Written, translated, or edited by members of the ChinaSource staff.
Doubtless the vigorous development of theological education since the 1990s is one of the important evidences of the growth of Christianity in China. Besides reflecting the growth of the church, it was itself a factor in the further expansion of the church.
I will never forget my parent’s exhortation as I left for Beijing: “Your parents and siblings will sometimes leave; only Jesus does not leave. . . . Regardless of where you end up, never forget Jesus. He is our family’s savior.” Even though by then my heart was already far from God, my parents’ words gave [me] a thread of comfort.
“We need to have the confirmation and confidence in the Lord that our first identity is as followers of Jesus, not as Chinese immigrants, businessmen, elders, founding pastors, or church-building pastors. Our most important identity is in our union with Christ.”
I was once lost but was bought by God at great price. I had been a confused Christian for many years, and there was no change in my life until God opened my spiritual eyes and made me see.
As we begin the new year, let’s lift our eyes to the God of the nations and together worship him. And pray . . .
References for your further reading that cover national level changes in China in regulations and administrative measures pertaining directly to religion.
A Tsinghua University graduate in automotive engineering felt lost in every area of his life until he was found by God on a snow-bound mountain in Qinghai Province.
ChinaSource is delighted to partner with OSCAR, which stands for One Stop Center for Advice and Resources. The UK-based website offers both in-person and online courses, including the British Culture Orientation course. Joann Pittman recently spoke with Mike Frith to find out about this course and how churches can use it to help diaspora Chinese Christians.
Secularization affects the church everywhere and China is no exception. This conversation with an experienced pastor from East China points out that the connectedness of our current age contributes to the challenges of secularization and often hampers spiritual growth.
The next year went as hoped. I entered Peking University, and my father’s dreams were fulfilled. But the excitement was short-lived. Very quickly, my heart was restless again: What should my next step be? Take classes, join student organizations, make friends. . . My heart felt hollow.
A handbook that introduces a holistic approach to caring for Chinese missionaries.
In the world’s eyes, I seemed successful. I had graduated from a famous university and stayed to teach there. . . . I wasn’t “left-over” in the marriage market and got married at the age of 26. If this was what a successful life looked like, then I’d rather give it all up, in exchange for the treasure I got after the age of 30—my Lord Jesus Christ.