The Outreach Foundation has had a long-standing relationship with Amity Printing Company in China. Located on the outskirts of Nanjing, China, Amity Printing Company is a joint venture between the Amity Foundation and the United Bible Societies. The company was established in 1988 and prints Bibles for the world. Bibles have been sent to more than 140 countries and regions.
Read MoreHospitality 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!
Read MorePraise the Lord! The Outreach Foundation has received permission to return to mainland China from July 22 - August 1! If the past few years have taught us anything, it is not to take anything for granted and as Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Therefore, we are grateful and humbled that the Lord has opened the door for us to visit our friends in China and seek understanding on how we might serve the Kingdom of God along with them.
Read MoreBook Gifting Updates
This year’s response to the COVID pandemic in China has been more unstable than ever, which has seriously affected the schedule for seminary schools. Indeed, their classes are all revolving in this loop: suspended → resumed → extra effort to catch up on the courses → suspended again……
Despite the uncertainties, 1,890 sets of books have been delivered to 29 official seminaries, Bible schools, and selected training centers. All by God’s grace!
Read MoreSince March 1, the government of China has been increasing pressure on Christians who were already facing many challenges in living out their faith. We hear from our friends that they are continuing on, and they ask for our prayers. We hear that seminaries are still meeting, though there is an alarming trend of government shutdowns in large cities. COVID is the official reason but these measures are contributing to increased pressure, especially against religious groups and minorities. Still, the church is finding ways to flourish even when it is in quiet ways. The Outreach Foundation is honored to stand with the church of China. Please read the following positive update from one of our friends who is located in the United States.
Read MoreCongratulations to Freda Li
She was given an “excellent” rating by her faculty at the University of Liverpool, Suzhou, China, and was recognized for being a faculty member of distinction. This is rarely attained by new faculty members. Freda earned this while taking care of her son as a single mother, volunteering as a preacher at her church, and serving as a small group leader. Freda was the main speaker for our last conversation with Chinese friends.
The Outreach Foundation’s friendship with China is one of our most enduring and we are so thankful for the connections maintained through this long season of not being able to see one another face-to-face. By God’s grace, our bonds of friendship continue in tangible ways and this update highlights two.
“Telling It Like It Is,” an ongoing forum on the state of Christianity in China
“Family and the church” gave focus to our conversations during our second China Forum on Friday evening, October 29. Our primary presenter was Frida, a single mother to a four-year old son who teaches Spanish full time to Chinese students at one of China’s prestigious universities in Suzhou Province. She is also a lay assistant in a local unregistered multi-site house church, with occasional preaching duties.
Read MoreYes, 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.
Read MoreIt seems so long ago that we were able to visit our friends in China. So, it is encouraging to hear from churches and individuals that with COVID-19 God has pruned many things, but the Spirit has only strengthened the resolve to deepen the bonds of friendship with our brothers and sisters in China. Though we do not envision a visit in the immediate future, we know that God’s timing is perfect and we look forward to the day He opens the way. Until then we follow friendship’s multi-faceted pathways.
First, we commit our resources and energy to the relationship. Thus we celebrate that with the hiring of Rev. Dr. Thomas Boone, The Outreach Foundation is investing deeply for China. In addition to him having been in China, Tom’s own family has had a favored relationship with many in China for over twenty years. His father, Dr. Thomas J Boone, Jr., was considered a foreign expert and taught economic law in several universities throughout China (Tianjin, Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Changchun, and Wuhan). His mother, Susan, taught English to some of our dear friends who have themselves become pastors, elders, and professors. Building on the good work of Jeff Ritchie, Peter Lim, Choon Lim, and Juan Sarmiento, Tom is committed to seeing The Outreach Foundation’s long-standing friendship with Christians in China continue and flourish to include new relationships.
Read More
