warned about sharing about Jesus openly with children in China. We had training about how to show our love through our actions and the importance of prayer, but to also listen to the Holy Spirit and if the timing was right, to share the gospel if we were led.  

Our team prayed daily for the kids, the teachers, and the parents. After many long, hot days of seeing nothing come to fruition, we were burnt out. We prayed again. At the school we were doing an English Training Camp at, we taught a lot about American holidays and that day we were to teach the kids about Thanksgiving. We traced hand turkeys for the activity and wrote one thing we were thankful for on each finger.  The American teachers came back together the next night after classes. and Chris reported that he and his co-teacher Jon had written “God” on the first finger and one of the girls had asked why. They told her they believed in God. The next day that girl came back to class and told Chris and Jon privately that she had asked her mom about God and her mom, a Christian, told her about Jesus and that she had accepted Him as her savior! 

This was and is such a big deal! In a mission field where it’s forbidden to speak to a child about Jesus, Chris boldly exemplified that God was one of the things he was most thankful for. God did the rest, equipping this girl’s mom with the gospel, in Mandarin, in the safety of their home.

As a team, we reflected on God’s graciousness to even let us know about her salvation. She didn’t have to share this, but it was a huge boost to all our efforts and we were so pumped to continue doing whatever we could to share the gospel in tiny ways. 

Chris was so loved by his team and by the Chinese people in Taian. I took so many pictures on that trip and one I’ll include is just one of the maaaany times Chris would patiently pose with tiny Chinese women who wanted to take their picture with him. 

He was an honorable man. RIP, Jive Turkey

Chris and I went to APU together. While there, we ended up going on two month-long mission trips to China together in 2012 and 2013. Each time we were on a team of seven, and both times we had such radical, unique experiences. From eating chicken feet (Chris didn’t even blink twice at it but took a bite and announced that it tasted like chicken) to doing parkour on the Great Wall, Chris was always ready to make us laugh or laugh along with us. I loved how he took everything in with a stoic face and then gave you his full and honest response, whether that was busting up at how ridiculous you were, or giving sage advice on a difficult problem. 

One evening on our 2013 trip, his roommate and friend Ross was feeling sick. They went to bed that night, and the next morning when our group met before we taught English classes for the day, Ross reported to the team that immediately after their alarm went off that morning, Chris rolled over in his bed, looked at Ross and the first thing he said was, “How’re you feeling, man?” That one story sums up so much of the way I knew Chris - though he was often thinking deeply or making others laugh, he was always keenly perceptive of others’ needs, too.

Chris was one of my closest friends.  I have been reflecting a lot on my relationship with him the last few weeks.  Our relationship was characterized by vulnerability, acceptance, warmth, and light heartedness.  I grew up experiencing a lot of loneliness and isolation, Chris was one of the first people in my life who held space for every part of me.  I experienced profound healing in my relationship with Chris.  I experienced deep connection.  There is much more to share about my relationship with Chris and I hope to share stories with you all as we move through the loss of Chris together.

The loss of my good friend has brought much grief, pain, and sadness.  I want to hang out with him again.   I hope to keep Chris with me by honoring him with my actions in relationship.  Through being present with those around me, thinking deeply, enjoying music, honoring others,  showing up authentically, accepting people, loving.  

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who have the honor of being connected with Chris.  

Love, 

Andrew Earle