Lasting Friendship: Outreach Team Visits the Church in China
Hospitality and mutual exchanges of stories of God at work in China and the United States marked The Outreach Foundation’s first post-pandemic visit to the church in China. As we conclude our memorable time among friends who wish us God’s blessings and desire a deeper relationship with the church in America, we received the following official report from the National China Christian Council (CCC) office which hosted our visit. We look forward to sharing stories of our rich time in China with you soon!
Rev. Shen Xuebin Receives Outreach Foundation of Presbyterian Church
On the morning of July 24, 2023, Rev. Shen Xuebin, Residential Vice President of CCC, received a delegation from The Outreach Foundation. The two sides reminisced about their friendship and exchanged views on the post-pandemic church services.
Rev. Shen Xuebin warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of CCC&TSPM. Rev. Mark Carl Mueller, Executive Director of The Outreach Foundation, and Rev. Thomas Judge Boone, Associate Director for Mission, made an introduction to the delegation. Some of the delegates have maintained a friendship with the Church in China for more than two decades since the last generation, while others have visited China several times. One guest came with his granddaughter, who is also a member of the delegation.
Rev. Shen Xuebin was impressed by their introduction. He said that the good interaction between the Church in China and The Outreach Foundation has continued for many years, based upon mutual respect and equal exchange. He believed that the relationship established by the younger generation would lead to strengthened cooperation and lasting friendship.
During the meeting, Rev. Shen Xuebin mentioned the foreign-language-speaking congregations (such as English-speaking congregations, German-speaking congregations, Korean-speaking congregations, etc.) in some cities in China. As a response, Rev. Mark Carl Mueller shared his personal experience of attending a service in Shanghai during this visit. Despite the geographical barrier of having to fly thousands of miles to China from the U.S., the worship service here had many similarities to American churches, such as the recitation of the Apostle’s Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, hymn singing, etc. He gave thanks to CCC&TSPM for this moving and valuable experience.
Afterward, Rev. Shen Xuebin responded to concerns of the delegates, including the history of Holy Trinity Cathedral, the challenges to churches in the post-pandemic era, youth ministry, and so forth. In the meeting, the two sides respected each other and had a sincere and fervent exchange.
After the meeting, the delegation visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Grace Telling Bookstore.
Ms. Gu Jingqin, the interim chief of the Overseas Relations Department of CCC&TSPM, and other colleagues also participated in the reception.
Translated and edited by Bei Feng and Xiao Tang.