Global Chinese Ministries Newsletter - October 2008

AFTER-SHOCK

Hundreds of after-shocks shook Sichuan in the days after the giant quake, which killed upwards of 70,000 people in May. Those shocks soon died away, but the after-shock of bereavement, trauma and physical devastation will last for years. MSI, a Christian organization doing relief work in the disaster zone, has reported that it will take 3-5 years to rebuild 16 million homes and 7,000 schools, many of which collapsed due to poor construction.

Many groups and NGOs from overseas rushed to bring emergency relief in the early days after the disaster, but Christians in Sichuan report that many of them have already left. MSI and other Christian groups are determined to stay for the long haul to help with long-term reconstruction.

A Christian doctor working in the quake-stricken areas reports:

“The first phase of rescue effort is nearly complete [by mid-summer]. The second phase of providing relief for millions of victims through material and medical assistance, temporary settlement, as well as help for emotional recovery following an initial period of confusion, is steadily settling into a more stable pattern.

“The most arduous task of reconstruction needs to start immediately. Several million quake victims will need a temporary place to live, and more than a million teachers and students will attend classes in temporary schools. The victims suffering traumatic stress disorder need a program of psychological healing and emotional support. Orphans, parents who have lost their only child, and those disabled by the quake will all require special care.

“In the process of reconstruction, the greatest need is for medical personnel, counselors, teachers, social workers and other professionals. Only through united effort will it be possible to rebuild the economy, people’s livelihood, communities, schools and families.

“It is heart-warming to see the united spirit of Sichuan officials and people, the full support of the nation, the unquestioned resolve of the government in the reconstruction effort, and its willingness to accept the participation and help of overseas people. At this critical moment it is important to liaise with various organizations and introduce qualified professionals from overseas to assist in the work of reconstruction in a carefully planned program.

“Taking part in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah said, ‘With God’s gracious hand helping us, let us rise and rebuild!’” (Nehemiah 2:18).

What’s next? - After the Beijing Olympics

The Olympics, which caught worldwide attention, has finally come to an end after two weeks of heated competition. After years of preparation, the Chinese government looked forward to presenting a “different” China to the whole world through this international event. In the spirit of “One World, One Dream,” they wanted to express to the world a message of peace and harmony. Despite facing opposition from the world, threatening voices of: “Free Xinjiang” and “Free Tibet,” as well as the shadows of destruction by terrorists, China still tried to employ a wider and more open attitude to handle and face these challenges. At long last, the Beijing Olympics ended on a peaceful note after all.

What will happen after the Olympics? How will the Chinese look and stand in the world stage? How will the international community treat and embrace this old, yet young China? This article aims at looking at how China will continue to exhibit its open attitude to the world, and how she will grow and mature in this transforming process after the Beijing Olympics.

1. The Upsurge of Nationalism Complex: Ever since Beijing succeeded in its bid to host the Olympic Games on July 13, 2001, and throughout the whole process of the Games till its end, every detail demonstrated how China’s status has been elevated in the eyes of the world. The government also proudly displayed her splendid tradition, not to mention the excitement and thrill the Chinese people have experienced. Through different avenues, such as the grand and wonderful opening ceremony, or the excellent performance during the competitions, not least the protests against countries like France during the torch relay, China has expressed herself with various responses. From a positive perspective, China will be able to more confidently give full play as a nation of greatness in the world stage. However, a disproportionate rise of nationalism will become the biggest hindrance in allowing the full play of a great nation. Through the opportunities given by the Olympics, may God help China to carry on with an open, lenient spirit to interact with the world. May God also remove and heal the hurts that China sustained in the past.

2. Defrost of the cross-strait relationship: Several months before the Olympics, while China was facing the threats of the “Free Xinjiang” and “Free Tibet” forces, her all-the-while tense relationship with Taiwan suddenly made a turn and became a peaceful development, due to the presidential change. Direct air links were begun by the Mainland China and Taiwan governments in July, allowing more exchange programs, including Mainland tourists to visit Taiwan. All these have brought about new opportunities for cross-strait developments as well as a critical foundation for stability in the entire Asia area. We believe the relationship will continue on in a positive sense after the Olympics. Interaction and exchange in commerce, culture, education, tourism, and personnel will all become opportunities for a peaceful development as well as evangelization. May God use Christians from both Taiwan and China to learn from each other and practice teamwork with each other.

