Tag: Foreign Workers
China in the Mirror: Challenges and Realities
Reflections on China, Part 1: The Context in 2024
I first went to China in 1985, serving there until 2012. The level of surveillance and scrutiny of expatriates at that time was high… While the current ministry context, with highly technological surveillance tools, feels restrictive, it appears to be a change in method, rather than a change in concept. We have been here all along.
The Mountains Are Shorter, Part 2
Mountains today no longer symbolize separation, but rather strength, as suggested by another phrase, tieda de Jiangshan (铁打的江山). Literally meaning “rivers and mountains forged in iron,” it is commonly translated “iron-clad country,” a fitting description of the seemingly unshakeable state power being exerted throughout Xi’s China.
Should We Still Consider China?
Seeing how long it takes to recruit and get a worker on the ground in China, I think that we are very wrong to stop recruiting for the Middle Kingdom. China is still a country with many who need Christ. Though the opportunities may be fewer and different, please don’t stop considering China!
To Stay or Not to Stay?
Is It Time to Leave China?
I suspect that many…have narrowed decisions about the future to one of two possible options: stay in China or return to one’s home country…. I see a compelling third option: relocate to an area outside of China to serve diaspora Chinese or train Chinese missionaries (or both).
Living Out Our Paul Moment
Paul yearned to return to visit his fellow believers but he knew there was a moment he would have to leave them to lead their churches without his help…. Likewise, many of us may not get to see our Chinese brothers and sisters on this side of heaven again.
An Interview with a Missions Leader in China (3)
International mission agencies can offer guidance. We need guides. I don’t mean a simplistic, short-term orientation course. But neither do we need a boss who only gives commands and does not truly walk with us. I mean each missionary needs a genuine guide.
An Interview with a Missions Leader in China (2)
My vision is for training with the goal of fruitfulness. There is a great movement happening in the Chinese church, but there isn’t a great deal of actual church planting happening. How do we help them to bear fruit?
Becoming More Fruitful in Cross-Cultural Work
How To Be Free in Christ and Rooted in Reality as You Fulfill Your Call
Amy Young discusses how to avoid ministry burnout by focusing on our spiritual life. As Paul advocates in his letter to the Galatians, she desires that you walk with the Spirit and experience true freedom in Christ. This freedom and fruitfulness exist in three directions: with God, others, and yourself.
Nothing New under the Sun
There have been seasons in China’s history when the sky seemed the limit. The possibilities for believers seemed endless…. Yet, there have also been seasons when China was closed, seasons when nothing seemed possible. And usually these followed a very open season, such as was not too long ago.
Expatriate Ministry in China during the Age of COVID
The experience of ministering as an expatriate in China is quite different today, as those who remain struggle to carve out meaningful roles in an increasingly challenging environment.