Reflections from Pastor John Cao is a series of poetry and writings from the recently released Chinese Christian prisoner of conscience exclusively published by ChinaAid. The piece below was written on March 30, 2024 and has been minimally edited for clarity. To read more of Pastor John Cao’s poetry, one can purchase the collection written while he was imprisoned, Living Lyrics: Poems from Prison.
Purity
Reflections on Isaiah 6:1-6
With flames and smoke, the temple’s ablaze;
Pure lips are needed to enter the holy temple.
Preaching His words on behalf of God,
Being called to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Ode to Power Lines
In the bustling city, lights of myriad homes gleam,
Soft lamps, young children in love with reading.
Stretching a thousand miles, utility poles stand tall and true,
Each one silently transmitting great power through.
This poem hopes that Christians can, like power lines and utility poles, silently transmit the great power of the Holy Spirit to all believers, so that everyone can shine for the Lord.
In Search for Bible scriptures
The prison prohibits the Bible, and I didn’t have access to the Bible while I was imprisoned. So, I searched through some books, such as Tolstoy’s “Resurrection,” and so on, just like a bee gathering nectar from ten thousand flowers, unexpectedly collecting dozens of verses. I transcribed these verses into a notebook, thus creating my own “Bible.” I celebrate this with a poem.
Light of wisdom seeps through cracks, illuminating the dark prison,
In history books and novels, words of wisdom are safely stowed.
Like a bee flying amidst myriad blooms, collecting nectars.
Turning nectars into honey, savoring the sweetness of hard
work.
