Dear Friends,
CeCe Winans’ worship song “Goodness of God” beautifully captures the relentless, active love of God pursuing his children. Inspired by Psalm 23, it reminds us that God’s goodness is not a passive presence but a dynamic force, chasing after us to reveal his love and faithfulness.
At ChinaSource, we have experienced this active pursuit of God’s goodness throughout 2024. Opportunities to serve the church in China and the Chinese diaspora have emerged in ways that we could not have anticipated—opportunities that show how God is at work, opening doors, and calling his people into deeper connection and collaboration.
Building Bridges: A Story of God’s Pursuit
Building bridges of understanding and relationship is essential for effective collaboration between the church in China and the global church.
One fellow bridgebuilder who comes to mind is Jessica, a Mainland sister with whom we’ve had the privilege of working over the years. Together we have provided much-needed leadership content for pastors in China. We’ve partnered to connect believers across China in stimulating online conversations around what it means to have Christ as Lord of their lives.
Jessica has also encouraged us in our understanding of China’s church, broadening our view of how best to serve with brothers and sisters in China.
Recently Jessica wrote:
ChinaSource not only helps Christians around the world understand the Chinese church and Chinese brothers and sisters, but it also offers Chinese believers a new perspective on China’s history, culture, church, and Christian life. Some of our long-held beliefs are challenged here, prompting us to ask, “How should we biblically view practices we’ve taken for granted for centuries?”
God at Work in 2024
Looking back on this year, we are amazed by how God has opened doors to advance his kingdom:
- New Partnerships: We have facilitated 22 ministry collaborations, supporting everything from Bible distribution to discipleship resources for returning scholars.
- Amplifying Chinese Voices: More than half of our content contributors this year were ethnically Chinese, reflecting our commitment to elevating the perspectives of those directly connected to the church in China.
- Engaging Global Audiences: Through our publications, like ChinaSource Quarterly and the ZGBriefs, we’ve connected over 115,000 readers with the vibrant story of Chinese Christianity.
These opportunities remind us that God is actively pursuing his church, weaving together stories like Jessica’s and others to build his kingdom.
Looking Ahead: The Bridges Still to Be Built
While we celebrate what God has done, we also see the work that lies ahead:
- Equipping Leaders: Supporting a new generation of Chinese Christians as they develop theological resources uniquely tailored to their context.
- Strengthening Families: Providing resources for Christian parents navigating the challenges of raising children in China.
- Fostering Global Unity: Encouraging collaboration between China’s church and the global body of Christ.
These bridges are essential as the church in China navigates increasing restrictions and a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
How You Can Join Us This Giving Tuesday
Today on this Giving Tuesday, I invite you to join us in building these bridges. Your partnership helps us connect people, ideas, and resources to advance God’s work in China and beyond.
Here’s how you can make an impact:
- Donate: Your generosity sustains a trusted, collaborative platform and strengthens vital partnerships. Give here.
- Subscribe: Be inspired by stories of how God is at work through the Chinese church. Sign up here.
- Pray: Join us in prayer for the Chinese church, asking God to pursue his people with unwavering love and faithfulness.
As we close out 2024, I am filled with gratitude—for God’s goodness that has pursued us, for faithful partners like you, and for the lives being transformed through his love.
Psalm 23 reminds us that God’s goodness and mercy follow us every day of our lives. At ChinaSource, we see this truth in action through stories like Jessica’s and others who are responding to God’s relentless love.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we can continue building bridges that unite Christians across cultures for God’s purposes in China and beyond.
Warmly,
Brent Fulton
Founder, ChinaSource
P.S. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a celebration of God’s pursuit and goodness. Your gift, no matter the size, makes a lasting difference. Donate today.
Brent Fulton
Brent Fulton is the founder of ChinaSource. Dr. Fulton served as the first president of ChinaSource until 2019. Prior to his service with ChinaSource, he served from 1995 to 2000 as the managing director of the Institute for Chinese Studies at Wheaton College. From 1987 to 1995 he served as founding …View Full Bio
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