Overview
Slightly smaller than the United States, China has the world’s largest population of 1.3 billion.
Previously a world leader, China declined after its Cultural Revolution crippled the economy and took millions of lives.
Since 1978, however, China has shifted toward market economics and has risen as the world’s second largest economy. China has experienced the fastest growing church movement in history—from 2.7 million evangelicals in 1975 to over 75 million in 2010. Today, 6.24 percent of China’s population is evangelical.
As a side effect of rapid growth and past persecution, Christian leaders are scarce—in 2010, some groups reported only one trained leader for every 7,000 believers or even every 40,000 in some areas. A shortage of printed Bibles and literature has also afflicted the church, with some congregations sharing a single Bible. As a result, the Chinese church has been susceptible to false teaching.
Chinese culture suffers from growing materialism, rampant corruption, and the world’s highest number of suicides. Additionally, China’s birth restrictions have prompted roughly 23 million abortions per year, according to the U.S. State Department.
How You Can Make a Difference
Ways To Give
Evangelism & Discipleship
One of the many Bible schools assisted by Christian Aid Mission in China offers one- and two-year programs, with training primarily focused on evangelism and the cost of discipleship. Seven days a week, faculty lead morning prayers at 5 a.m. and evening prayers at 9p.m. Every Saturday, students divide into groups to evangelize their community. Due to the school’s excellent standing, home churches often invite students and faculty to preach and lead worship. They travel in pairs on bicycles to over 40 house churches in the school’s vicinity. Over 120 students graduate from this Bible school each year. Students become teachers at the school, return to serve in their home churches, or plant new churches in various regions throughout China. GIVE NOW to help evangelistic and discipleship ministries like this one in China.
Community Engagement
A Bible-based drug rehabilitation center founded in 2007 in Yunnan Province addresses the growing problem of drug abuse in the southern provinces, where heroin and other illicit drugs come across the border from Myanmar. The school’s 18-month program helps addicts recover through the living Word of God. Patients also learn vocational skills to help them reenter society. GIVE NOW to help community engagement ministries like this one in China.
Compassion
Exclusive Stories from the Mission Field
Support Workers’ Outreach Efforts in China
Christian students invited their roommates and friends to a recent ministry-organized camping trip, and some who agreed to come only attended because of their interest in the event, not because they wanted to learn about Christ. But their fellowship with believers left them wanting to know more about the gospel, and ministry workers have realized the importance of discipleship following such events.
Engage With Non-Believers Through Underground Evangelism in China
In one native ministry’s small group, the pastor speaks in a near-whisper and the people must sing quietly to avoid detection by the authorities. But this fellowship time is invaluable for believers to deepen their relationship with God and each other. It also provides an opportunity to engage with non-believers who want to build friendships with others.
Impact Families Through Bible Studies in China
A native ministry’s Bible studies have impacted the lives of believers who realize the importance of placing God first despite their many other responsibilities. One woman who was overwhelmed with taking care of her young child and her elderly relatives was grateful for the opportunity to study Scripture each week.
Equip Young Adults For Evangelism in China
Online Bible studies have sparked a spiritual fire, particularly among young adults, and ministry leaders see the value of mentoring and then sending these young people into government jobs and other venues in their communities to spread the gospel.
Strengthen Underground Congregations in China
A man who spent his life in immoral and abusive activities was diagnosed with a tumor, and while he was in the hospital, members of a local church were his only visitors. Though he had been a nominal church attendee prior to his diagnosis, the compassion of these brothers and sisters led him fully to the Lord.
Strengthen Disciples’ Efforts in China
One of the ladies in a women’s Bible study was led to become “humble in the sight of the Lord” through the group’s study of the Gospel of Mark. Convicted of her impatience when listening to others share their hearts, she has learned to appreciate the value of studying Scripture and fellowshipping with women from different walks of life.