Reflecting Reality

If we are going to reach Chinese with the Gospel effectively, we must face up to some hard realities. These include:

The dramatic rise of China as an economic, political, and military force. The speed of China’s transformation in many sectors has stunned the world and has given Chinese immense pride in their nation, despite many serious problems and challenges.

The dramatic decline of the West, especially America. Europe has been morally bankrupt for a century, and now faces the prospect of multiple sovereign debt defaults. The United States has lost its former prestige in almost every field, except perhaps entertainment. Senior economists predict the default of many states and municipalities, and no longer rule out the virtual default of the U.S. government, which is already technically bankrupt. Some analysts are even warning that wild creation of money out of thin air makes hyperinflation very likely, perhaps inevitable.

With a devalued currency, America would lose not only financial power, but military capacity as well. Despite some encouraging signs recently, not all foresee economic recovery; the opposite is now being widely predicted.

Reflecting Reality

What are some implications of these rapid changes?

With American influence dwindling fast, this is no time for relying on the U.S. Government to support Christians in China – if, indeed, that was ever called for. China-bashing of any sort, along with beating the drum for political freedom, especially if these are done in the name of Christianity, will be even more counter-productive than in the past.

Faced with economic hardship, those who support Christian ministries will have fewer resources. Expensive operations will simply have to be curtailed, perhaps even eliminated. If there was ever a time for careful stewardship of limited funds, it is now.

Effective means

We must concentrate our efforts on those forms of outreach that promise the greatest return on our investment. In my opinion, based upon observation and inquiry, these include:

• Prayer for Chinese Christians and all who serve among them around the world.
• Befriending Chinese living outside of Mainland China. Inviting them to both Chinese- and English-speaking churches.
• Ministry among Chinese-speaking people in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the West.
• The Internet and radio.
• Christian literature in Chinese.
• Effective, contextualized leadership training.
• Long-term residence in Asia by those who have a viable, sustainable position in society, such as in education, medicine, community development, or business.
• Sending young people for long-term, serious study of Chinese language and culture, as well as supporting such study in the West.
• Teaching English and other needed subjects.
• Short-term visits by people who speak Chinese and work closely with locals and foreigners.
• Short-term visits by well-prepared people with some specialty to offer, including medical service, in coordination with long-term residents who can follow up.
• Short-term tours to learn more about China - its history, society, and culture.

Less effective means

• Short term “mission trips” that seek to win “converts” by hasty “decisions for Christ.”
• Sending young people ostensibly to study Chinese but really to evangelize.
• Supporting organizations that advocate for political dissidents, even though they may be Christian.

Our part…

By God’s grace, we have been led into many of the activities which are most suited for today’s changing conditions.

We encourage prayer through regular updates. All our associates seek to befriend Chinese living outside of mainland China; several are engaged in preaching and teaching in Taiwan, England, and the U.S. Our web sites are read by Chinese and those who seek to serve them around the world. A number of our people have together produced twenty books in Chinese and English, with more on the way. Others are pursuing advanced degrees in Chinese language and civilization, and the possible intersections of Christianity and Chinese culture. Some are training leaders.

And yours

We earnestly invite you to pray regularly for us and others who are seeking to serve God among the Chinese.

G. Wright Doyle