In rapidly ageing China, millions of migrant workers can't afford to retire (May 9, 2024, Reuters)
The generation that flocked to China's cities at the end of last century, building the infrastructure and manning the factories that made the country the world's biggest exporter, now risks a sharp late-life drop in living standards.
China’s economy is headed for a ‘dead-end,’ and Beijing won’t do anything to stop it, scholar says (May 12, 2024, Fortune)
“The 1989 Tiananmen Square protests represented an opportunity to liberalize the government in response to the growing private sector that emerged from economic reforms started a decade earlier. But that would’ve weakened the Communist Party’s power…”
Tibet boarding schools: China accused of trying to silence language (March 10, 2024, BBC)
Campaigners estimate that 80% of Tibetan children - perhaps one million pupils - are now taught in boarding schools, from pre-school-age onwards…"There were many other children who missed their families and cried too," she said. "Some of the younger ones often woke up in the middle of the night crying, and would run to the school gate."
China's Confucius Institutes flourish in ASEAN after West's freeze-out (May 12, 2024, Nikkei Asia)
Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, the official website lists 42 at present, up from 33 in 2021. Thailand tops the list at 16. Scores of Confucius Classrooms -- partner programs with schools and education centers -- have also been established across the ASEAN region.
A place where young people can shine (February 27, 2024, China Daily)
Through the interaction with Yueliang and her friends, Tang became aware of the plight many children face in the neighborhood. He came to understand that they often felt misunderstood and were often overlooked by the adults in their lives. This motivated him to expand his work. In 2019, he turned the store into a community educational art project for children — Kindergarten Without Walls.
Vision for Tomorrow: Opportunities in China’s New Era (April 29, 2024, ChinaSource Blog)
Many people were unable to get over the negatives about China and life in China. Others found the negatives to be tolerable by creating a life within an expatriate community within which to find support and meaning. Least commonly observed were those who understood China, accepted China on its own terms, and strove to live, serve, and minister in China with a positive attitude. These individuals lasted the longest and served the most productively.
Christian Education: “Everywhere You Go, You Find Chinese” (April 29, 2024, China Partnership Blog)
“China leads the world in the number of immigrants to other countries. Everywhere you go, you can find Chinese immigrants. We began to think that we need to find these immigrants and share the gospel with them.”
Loving Gen Z with the Truth of the Gospel (May 6, 2024, ChinaSource Blog)
Young people crave authenticity and meaning. If they are offered meaningful relationships where they feel valued, they will turn to us rather than Google when they have important concerns or questions. What are ways that Gen Zs can be included in the life of your family and church? How can you begin to discuss serious issues with them and get their perspectives so they will develop into thoughtful, faithful adults?
Why Should I Love My Enemies? (April 24, 2024, China Partnership Blog)
In today’s society, the greatest crisis is not simply a lack or devaluation of love. In a sense, today’s society highly values love; love is a central theme. Whether on national television, in street advertisements, or in schools, the word “love” is not absent from our society. People talk about and call for love. The real crisis lies in defining love outside of Christ.
How food and chopstick skills are helping ease US-China tensions (May 9, 2024, Al Jazeera)
“If you’re eating badly in China, because it’s a very food-obsessed culture, it’s more than a sign of bad taste, it’s a sign that there’s something off about you.”
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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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