Where does this Put us now?

What exactly is our vision for the future? The simple answer is continuing to raise disciples who raise disciples. This idea has always been the foundation for ER’s ministry, regardless of location. The persecution and unique security concerns that complicate ministry in China don’t change this reality—they just require new strategies.

Our work in China began in 2015, when we trained an initial group of PBS teachers. These students—hesitant at first—started a chain of PBSes that have now trained almost 5,000 believers. Security concerns have ramped up the last few years, preventing us from returning. But faithful partners in Mainland and Hong Kong have continued the movement and are even sending workers to other countries. 

First, we believe the way forward starts with prayer. We need to pray not only for God’s guidance at ER, but also for the leaders mentioned above; we need to pray for the thousands of disciples they’ve helped raise; and we need to pray that their network of PBSes bears more fruit as it branches through China and into surrounding nations. 

Second, we’re making our new Online PBS Teachers Training Seminar accessible to Mandarin speakers. Of course, this will involve endeavoring to get it inside the digitally fortified Mainland. But we also envision sharing this resource to raise up Mandarin PBSes everywhere, even in America. Translation is already underway for the textbook, and the course itself is soon to follow. 

Third, we’re actively pursuing relationships with believers who are best equipped to reach China. In the U.S., these are thousands of brothers and sisters attending more than 1,500 Chinese American churches. God is using these local bodies to love and lead many Chinese immigrants and international students to Christ.