| HISTORY:
The first refugees from Vietnam
arrived in Germany in
1978. 95% of them were of Chinese origin, and they were seeking not
only
material aid. 'On the small boats we prayed to the unknown God,' they
said.
'Now we are here, and we would like to know who He is.'
Since 1979 it has been possible to
meet Chinese students,
scientific researchers, business people, and restaurant workers almost
anywhere in Germany. They are looking for contacts, and people to talk
to, and they want to know more about the Christian faith.
CO-OPERATION:
In 1985, on the initiative of the
OMF, the FMCD was formed
as a 'platform of co-operation' between different evangelical
church-
and mission groups. The FMCD is a member of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft
für Ausländer (AfA. = Co-operative effort for
mission
among foreigners).
Through this national and
international co-operation with
Churches, Fellowships and Missions, we have had a very positive
experience
of 'Partnership in World Mission'. Chinese churches and
fellowships
in other countries become involved through short term service, or by
supplying
speakers, or contributing financially. 'Chinese reach Chinese'
is
not just a catch phrase, but has become a reality in Germany too.
MINISTRY:
The Chinese
Lending Library,
founded by the OMF in 1979, with its wide range of titles, enjoys
widespread
popularity. Most Chinese like to read, and the Chinese books help them
to feel at home in the foreign country. The Library, now managed by the
FMCD, offers more than 2,000 different titles (appr. 10000 books.)
Missionary
Eating
is a very successful way for German people with a concern for the
Chinese
to make contact with them. They visit their Chinese restaurant on a
regular
basis. This 'culinary approach' to mission has opened new doors into
the
Chinese world, and paved the way to real friendship.
Chinese
Church and Bible Study
Groups offer security in a 'home from home' atmosphere. Here
Chinese people receive the best that life has to offer, the Good News
of
Jesus Christ!
Special Holidays are a
particularly good opportunity to
organize Get-togethers with
Chinese
people. In the relaxed atmosphere of a tea or coffee party, it is easy
to talk about things and make friends.
Many Chinese are enthusiastic
about the Hospitality
Programme. As they spend time with German families they not
only practise the language and get to know something of German culture,
but they also experience everyday Christian living.
In cooperation with the
coworkers-meeting in Germany we
participate in the different evangelistic and
teaching camps. These are very important to those who show
interest
in the Christian message or who have come to know Christ during their
stay
in Germany. We are very thankful to those Chinese churches and groups
assisting
us in this very important ministry by financial support or sending
teams
and speakers.
Special
lectures on
different topics (science and Christian believe/Christian influence in
German culture, etc.) do attract Chinese students and scholars in the
different
university cities. Appropriate evangelistic-apologetic literature is
offered
and readily taken. The 'hunger' for information is great. Many have
experienced
the New Life in Christ.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Pray
for this strategic
ministry
Support the
work
with your gifts (project-list is available)
Introduce
possible
short-& long term coworkers (& support them)
Assist
by introducing
speakers for special meetings (& supp. them)
Find
Chinese churches
interested in helping a Fellowship or Group
Send
a team for evang.-and
training conferences (& supp. them)
Participate
financially
in the ministry of the Chin. Lending Library
The Chinese we befriend today may be China's VIP
tomorrow.
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