China: Ancient Culture, Modern Society provides a much-needed starting point for piecing together the many parts of the complex puzzle that is China. This rich volume bridges geography, culture, politics, and beliefs to present a nuanced picture of a nation that is often misunderstood by those seeking to view it through a Western lens.
Becoming Native to Win the Natives first looks at how we are to imitate Christ's love and humility to effectively love those to whom we are ministering. The book then covers many specific aspects of life abroad and how we can better live like the locals in many areas so that some may be saved.
Reaching Chinese Worldwide introduces the many ways in which Christians may communicate the truth and love of God in Christ to Chinese around the world. This nearly comprehensive survey contains both fundamental principles and practical suggestions useful for all those wanting to make a Christian impact on China.
Going to China this summer? Here are tips for preparing well for your trip.
This is the second in a five-part series on localization of China ministry. Each essay centers on a different issue that the author has encountered as his organization goes through the process of handing over key leadership to local believers. The challenges are real, and the process is ongoing, meaning that some essays contain as many questions as answers.
Fifteen years ago, a Chinese writer who goes by the name of Huo Shui, wrote an article for the ChinaSource Quarterly called "Keys to Effectiveness in an Ever-Changing China." While China has continued to change, the things he talked about have stood the test of time. Or, as a friend of mine used to say, “things are the same, only more so.”
Earlier this week we posted a ChinaSource Conversations podcast in which I talked with Jackson Wu, author of Saving God’s Face and Sam Chan, author of Preaching as the Word of God about the issue of contextualization in gospel presentations. In the course of the conversation I asked them ten questions.
In this podcast ChinaSource Senior Vice President Joann Pittman interviews Jackson Wu and Sam Chan. Their discussion examines the process of interpreting, communicating and applying the Bible in a particular cultural context. Effective contextualization communicates the gospel message in a way that is faithful to how God has revealed it through scripture but also in a way that hearers can understand in their own cultural setting.
Education is a major issue for cross-cultural workers who serve overseas with their families. Most families choose to put their kids in an international school, a local school, or to homeschool full-time at home. All of these have their pros and cons.
I love living in China and have immersed myself in Chinese culture. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go since I arrived here in 1991—many who approach China with negative attitudes and misconceptions.
I’d like to share my thoughts about how to enjoy this culture that God loves. Specifically, I want to note some wrong approaches to China that I hope will instruct us in a better way.
Come visit me at the “Waffle House” of northwest China!
Gift giving is tricky in any culture—even our own.