This past month, in a variety of venues and locations, I have had the privilege of meeting with colleagues and the ChinaSource board of directors, with friends who are co-laborers in this very challenging season, as well as with new, interested friends who are considering partnering with us to answer the Father’s calling for ChinaSource.
Along the way, I have had the honor and privilege of hearing from many who expressed their gratitude for ChinaSource in the midst of very intense, even desperate situations. Several friends expressed their feelings, in light of the current season, that “ChinaSource may be needed now, more than ever.”
It is definitely our heart to serve the church of Jesus Christ in China and to help, in whatever way he deems best. On our best days, ChinaSource plays at least some small role in helping, encouraging, enabling the church in China and the global church to work together to lift up the name of Jesus and advance his glory.
While listening to others whose ministry terrain is radically shifting, it struck me that the blog post series “When the China Dream Comes to a Halt” which was first offered last January and February, may be more relevant now than when it first came out.
You’ll find a list of titles, initial publication dates, brief summaries, and links for each post below.
If you aren’t facing the dynamics that motivated these posts, you may well know others who are. We hope they continue to provide help for those who are now facing major changes.
Kerry Schottelkorb
President
When the China Dream Comes to a Halt
- When the Dream Comes to a Halt, January 2, 2019.
A series on caring for those who have left China - When Our Dream Came to a Halt, January 9, 2019.
That was the beginning of a month and a half of interrogations until we left China, my husband with a “ten days to leave the country” stamp in his passport. - The Need for Professional Help, 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. - The Impact of Leaving on the Kids, January 23, 2019.
How to help children face the uncertainties and trauma of an unexpected departure. - Crisis Plans and Communication Challenges: Support from Sending Organizations, January 30, 2019.
With compromised computers and uncertainty as to which forms of communication were still OK to use, organizations struggled to be in regular contact with their workers and acknowledged that some of their people felt left out and lonely when they needed their organization's presence and support. - When the Gates Close and the Church Is Called to Care, February 6, 2019.
The story of one church caring for those who had to leave China unexpectedly. - Care for Those Who Remain in China, February 13, 2019.
We didn't get to say goodbye! - So, How Are They Now? A Follow-up on Chinese Christians after Their Expat Colleagues Had to Leave, July 5, 2019.
Following up on Chinese Christians after their expat colleagues had to leave.
Ways to Praise and Pray
- Praise the Lord for giving ChinaSource the opportunity to serve God’s people in China as they, in turn, serve others.
- Continue to pray that Christ’s followers in China will be able to wait and rest in him, trusting in his solid promise in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
- Continue to pray for the church in Hong Kong as his “called out ones” continue to minister in a stressful and uncertain environment. Pray also for God’s redemptive purposes to be fulfilled even in the midst of the current unrest.
- Pray for the ChinaSource team to faithfully persevere in his grace, to be wise and discerning, and to be guided daily by the Holy Spirit.
News and Notes
New Resource
Webinar Recording: What Is It Like to Be a Christian in China?
Being a Christian in today’s China is challenging in many ways. The difficulties are not just political but social, cultural, and material in nature as well. As the global church, the more we understand the context of Chinese Christians, the better we can support and effectively serve the church in China.
The recording of this webinar is now available for USD 5.00
Staff News
- Joann Pittman presented a seminar, “China: Implications for the Chinese Church and Foreign Workers,” at Future Mission, a Missio Nexus leadership conference on September 21 in Orlando, Florida.
- On October 4, Joann Pittman to a student group at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny Iowa.
- Kerry Schottelkorb was at the Beijing Brief in Dallas, Texas on October 8 and presented an update on the church in China.
In Case You Missed It:
A selection of recently published items:
- A Different Perspective, ChinaSource Blog, October 16, 2019.
- The Poor Preachers of the Chinese Church, ChinaSource Blog (CCV), October 15, 2019.
- American Factory: A Film Review, ChinaSource Blog, October 14, 2019.
- Hefei! ChinaSource Blog, October 11, 2019.
- Re-thinking What Affects Effectiveness, ChinaSource Blog, October 9, 2019.
- Mid-Autumn Festival—A Christian Perspective, ChinaSource Blog (CCV), October 8, 2019.
- Why Low Pastor Salaries Are Hurting the Church, ChinaSource Blog, October 7, 2019.
- In Case You Missed It: “Living as a Christian in China” Webinar Recording Now Available, ChinaSource Blog, October 4, 2019.
- 4 Key Factors Influencing Cultural Adjustment and Retention of Chinese Missionaries, ChinaSource Blog, October 2, 2019.
- Cults and the Rural Church, ChinaSource Blog (CCV), October 1, 2019.
- Threescore and Ten Years: A Special October 1st National Day, ChinaSource Blog, September 30, 2019.
- China and Africa—A Reading Roundup, ChinaSource Blog, September 27, 2019.
- Doors Are Still Open: With an Appropriate Approach, ChinaSource Blog, September 25, 2019.
- As Church Growth Slows, ChinaSource Blog (CCV), September 24, 2019.
- Those Were the Good Old Days, Right? ChinaSource Blog, September 23, 2019.
- Praise You with My Everything, ChinaSource Blog, September 20, 2019.
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