Stories

Firsthand accounts of faith lived out in the context of Chinese Christianity.

Latest

Hubei Churches Damaged by Flooding

According to news reports, more than 200 people have died in flooding and landslides across China this summer, mostly along the Yangtze River and its tributaries. The Gospel Times recently reported on how the flooding has impacted Christians in communities in Hubei Province. This is a translated excerpt of that article.

The Church on Gospel Road

Spring had come to Chengdu City, so a Chinese friend and I decided to go into the countryside to enjoy the flowers. After a lovely stroll among the canola flowers and a delicious lunch, we went to visit a nearby church where we know the folks. Their church, has an interesting story, somewhat in contrast with the stories that often reach the news about the church in China.

Mr. Zhang Believes

Traditionally, film festival pieces are known to push boundaries and be more artistically daring than your average blockbuster affair. But the space in which director Qiu Jiongjiong plays with his film Chi () is one that even has the artistic community a bit stunned. The film, which has been alternately named Mr. Zhang Believes, has been described as a hybrid documentary—one that blends theatrical fiction and autobiography. Existing in relatively uncharted territory, hybrids bravely blur the lines of categorical boundaries.

A Monument to a Swedish Missionary

The mainland site Gospel Times recently reported on the discovery of a stone monument commemorating the life of a Swedish missionary named Anna Karlsson.

The Precious Cross

If you find yourself worshiping at a church in China, chances are you may sing this song, titled “The Precious Cross."

A New Megachurch with an Old History

Much has been written about the cross- and church-demolition campaign in Zhejiang province over the past couple of years. What doesn’t make the news (outside of China), however, are stories about new churches being built. This article, originally published on the mainland site Gospel Times, reports on the building of a megachurch in Fuzhou. The building is new; however, the church has been there for more than 100 years.

“We Don’t Believe in Anything”

If you want to find out what is really going on—I mean really going on—in China, ask a taxi driver. Since they spend all day conversing with people from all walks of life, getting various takes and perspectives on the issues of the day, few people have a better feel for the mood.