3. Follow up with the Sichuan Quake: An unprecedented nationwide relief work took place after the May 12 Sichuan quake. The disaster has aroused the kindness of many and inspired lots of volunteers to commit to the relief work in the quake-stricken areas. People across the country are eager to contribute and to be involved in standing alongside the quake survivors in the journey of practical and psychological rebuilding work. During the Olympics, the focus was shifted from Sichuan to Beijing, from the destructed areas to the “Bird’s Nest.” Now that the Olympic Games are over, the focus will again come back to Sichuan. The post-disaster relief work includes three stages: the short-term immediate relief work, the intermediate rebuilding of homes in the affected areas, and the long-term spiritual reconstruction. May God raise up more and more local Christians to commit and be involved in the spiritual reconstruction, in the hope that these victims will not only experience being cared for and healed physically, but also true redemption and eternal hope in faith.

4. Openness of political and religious situations: Ever since the economic reform started in 1978, China has been aggressively developing her economy and moving towards urbanization. Yet, issues regarding politics, religion and human rights continue to be under strict control in the name of “steady runs higher than everything,” and thus development is limited. However, since holding the Olympic Games, China has been positively adjusting herself to be connected with the international community and regulations. Although the speed of changes and openness is not as fast as expected, the recent sudden media openness during events like the Sichuan earthquake, the Beijing Olympics and the terrorists activities in Xinjiang have all surprised many; even the international community has to recognize such progress. In addition, for the first time, on the eve of the Olympics, the Chinese government announced designated sites for demonstrations and protests. China is learning and improving in her own time and pace, and we anticipate seeing her become more open and developed in a mature and civilized fashion. May the Lord change and use the leadership so that they will “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with the Lord” (Micah 6:8), so that all Christians can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

5. Conclusion: With the closing of the Olympic Games, we are convinced that this is a God-given opportunity for China: to broaden the outlook of the Chinese, to gather in the world’s understanding and acceptance of China and to prepare the Chinese churches’ understanding and involvement towards society and cross-cultural missions. May our sovereign Lord, who is the Lord of the history, prepare China to become a country whose God is the Lord, just like her name, “God’s Land”(shen zhou).

