For the past four years my interests have centered on China. I’ve been asked “why?” so many times, so I’m going to list my reasons. This is a rather personal post, so it may only interest those of you who took the time to ask me.
There are many people from China who relocated here in Minnesota years ago. My family connected with several of them.
My best friend was an MK in China.
Since 1999 my husband and I hosted dozens of Chinese students at our home, including one very special young man who refers to me as his American mom.
In my Master’s Degree studies I had a Hmong professor who was excellent. He piqued my interest in East Asia. I took a class about NGO’s in Asia with him.
After my husband died I went through a time when I wanted to be as far away from “here” as possible: China.
I started reading about China. I started learning the history of China.
I was connected to an NGO named “Tai Initiative” through friends and pursued a COO position with that organization. During Covid this fizzled, but it still exists and it was part of my education.
I began Chinese language studies.
I began to attend a Chinese/International Bible Study in my area.
I spent more time at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts which has a premier collection of Asian artifacts.
I realized the strength and power of China, its huge population, its blossoming society, deep culture, and its role politically and spiritually.
I became aware of my own prejudices regarding China, and my views began to change, perhaps along with China itself.
Ed and Cherie started learning Japanese and Korean, respectively, while I began my Chinese studies. We had the Asian language trifecta!
I continue to become closer to several Chinese students living here in Minneapolis.
China is worth understanding deeply. It is a world power with a vast history and a strong people. There is much to admire in their fastidious devotion to respect and tradition.
Despite the Communist Revolution, China is on track to be the most Christian nation in the world. More devout Christians live in China than in any other country, including the USA. This, in turn, blesses this vast country.
Despite the Three Self Movement Chinese Christians who truly know Christ are thriving under persecution.
Chinese society is evolving at a pace that astounds. Scholars and politicians cannot keep up with the changes occurring monthly/weekly/daily in this huge land. Communism is the official form of government but capitalism reigns. Money multiplies with a billion people as the market.
Persecution is a reality.
Ancient Eastern Religions (including ancestor worship) are significant influences on Chinese culture, despite Communist Atheism.
These are things I’ve come to know through studying China. I am fascinated.
I look forward to a visit there soon, and plans are brewing.
The landscape of China is amazing, with scenic spots everywhere. Climate variation, as well, colors the country.
Yes, there is a Serpent. He gets his way in this culture. It’s very obvious.
But God is greater. God really loves the Chinese people. Their language shows evidence of The One True God throughout. They are not far from His heart.
I’m so thankful for all the seeds sown by Gladys Aylward and Hudson Taylor, other pioneer missionaries to China. Their work has taken root and is producing great fruit.
It’s amazing to be interested in this vast thing called China.
I’ve been blessed.