China Tidbits

1) Do they celebrate Christmas in China? The answer is yes and no. The Chinese (especially in the larger cities) recognize the holiday and enjoy the bright lights, gift-giving and the part about Santa Claus but do not understand the message of the birth of Jesus.
2) Mark has posted some new pictures from his recent birthday party in China. Note picture 3663.
3) A recent article from the Global China Center says that the greatest need of the Chinese church is for trained leaders:

By common consent, development of leaders is the most urgent need for the Chinese church. With explosive growth over the past few decades, there are not enough shepherds for the flock. Moreover, many “ perhaps most “ pastors and elders lack skills in Biblical interpretation and balanced Biblical instruction, leaving the church wide open to heresies, sects, and shallow growth.

Mark made the same point in his live Skype videos at the KBM home meetings in Chicago. The Chinese church is growing so rapidly that is outstripping its ability to provide trained leaders, especially in the house churches. This is where ministries like KBM can have a positive impact. We all agree that the Chinese church must be led by Chinese believers, not by those from other countries. But we in the West have a surplus of excellent resources. We can come alongside the burgeoning Chinese church to provide biblical and pastoral training to help the Chinese church leaders effectively make strong disciples for our Lord.