China 2000

China's population is greater than those of South America and Africa put together.

This vast nation has seen a fourfold increase in income per capita over the last 20 years and now stands on the threshold of the 'dragon century' in which it will be a true superpower. What will become of the church in this fast-changing environment?

Over 1,300 years ago, Nestorian missionaries arrived in China with the good news about Jesus. 1,200 years later, the pioneering James Hudson Taylor was led to pick up their unfinished beginnings. Many of us will have read about his passionate service for Christ and the harvest amidst suffering that the subsequent 130 years have seen, but what of the Chinese church today? Hudson Taylor's great grandson, Jim, has worked in theological education in the east and now directs Medical Services International, an agency which places professional Christians in posts within the Chinese health and education services. He shares his forebear's compassion for and sensitivity towards China. While in the UK for a brief visit, he was able to tell Sarah Allen something of his perspective on China's future.

Asian flu?

EN: How far has the present economic crisis in East Asia affected China?

JHT: Because of the sheer size of China's economy, China appears to have escaped many of the difficulties seen elsewhere, although they do have some similar flaws in their banking system. If China can stave off trouble, as seems likely, they will only become more and more dominant economically. This has given cause for some to think about spiritual values, though materialism has made people busier; church attendance is down because people are caught up in making money and they simply do not have the freedom to come to midweek services. The government itself is realising that in its own economic reform plan, it must recognise the significance of spirituality.

(President Jiang Zemin has said: 'A people that considers material benefits higher than everything will have no hope. We must cling to a spiritual pillar.')

Religious freedom

EN: Does this mean that the government is actually encouraging religion?

JHT: The constitution grants religious freedom, but the government does not encourage it. Yet the government does seem more tolerant in some areas of Buddhism which are re-emerging and flourishing. Spirituality is important to the authorities insofar as it is opposed to crass materialism. 'Missionary' work is still not permitted and I don't see any change in this policy in the foreseeable future. Some political people and intellectuals still think Christianity is part and parcel of imperialism. Like India, China is not likely to open that door again.

EN: What about the persecution of Christians we read of in the Western press?

JHT: It does happen, but regions vary enormously. Some local leaders see the contribution that Christians make in society and are more tolerant, while others are more hard-line and leftist.

EN: What is the future for Hong Kong?

JHT: Bright. As long as Hong Kong is not used as a political base to destabilise society in China, it will be accorded the promised treatment - i.e. one country, two systems, as enshrined in the Basic Law. Last year certainly proved this; Hong Kong acts in measure as a powerhouse for China in its economic development. As for the church in Hong Kong, its life has gone on unchanged. This is true also of its seminaries, educational concerns and publishing houses. The situation is often described as 'business as usual'. China and Hong Kong have everything to gain by maintaining the current system.

Into the future

EN: So how can we be involved in the future of China?

JHT: There are critical opportunities for Christian professionals, business people, teachers, medics, agriculturists, to work in China - but integrity is vital. Undertaking work as a cloak for missionary activity undermines the validity of the Christian message. Instead, rendering professional service with the highest standards, one can command respect and also lay a foundation for friendship. Professional integrity and humble Christ-like service will enable us to function as salt and light in society. If you have not learned this basic principle of service in your home country, a 747 flight to China won't make you an effective Christian professional there. It is body language, not lip service, that is important. Remember Peter's words to wives: 'Be submissive to your husbands so that if any of them do not believe the Word, they may be won over without talk by the behaviour of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.'

China is also coming to our doorstep. Many students arrive each year with whom we have the privilege of sharing Christian hospitality and support. This is a marvellous opportunity and many in China today have been so impressed by the Christian faith and values they have seen overseas that they have responded in faith.

EN: How can we pray for China, its government and church?

JHT: Pray for President Jiang Zemin as he and Premier Zhu Rangji tackle the problem of corruption in government and society. If he succeeds, his leadership will be established as he downsizes government and unproductive state enterprises. Unemployment must also be reduced to maintain stability in society.

Pray for the flood-ravaged communities along the Yangtze River in north-east China where thousands have died and millions have been rendered homeless.

For the church, pray that the government will recognise the contribution that Christians make, and that Christians will not abuse their freedom and so bring clampdowns. The church's greatest need today is in leadership training - the Scriptures are freely available in cities (Amity Press has printed 20 million Bibles over the last ten years), but leaders need training. There are an increasing number of agencies which provide this, from churches and seminaries to radio broadcasts - so pray that through these God would build his church in China.

An interview with James Hudson Taylor of OMF on China and Hong Kong