Prayer

1. It will take 3-5 years to rebuild 16 million homes and 7,000 schools in the earthquake zone of northern Sichuan. Pray for this massive undertaking and all the Christians (both local and from overseas) who are helping.
2. Ordinary people across China have so far donated a massive RMB 51 billion to aid earthquake victims in Sichuan (BBC, July 7). This is the greatest voluntary charity donation ever in China. Pray for effective Christian witness, through the continuing efforts of Chinese and overseas churches alike, to aid the earthquake victims.
3. China has launched a massive campaign to ensure all relief funds reach the victims and are not siphoned off by corrupt officials; nearly 100,000 auditors have been sent to Sichuan. Pray that the practical help and donations of Christians and churches will particularly shine out as beacons of integrity and honesty.
4. Nearly 50,000 gospel booklets, as well as 130,000 New Testaments and 10,000 bilingual Bibles, were printed legally within China for distribution to athletes, officials, spectators and tourists during the Olympic Games in the Olympic venue cities (People’s Daily, July 7, 2008). Pray for all those whose lives have been touched by God’s word in this way¾may their lives be radically changed by the living Christ.
5. Pray for Christian long-term workers as they continue to serve as doctors, nurses, counselors and teachers in the quake-stricken zone of Sichuan. Pray for stamina, good health and good relations with local officials and staff.
6. On July 21, two bombs exploded on buses in Kunming, capital of Yunnan, killing two people and injuring at least a dozen. The cause is as yet unknown. Pray for the bereaved and for opportunities to share the gospel by the many overseas Christians working in the city.
7. Pray for the athletes and visitors from closed countries (such as North Korea and some Islamic nations) who were witnessed to during the Olympics. Pray they will receive Christ.
8. Pray that those converted during the Olympics will be suitably followed up and that God will lead them to Christian friends and fellowships.
9. Pray for the thousands of new Chinese students studying overseas, that in their first academic term they will find Christian friends who will welcome them and introduce them to Jesus, the one true friend. Good contacts in the first few weeks are crucial, as later they settle into a busy routine of study with little opportunity of meeting Christians.
10. The 10,000 strong Oroqen people live in Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia. They are traditionally shamanists and only a few dozen have become Christian. Pray they may hear the gospel in their own language as only a few recordings have been made (they have no written language).
11. The number of Chinese students applying to British universities has risen by 20% in a year. About 75,000 Chinese students study in the UK (Daily Telegraph, July 17, 2008). Pray for the OMF team in several UK cities befriending Chinese students and that more churches and individuals will catch the vision for this strategic ministry.
12. “All the more than 1,000 Christians in Deyang City, Sichuan, survived the earthquake, including the new converts. Their faith greatly revitalized, they are spreading the gospel” (CCL, July 2008). Pray for the church in Deyang.
13. There are between 4-6 million Chinese living and working in Russia (many of them unofficially). Pray for the small Chinese church in Moscow which has about 200 attendees meeting in three separate venues (CCCOWE, July 08).
14. Pray for Christian witness in China’s cut-throat business circles; immorality and bribery abound. Some Christian businessmen use their profits to help the underprivileged. Pray for them.
15. Since the Cultural Revolution, Saudi Arabia and other strict Muslim states have sent in Islamic trainers, built Muslim seminaries and mosques and funded Muslim businesses in China. Few Chinese Muslims have turned to Christ, and the Chinese church is poorly equipped to reach out to them effectively. Pray for spiritual breakthrough.
16. China had 1.2 million drug addicts in 2005-06 according to official statistics, of whom 700,000 were heroin addicts. Two-thirds are under the age of 35 (AP, June 25, 2008). A massive anti-drug crackdown was launched prior to the Olympics in major cities. Pray for its success and for the successful rehabilitation of those enslaved to drugs.
17. “I was a devout Buddhist for over 10 years. But my anxiety continued and temper got worse. Now I believe in Christ and my life has been renewed” (Mrs. Chen in Guangdong). Pray for effective outreach to sincere Buddhists, both in monasteries and lay people practicing at home.
18. Godly Mainland Christian leaders have expressed concern about unwise donations of large sums of money from overseas for evangelism or training which often create division and pose grave temptation. Pray overseas Christians wishing to support the Chinese church will be given wisdom and discernment.
19. In Hunan churches have collaborated with the local government in setting up an AIDS hotline which provides support for patients and their families. Pray for this venture and that Christians will be able to break down taboos and prejudice and share the gospel with those in greatest need.
20. The old Sicheng church in Hangzhou (formerly Presbyterian) serves 2,000 local Christians and sees an average of 300 new converts baptized every year. Pray for the life and witness of this church in the center of Hangzhou.
21. Shanghai sees 4-6 new churches formed annually¾more than half of its meeting-places were built in the last 20 years; 6-7,000 new converts are baptized annually in the TSPM churches. Pray for continued growth and deepening of spiritual life in China’s largest and most avante garde city.
22. China has now overtaken the USA as the country having the largest number of internet users in the world¾no less than 253 million! However, censorship in China is growing (Asianews, July 25, 2008). Pray for greater freedom for Christians to share their faith on line and promote Christian materials.
23. Shandong house-church leader Zhang Zhongxin was transferred on July 6 to a labor camp to begin his 2-year “re-education through labor” sentence (China Aid, July 23, 2008). Pray for his speedy release and for other house churches undergoing persecution in Jiaxiang County in Shandong.
24. Pray for the millions of very low-paid Chinese working overseas in restaurants, agriculture, industry and other menial jobs. May they find hope in Christ to soften the harshness of their lives.
25. “We have a Christian supported orphanage. Due to rapid social transformation many children are left unattended in rural areas” (Mr. Deng in Shanghai to FEBC). Pray that more Christian-run orphanages can be set up in China itself.
26. For the first time the number of single children in China has topped 100 million¾8% of the total population (Xinhua, July 8, 2008). Pray that Christian teaching can change the lives of many of these often spoiled “Little Emperors.”
27. The Zhoukou City Theological Training Centre in Henan is planning to recruit 100 Christians from Northwest China to give them proper training to build up the churches in this backward area. Pray for this bold initiative.
28. The only legally registered Christian church in Tibet is an ancient Roman Catholic community of a few hundred in Yanjing in the far southeast of the country, which can trace its history back two centuries. Pray the light of the gospel will bring renewal to what has become a largely traditional practice of religion.
29. “Youth are more open to come to church in China for solace from social pressures” (a pastor in Hangzhou). Pray for effective evangelism of China’s young people, many of whom are ensnared in pop culture, drugs and hedonism.
30. Pray for the 90 elderly residents of the Shanghai Grace and Light Retirement Home, set up by the church next door.
31. As numbers of Christians multiply in China, what effect is this having on society? Is there a significant impact on corruption and an improvement in morality and social behaviour? Pray for a deep work of the Holy Spirit to transform both individuals and communities.