Edition:
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (JN 8:32)

World

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Is it better to operate openly and legally rather than underground in China?

0
By Jeff H. Sun
January 30, 2004|9:45 am

MAINLAND CHINA—many western missionaries choose to cooperate with house churches and denies the church of Three-self Patriotic Movement (TSMP) , but Tom Frakes and Erik Burklin believe it is better to operate openly and legally rather than underground in China.
Frakes's Training Evangelistic Leadership (TEL)–China educates non-Christian university students about Christianity. His congregation, associated with the government's Three Self Patriotic Movement, is evangelical in theology and outreach.
Burklin runs China Partner (CP), an organization provides teachers and resources to Three Self seminaries and Bible institutes. CP is unique in that it works with the registered churches and seminaries in China. Everything China Partner does in China is done in the open and with full approval of the China Christian Council. CP does nothing that is considered illegal by the Chinese government. China Partner cooperate with 23 seminaries and Bible schools in China and helped launch a new Bible institute in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, in central China.
In addition to helping China's churches, they want Westerners to learn more about China. He thinks there are too many misconceptions. Even missionaries in China often don't realize the extent of ministry of the legal, aboveground church.
Local Relationships Are Important
The Frakes and Burklin families both believe that healthy relationships with government officials are critical for the credibility of Christian outreach in China. Burklin said wherever there is a successful work with open churches, there are long-standing personal ties. By serving TSMP churches they got credibility from china government and china religion council and they have contributed much for the Chinese Christians.

0
Top Stories

Archaeologists Uncover Proof of Pre-Jesus Bethlehem

The Israel Antiquities Authority revealed ...

CP World Report: Church of England, Egypt Election, Chen Guangcheng

Is the God of the Old Testament a Merciless Monster?

Maintaining Balance and Wisdom in the Midst of the Same Sex Marriage Controversy

Gallup: 'Pro-Choice' Americans at Record Low

One-half of all Americans identify as "pro-life" on abortion, according to a new Gallup poll. Forty-one percent consider themselves "pro-choice," a record low since Gallup has asked the question.

Are More Black Voters Embracing Obama's Endorsement of Gay Marriage?

A new Washington Post/ABC News Poll survey finds ...

Christian Group Wins Religious Recognition at University of North Carolina

A Christian student group has dropped a lawsuit against the University of North Carolina-Greensboro after the university agreed to officially recognize the group as religious, therefore making the group exempt from the ...