Reaching Migrant Workers in China

Editorials

The Struggles and Strengths of China’s Migrant Workers

From the desk of the guest editor.

Lead Article

Thinking about Multiplying Migrant Worker Churches in Urbanizing China

After an overview of current trends in migrant worker population growth throughout China, read about the ways that urbanization has influenced the expansion of migrant churches. Finally, discover five ideas to multiply migrant churches.

Supporting Article

The Unfinished Story of Living Waters

A young Chinese church planter shares how an indigenous mission to migrant workers grew over several years. The group has taught and commissioned other young workers who move to satellite towns and cities around Beijing, and other major cities, to plant churches that focus on migrants.

Supporting Article

Reflections from a Foreign Friend: My Years with China’s Migrants

Reimer explains how the hukou, or family registration system, creates difficulties for individuals, families, and society. He addresses the rural/urban divide, then discusses how evangelizing the migrant “floating population” is one good way to fulfill Christ’s global mandate.

Supporting Article

Caring for China’s “Left-Behind” Children

Wong tells us how she started holding camps in villages for China’s “left-behind” children—those whose parents work in cities while relatives care for them. These children face serious challenges but are strengthened by faith in Christ and attending holiday camps.

Supporting Article

The Journeys of Five Migrant Women

Five migrant women who moved to Beijing from 1989 to 2010 at different ages describe their experiences. Each one discusses her values, challenges, hardships, and successes following the move into the city, as well as her faith and plans for the future.

Book Reviews

The Factory, the Family, the Future

The Myth of Chinese Capitalism: A Book Review

Samuels summarizes each chapter of the book, highlighting the many difficult choices migrant workers must face. The author shows them in their full humanity, helping the reader relate to the struggles of migrant workers.

ChinaSource Perspective

No Ordinary People

We are privileged to be introduced to men, women, and children who have experienced, and continue to experience, crushing loss through separation and discrimination. We hear their stories of perseverance, courage, and transformation in Christ.