Blog Entries

Top 10 Posts of 2019


It’s time for our annual look back at the most popular posts on the ChinaSource Blog in 2019. Here is what you, our readers, particularly liked this past year:

  1. When Our Dream Came to a Halt, by Lisa (January 9, 2019)
    It was a Saturday afternoon when my husband got a call from the Public Security Bureau (PSB) telling him to get over to the office. They were waiting for him. “Now???” It was our son’s birthday and I was not too happy seeing my husband leave for the office. And he didn’t come back right away. Time passed with no sign of when he would return. Then suddenly he called me saying, “You need to come over as well, and bring our passports. And . . . when you get here . . . no questions.” 
  2. 7 Reasons Why Sinicization is Not Rhetoric This Time, by Jackson Wu (May 1, 2019)
  3. Some people have expressed their doubt about China’s recent initiative to “Sinicize” Christianity. They suspect the plan is simply propaganda, empty threats, or show. After all, haven’t we seen similar programs rolled out in the past? We’ve been there, done that. Or have we? I suggest there are at least seven ways that this current plan to Sinicize Christianity represents more than mere saber rattling. 
  4. “Sinicization” of Christianity—Understanding the Contexts, by Joann Pittman (March 29, 2019)
    As we watch this sinicization campaign play out, or, perhaps fizzle, as has often happened in the past, it will be interesting to see if, despite the political aims of the government, more theologically-driven expressions of Christianity emerge. It is to that end that we pray.
  5. Uncovering a Hidden Need in China: One Expat Family’s Adoption Story, by Beth Forshee  (February 11, 2019)
    I’ve decided to share our journey of adoption, with all its sensitivities, in hope of encouraging others who are considering adoption. I also hope to change how people view the needs concerning adoption, specifically in China. For those wanting to adopt from China it is a long road lined with paperwork and set-backs, but the process is also refining, eye-opening, and faith-growing. In this five-part series I will tell our story and how our path took us into an unseen part of China’s people. Our family tree is forever blessed through the adoption of our daughter and here is our story. 
  6. One Child Nation: A Film Review, by Hannah Lau (April 15, 2019)
    This was a difficult film to watch and is an equally difficult film to review. I have watched many films about the issues that plague Chinese society and this was the first time I left feeling nauseous, but not because the film was poorly made. It was gut-wrenching because the topic is true, and what was presented was real and devastating to so many. Feeling sick to my stomach came from a combination of anger and sadness. But having said that, I have no regrets, it was a worthy watch.
  7. The Year of Living Sensitively, by Joann Pittman (March 15, 2019)
    While calendars play an important role in all cultures, societies, and political systems, one unique feature of the Chinese political calendar is the prominence of sensitive anniversaries. The approach of these anniversaries often means increased security measures, tightening of regulations, and even the slowing down of the internet. In other words, sensitive anniversaries make the party-state very nervous. 
  8. Faith. Hope. Love., by Barbara Kindschi  (May 15, 2019)
    For many years I had a scroll hanging on my wall with the Chinese characters for faith, hope, and love. If the Biblical admonition to be salt and light includes our home decorations, well, this little piece of parchment was salty indeed. […]  Over the years I have heard scores of definitions and illustrations of those three words. Some I have written down—because I like to write! Others are in my memory, and sadly countless are forgotten. Some led to deep conversations and others started a friendship. Some simply got students and visitors to ask questions. Some led to a look in the Bible where the three virtues are listed together. I’d like to share three that reveal this diversity.
  9. So, How Are They Now? : A Follow-up on Chinese Christians after Their Expat Colleagues Had to Leave, by Lisa (July 8, 2019)
    Seven or eight months have passed since I met with Chinese sisters and brothers whose expat colleagues and friends had had to leave China suddenly. They had shared with me how heartbroken and shaken they were; some had not even had the opportunity to say goodbye. So where are they now in their journey of healing?
  10. The Need for Professional Help, by Lisa (January 16, 2019)
    Having to leave your home in China suddenly is not just difficult, it is a trauma and should not be taken lightly. Receiving member care from teammates or from the sending organization are both good, and play important parts in the healing process. But no matter how well it is done, it is still not enough. It is important that we treat this for what it is, trauma, and know where to find professional help.
  11. Care for Those Who Remain in China, by Lisa (February 13, 2019)
    The pain in my Chinese friend’s voice was real and came from his heart. Those of us who have been through many transitions know how important it is to do our goodbyes well in order to get closure. I have found that many of our local friends have not had any preparation or even heard about transitions or the importance of farewells. 

Thanks for reading! We look forward to more great content in 2020.

Image credit: Russell_Yan from Pixabay
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Joann Pittman

Joann Pittman

Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio


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