This past year has been extraordinary for ChinaSource—a season marked by remarkable kingdom partnerships and unity that point directly to God’s faithfulness. Reflecting on the milestones of 2024, one phrase captures the essence of this journey: “unprecedented territory.”
Prayer is and has long been a hallmark of churches in China. As we enter a new year, we at ChinaSource are committing to a renewed emphasis on praying for China. What are some of the things that we want to see happen in China, in the lives of those we serve there, and in our own hearts and minds?
The pulpit of urban house churches in mainland China refers to preaching and information-sharing conducted by preachers during Sunday services and other occasions. The challenges discussed here refer to problems or crises, both internal and external, that affect the church’s pulpit.
We can work toward becoming what Sherwood Lingenfelter described as a 150 percent person, a person who retains 75 percent of their birth culture and adopts 75 percent of their new culture. Such a person becomes more than they used to, able to minister cross-culturally with greater empathy and impact.
The opportunities remain significant for the church and international student ministries to reach and disciple Chinese students and scholars, the majority of whom (about 80 percent) will go back to China.
We long to see returnees not just survive their transition home, but return well, engage with and get involved in the local church, and be ambassadors for Christ to their families, friends, colleagues, and the world.
Returnee ministry is clearly for “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) and stands as a God-given opportunity in this generation. We thank the Lord that we can have a part in witnessing his marvelous work.
Jesus Christ is the true hope of Christian returnees who have experienced loneliness, who have struggled to save themselves, and who have faced disappointments and despair.
Onesimus went back to Colossae as a powerful agent of change, demonstrating the gospel’s power to redeem and break down barriers. May those returning to China from around the world also be used powerfully for God’s kingdom.
In truth, it is always easier to run away than to face challenges but fleeing from difficulties is not God's will. I thank the Lord for protecting and keeping me in my work and in helping me find a church, and for giving me confidence and joy to rebuild my life.
It is important for returnee Christians to ask God for wisdom as they follow Peter’s admonition to early Christians who were struggling: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
We know that our love for God, for his kingdom in China, and for returning Chinese Christians demands that we equip our returnees with all that they need to remain faithful to Jesus.