China Partnership - August 2021 Update
Yes, the challenges are increasing. No, we have not lost our hope in Jesus Christ. This was the message we heard during our first limited-audience forum on China, “Telling it like it is: the church in China now.”
Challenges are reminiscent of what we witnessed years ago. In July, the government passed a law that states what is prosecutable in mainland China will now be prosecuted in Hong Kong, which is causing the flight of many Chinese Christians. We saw pictures of registered churches being dismantled and turned into cultural centers such as the one pictured here from Jiangsu Province. If they resist, church leaders are sent to re-education camps. Tragically, one pastor committed suicide because of pressure to conform.
One woman leader presented the external challenge from an influx of very conservative western Christian material teaching about marriage, family, and parenting. In some situations, women are leaving jobs and vacating church leadership positions believing these to be sinful. This is alarming given the extent to which women have provided faithful leadership to the church in China for generations.
Yet despite this array of challenges, our friends shared stories of hope. The gospel is spreading through the arts! Christian artists are finding ways to bridge Chinese culture and Christian faith. Despite its increased pressure against the church, the government is allowing these creative expressions, each with a strong biblical undertone. Drama and singing are bringing Chinese together to hear the gospel in ways that are uniquely Chinese. Not only is this acceptable, but it is also a testimony about God’s promise from Isaiah 43. As one of our participants shared, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Other news to celebrate includes the growth of theological training through the Oxford Center of Religion and Public Life. With participation by Chinese faculty across the globe, OCRPL is providing women and men with opportunities to earn fully accredited PhD, DMin, and Master level ministry degrees online while living in China. Because the education is from Chinese scholars, the CCC is accepting this new form of training among younger leaders.
What can we do?
1. We are planning a second forum in October with the topic to be announced. If you wish to listen please contact Thomas Boone at tom@theoutreachfoundation.org.
2. Pray for Christians to be bold and wise amidst the increased challenges.
3. Pray for Christians who are now in camps and no one hears from them.
Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Boone
Associate Director for Mission
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking $5,000 to support continuing education opportunities for Chinese Church leaders; $50,000 to provide start-up libraries for lay leaders and recent seminary graduates-one “mini-library” costs $70 and a study Bible is $18; $10,000 to help provide short-term teachers for Jiangsu Seminary and support for Jiangsu Seminary in setting up its branch campus in Suzhou; and $10,000 to help provide short-term teachers for Shandong Seminary and lay training centers in Shandong Province, library resource development, and participation in seminars or forums that explore unique contributions Shandong Seminary can make to Chinese Christianity. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.