On March 28, 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing Division, claiming over 5,000 lives and injuring thousands more. The quake’s impact was felt as far as Bangkok, where high-rise buildings swayed from the tremors. Within 48 hours, a group of Chinese missionaries based in Thailand mobilized in response.
For more than two weeks, this informal coalition worked together to raise over US$30,000 for earthquake relief. While the fundraising itself was significant, what stood out even more was that this marked the first time Chinese missionaries in Thailand organized a public, team-based ministry initiative. For a community often characterized by fragmentation, informality, and invisibility, this event offered a rare glimpse into the possibilities—and growing pains—of collaborative Chinese missions overseas.
The purpose of Sun Yong’s reflection was to explore what this campaign reveals about the evolving identity and practice of Chinese cross-cultural workers serving in Southeast Asia. Drawing on firsthand involvement and conversations with others, he identified several key themes.
The Catalyst for Action
The effort began when one missionary offered to auction his organization’s most valuable vehicle to raise funds for the victims. His sacrifice inspired others to join. Within days, roles were assigned: organizing, emceeing, publicity, hospitality, tech support, and coordination with local churches in Myanmar. A local Thai church agreed to serve as the legal channel for receiving and distributing the funds.
Why Thailand?
Thailand has increasingly become a base for Chinese missionaries due to its visa flexibility, affordability, geographic proximity to China, and strategic position in Buddhist-majority Southeast Asia. Many missionaries in this new wave operate independently or through Chinese house church networks, rather than international mission organizations.
What Motivated Participation?
Through interviews and observations, five recurring motivations emerged:
- A desire to demonstrate Christ’s love to non-believers.
- Compassion for the suffering.
- A sense of unity with the global church.
- Loyalty to fellow missionaries.
- Opportunities to strengthen ministry ties in Myanmar.
Tensions and Challenges
Despite good intentions, the campaign was not without internal difficulties:
- Legal Risks: Public fundraising is tightly regulated in Thailand.
- Safety Concerns: Fear of exposure or surveillance by Chinese authorities was real.
- Logistics: Transferring funds and supplies to conflict-affected areas in Myanmar proved complicated.
- Team Fatigue: Participation dropped off over time.
- Trust Issues: One team member’s unilateral financial decision caused tension within the group and required a difficult process of reconciliation.
A Moment of Growth
Despite these challenges, Sun Yong views the campaign as a breakthrough. It revealed the need for better structures, clearer communication, and deeper trust among missionaries. But more importantly, it showed that Chinese missionaries are increasingly willing to step into public, cooperative ministry—even when it’s messy.
Sun connects this moment to a broader global shift toward polycentric missions, a theme highlighted in the Lausanne Movement. Rather than following traditional Western mission models, Chinese missionaries are beginning to speak, serve, and lead in their own distinct ways.
As Chinese churches continue to send workers abroad, Sun calls for greater reflection, collaboration, and grace. This campaign, while imperfect, opens a window into what Chinese missions can become: courageous, united, and shaped by love.
Click here to find the PDF of A Window into Chinese Missionary Praxis: Reflections on the Myanmar Relief Collaboration in Thailand to download, print, and read.
