The author considers the impact of history and the role that worldview plays in the lives of returnees. She then discusses from a practical point of view the issues facing returnees and the needed responses. She concludes with lessons learned by returnees.
One topic sure to bring up lots of entries on a Google search, some 47 million Chinese entries, has to do with "haigui" (sea turtles). This term, haigui, in current Chinese slang refers to overseas returnees, especially to the thousands of Chinese students who completed studies overseas, gained practical work experience, and have now returned home. How many of these haigui are returning as Christians? What kind of impact wil they after spending time in the West? Are there ways we can support them?
Editor's Note: This editorial originally appeared in "Returnees to China" (CS Quarterly, 2011 Winter).
Winter 2011
哪些因素會影響NGO在中國的存在呢?
篇者的话: 这篇文章的原文刊载于华源协作中文版秋号2011
Editor's note: This editorial originally appeared in "Building Together to Bless the Nations" (CS Quarterly, 2011 Autumn)
If there are to be more active and mature working relationships between foreign and local believers, it is essential that there be a better understanding of the degree to which local Chinese churches are poised to be able to take one the responsibility of helping their own communities and those beyond. The time may be ripe for there to be more dialogue on how foreign believers can transition from taking an active initiative in reaching out to local communities to that of taking on a more supportive, facilitative and mentoring role.
God calls his church to grow in peacemaking. While we will always face conflicts in life, through the gospel the Lord enables us to become Christ-like peacemakers. Four principles for becoming peacemakers are explored.
As compared with any period in Chinese history, Christianity (meaning Protestant in this document) has experienced enormous changes in China today. However, achievement and problems exist simultaneously and challenges and opportunities coexist; this is an indisputable fact. People with different beliefs and standpoints have never come to consensus on their evaluation and understanding of Chinese Christianity. The current situation and the future of Christianity in China is in fact a question depending on one's perspective. This article attempts to organize the current situation and the problems of Christianity in China from an academic research point of view and suggests the route of its future development as well as the problems that must be solved.
Those who have mentored share some of their insights and discuss the needs of Chinese leaders that would benefit from mentoring. The role of foreign Christians in mentoring is addressed along with a look at how Jesus mentored other. Mentoring resources are suggested.
Autumn 2011