Increasingly the work of foreign medical workers is being integrated into the local community and is enhancing both the medical effectiveness of the treatment and the social and spiritual impact upon the community and individuals. This holistic approach is making an impact on China.
Expatriates arrive in China from around the world for many reasons and with a variety of purposes. They are making an impact on Chinese society and are also being changed themselves as the Chinese and other expats impact them.
Brazilian Christians prepare to serve at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
Hong Kong has been the window to China during the past fifty years. Hong Kong churches have been and continue to use their access to the Mainland to serve the church in China.
According to Chinese regulations, foreigners are free to do most kinds of church service provided it is under the authority of local recognized Chinese church leaders.
From joining in Sunday morning worship to attending weekly prayer meetings and Bible studies, much of church life is open to foreign participation.
One church's journey from a rural community in the US to involvement in China and beyond.
Dozens of initiatives have emerged over the past decade, and the vision for holistic ministry in the cities has taken root in most places around the world. While city-focused initiatives are rapidly and dynamically emerging everywhere, I find there is a great deal of confusion regarding what city reaching is, what we mean by the process, and how we achieve our goals.
Reaching the cities of China requires an urban strategy and the combined efforts of church. Serving the city, seeking good for the city expresses God's love for the city and contributes to carrying out his plan for the city.
Editor's Note: This editorial originally appeared in "Civil Rights Movement in China" (ChinaSource, 2005 Spring).
One of the wonderful things about cross-cultural living is the nearly constant barrage of surprises. After living in a country for nearly ten years, it is easy to fool yourself into thinking that you have the place figured out, that you know what is up and what is down, what is in and what is out. Sometimes, you even seem to know what to expect and what not to expect. But when those thoughts creep in, beware something is likely to come out of left field and remind you that you are still pretty clueless about all the little things that go on in the society around you. The unexpected may throw you for a loop and make you frustrated, or even angry. However, more often than not, it can be a positive experience, something which opens a window allowing you to see that the society which you so poorly understand, and which you sometimes think barely functions, is, in fact rather "normal." Then, at least for a few minutes, you might have the feeling of being an insider instead of the outsider that you in reality always are.
Short-term China trips can have an impact beyond what is usually anticipated and often impact not only the Chinese but also the team members themselves and those who support and send them.