After centuries of domination by Chinese emperors and Western and Japanese colonial powers, Mao Zedong and the Communist Party seized control of the nation in a bloody civil war that ended in 1949. Mao expanded his power during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), which brought widespread destruction of China’s social and cultural elite.

Since then, there has been much social and cultural progress, but the challenge today for the Chinese people is to overcome the climate of mistrust and fear that has been their bitter inheritance from years past. It is hoped that China’s economic gains will be used to bless its people rather than be dispersed according to the corrupt nature of man, as has been the experience of so many nations.

The Chinese people have many appealing characteristics including resiliency, work ethic and flexibility. Despite many past hardships, they are survivors!

There are four major religions in China: Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Islam, and many variations of folk religion and animism. But today, many will say that they are atheists, and have been “taught to believe in nothing.” Mao’s revolution tried to destroy Christianity and drove the church underground as pastors were imprisoned and the church went through times of immense suffering. But in 1979, a change in government policy allowed the re-opening of many churches and even the legal printing of Bibles (over 25 million printed to date). However, these official “Three Self Patriotic Movement” official churches are restricted to following guidelines imposed by the atheistic government. Many Christians have returned to these churches and in spite of the restrictions there are many encouraging reports being heard from them.

Most of the believers however, worship within the flourishing underground house-church movement, and even amidst reports of continued persecution, the Chinese church is emerging stronger than ever! The Chinese church has actually become the world’s largest church with 60-80 million believers. This massive revival starting in the 70’s has resulted in the greatest growth of any national church in history!

Our desire at Youth With A Mission is to support this greatest revival in history by training and discipling “until all have heard.” Christianity was once considered the religion of the peasants, but now the Good News is have widespread impact on the cities, the intelligencia, and even the families of the communist leaders. This hunger for God is one of the most encouraging developments of the past century of Christian history!

China’s increasingly open door for commerce, tourism and cultural exchanges has made it possible for Christians all over the world to travel to China to share the love of Christ. Through teaching, business, the arts and other creative means they have built cross-cultural friendships and helped encourage Chinese believers. Despite progress in religious liberty these last 25 years, there is still persecution in some areas. It is going to take a massive amount of people, strategies, and discipleship to assist the church in China as it extends into minority people groups and all the spheres of society. Over one billion Chinese have yet to hear the good news, but the doors are wide open. Come, join in, and learn how to be a part of what God is doing in this great land of China!

Thanks to UofN Kona for information