To mark the Chinese New Year, Disciples Today is publishing a series of articles written from China. For the previous articles in this series, see Part 1: Pray a New Year Prayer for China and Part 2: The Story of an OYC Volunteer in China.
Part 3: Is the Year of the Goat Your Time to Take the OYC?
New year, big celebrations
Next to Christmas, perhaps the most celebrated holiday in the world is Chinese New Year. Chinese not only in China, but millions throughout Southeast Asia and even the West will mark this week as the start of the Year of the Goat. For China, the New Year celebration is a time for family reunions, boisterous celebrations, fireworks, and lots of food!
An unfinished task
And yet…after the celebrations pass, China will still be home to the world's largest unevangelized people, over 1.3 billion souls. There are still over 100 cities with half a million or more people where we haven't planted churches!
An unprecedented opportunity
China is at a critical turning point. Just 30-odd years ago all Christian churches were still shuttered and foreigners unwelcome. Today, millions are open to Christianity, with a strong interest among university students, many of whom speak English and are eager to learn more of the world outside China. In our lifetime, there has never been a greater opportunity for English-speaking disciples to come share their faith in China.
Making an impact in Chinese Cities
In 2013, nine local and OYC volunteer disciples planted a church in a large city in China. We reach out to students and singles through sports, parties and everyday life, sharing the gospel with people as we come to know them as friends. We work under the leadership of the Chinese evangelists in our area.Has God opened a door for you to come to China?
You don’t have to speak Chinese! Single, campus and married disciples with a love for the lost and a hunger to take the One Year Challenge have opportunities here:
- Be a self-supporting team member. There are many job opportunities for teachers of English and other subjects in China. Teach students of all ages from children to college students. Many teachers are given housing and a salary that is more than sufficient for daily needs. Our most influential and fruitful team members have chosen to support themselves in this way.
- Intern in the ministry. Housing and a living stipend are available. We are accepting young men who want to give their lives to God’s work and train in the ministry. If you want an opportunity to give your all to evangelizing, discipling young Christians and building a church, you can spend your days here in Bible study and prayer, playing sports with university students, organizing activities to build friendships, and sharing the gospel with many new friends!
Will the Year of the Goat be the year you step out on faith?
First, pray. Then send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get detailed information you can pray more over and discuss with your ministry leaders. It’s not too late for another New Year’s resolution: to help China to know the love of Jesus!