Palestinian Christians call on western churches to ‘humanize’ the children of Gaza (December 19, 2024, The Conversation)
The war in Gaza has led to widespread calls for a ceasefire. This situation, and its ripple effects globally, have also raised questions and reckonings among varied communities and institutions around how to respond to suffering and how to witness and hope for transformation. “I invite you to see the image of Jesus in every child killed and pulled from under the rubble.”
‘Our lives don’t matter’: Bangladeshi Hindus under attack after Hasina exit (December 12, 2024, Al Jazeera)
Bangladeshi Hindus – seen as allies of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina – face mounting threats, amid anti-India sentiments. An India-based disinformation campaign isn’t helping them. The trigger was an allegation of blasphemy.
In Jordan, Christians are “very unhappy with the situation in Gaza” (October 22, 2024, Evangelical Focus)
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate with fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, behind the Gaza Strip, Jordan held elections to shape its new parliament.
How are Christians persecuted in Turkmenistan? (June 13, 2024, Open Doors UK)
In Turkmenistan, persecution against Christians comes from most parts of society. The government heavily restricts religious freedom: while unregistered churches are most heavily targeted, even Russian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic churches are heavily monitored by the authorities.
How are Christians persecuted in Tunisia? (June 13, 2024, Open Doors UK)
For many Christians in Tunisia, the pressure they face is widespread and constant. While expatriate Christians are largely left alone, Tunisian believers experience high pressure in every area of life. This is particularly true for believers who’ve converted from Islam, because the country forbids religious conversion.
Cultural Harmony and Gospel Fidelity (December 13, 2024, ChinaSource)
A crucial conversation in the ever-changing global Christian scene is how cultural adaptability and unique Christian identity interact. Andrew Walls’ foundational ideas of the “indigenizing principle” and the “pilgrim principle” make understanding this connection possible.1 Chinese house churches (家庭教会), which function under unique cultural and political constraints, should especially consider these ideas. This article examines these ideas and their significance and the practical implementation in the Chinese house churches movement.
Engaging Gen Z Anew (December 17, 2024, Chinese Church Voices)
As churches face a decline in youth attendance, how can we engage young people in ways that resonate with their lives and speak to their hearts? This article from China Christian Daily highlights the innovative youth ministry strategies of two historical churches in Guangzhou, China. Their creative approaches offer valuable insights and inspiration for reimagining how we can connect with the next generation.
Faith Passed Down, Faith Made Personal (December 16, 2024, ChinaSource)
I was born in a Christian family and my grandma is a faithful Christian. She likes reading the Bible in the afternoon, even though she only has a primary school education. Every afternoon, she would sit by the window with her reading glasses perched on her nose, and her Bible open on her lap. Through the crack in the door, I could see her sitting there quietly, the sun shining on her and the book.
Xiamen: Sharing the Gospel with Pragmatic People (December 16, 2024, China Partnership)
It’s hard to share the gospel in Xiamen these days for many reasons: lack of interest, people who are too stressed about their finances to think about their souls, persecution, cultural differences between native Xiamenese and newcomers, and the need to build gospel conversations on strong relational connections. But despite these difficulties, people are still coming to faith. When this happens, it is clearly the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. As we continue to pray for the city of Xiamen this month, four local pastors shared the challenges and struggles they face as they minister to their city.
Church and the War Between the Sexes (December 12, 2024, China Partnership)
Chinese Christians are not immune to the cultural movements of wider society. When women are frustrated and upset at men in general, these resentments are also present in the church. How can pastors help to nurture healthy relationships between and attitudes toward the opposite sex? There are no clear answers, but one Chinese pastor spoke with us about how he sees this play out in his church.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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