China is the largest country in the world by population and the 4th largest country by area! The population is over 1.4 billion people. It has been under communist rule since 1949.
The Chinese government is restrictive when it comes to religious freedom. They officially recognize five religious groups: Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Protestant, and Catholic. The government has formed state-monitored churches. During the Cultural Revolution, (1966-1976) all religions were banned and forced underground. This persecution gave rise to the unregistered house church movement.
After the restrictions were lifted, the government tried to bring all Christians back into the state-run churches. However, by this time the unregistered churches had gained too great a momentum, and could not be stopped! The fact that the Chinese church has survived and grown is a true testament to the way that Jesus changes lives!
The internet is censored in China, nicknamed “The Great Firewall”. You cannot access basic websites such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube. However, one can pay for a service called VPN, allowing you to access those restricted websites.
The Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army are among the famous sights. China has the world’s longest high speed rail network. Shopping online, bike sharing, and mobile payments have made life a lot more convenient.
I look forward to seeing first hand, how Christ is working in China!
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