Tag: Cross-Cultural
Editorials
The Evolving Tapestry of the Chinese Diaspora
The dispersion of Chinese populations will continue to grow in the near future and the missional implications of this are enormous. The recent growth of Christianity in China and the country’s political upheavals are pushing a record number to migrate overseas. Many have…embraced the Christian faith in foreign lands and cultures.
“I Always Knew He Was There”
Discovering Faith Across Cultures
Right then and there, in our apartment, [two Chinese friends] made the decision to follow Jesus. Something he said that evening has stayed with me for the past 25 years. He stated, “I always knew he was there. I just didn’t know his name.”
Just Listen
“If the… global body of Christ can be there and say, ‘We are together here with you. I have my struggles, and you have your struggles, but we are together, praying to God together and seeking his guidance and help together,’…that can be very comforting and can be an encouragement.”
China Is Open—For Business and More
China is open for business, and a lot more. What is God calling you to do with that information? What might you try?
Crossing Cultures: Ethnocentric Conversion
The Apostle Peter’s ethnocentric conversion exploded into fullness through an unanticipated personal interaction with Cornelius, a gentile military officer who lived out his fear of God in household leadership, generosity, and constant prayer (Acts 10:1–2).
Crossing Cultures: Table Manners
Ministering cross-culturally is critical for fruitful missionary engagement. As the Chinese missionary movement matures and expands and goes where no man or woman of the gospel has gone before, cross-cultural ministry praxis will become increasingly critical.
Christmas Bliss
Journeying Through Life with a Vacation State of Mind
The warm vacation home offered a sanctuary, shielded from the snow and cold outside, where a joyous family embraced Christian peace and calm. It was a tranquil Christmas holiday, and the ambiance of "universal rejoicing in the coming of the Savior" felt perfectly in place.
Taking Chinese Spirituality Seriously
Engaging with Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist Spiritualities
Christians need to acknowledge a fact. We might disagree on whether Confucianism is a religion or not. But Confucianism, together with Daoism and Buddhism, are spiritual traditions that have provided “chicken soup” for Chinese souls for more than two thousand years.
The Mountains Are Shorter, Part 1
Today China’s officials are much less likely to turn a blind eye toward unauthorized Christian activity. Under the rubric of national security, Xi Jinping has shifted the government’s emphasis from aggressive economic growth to social control.
A Journey of Captivation and Identity
Andy and Sandy's life-altering journey began with adopting a baby girl from China. Unbeknownst to them, this moment would shape their family's identity, guiding them on a path of cultural exploration. Over time, they welcomed more children into their family, each with a unique bond to Chinese culture. Through deliberate efforts, they cultivated a profound Chinese American identity. Today, as their children have matured, they reflect on how memories, experiences, relationships, and values have molded their identity.