by John Stuart, SIM Singapore
2 July 2012

A nervous and disappointed migrant Chinese couple sat in a doctor’s office in South Africa, trying to take in what had just been explained to them. They lacked the money to pay for a vital procedure the woman needed, and they were concerned about her complicated ectopic pregnancy. Five thousand US dollars was the cost put before them for the procedure: an immense sum for a family newly arrived in Johannesburg from China, trying to eke out a living. They simply didn’t have it.

The story is one among thousands, as the Chinese population in Africa has mushroomed in recent years, dotting the landscape with ever increasing numbers of Chinese people. They come for one purpose: to make a better life. They work in business, mines, lumber, restaurants and in the various African projects of the People’s Republic. But with the help of SIM missionaries, some are finding much more than mere wages.

Tangible acts of love
Since 2008 the hope of the SIM Chinese Ministry Centre (SCMC) has been to reach these migrant Chinese in Africa. One church was planted in 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria, the first Chinese church in the country. With the help of SIM missionaries and SCMC Director Rev. James Ha, a second fellowship was added in 2009 in Lusaka, Zambia. Today 40 people hold a lively worship service there each week, with prayer groups and a devoted corps of lay leaders. While the landscape outside the church is singularly African, the worship inside couldn’t be more Chinese. Currently there is a great need for a Chinese-speaking pastor.

It’s not easy to reach the Chinese Diaspora, which is estimated at 40 million worldwide. “Usually Chinese people are very relational, so you need to meet them personally, talk to them and assure them about the truth of Christ,” says Stanley Ling, SIM East Asia Director. “The church members themselves are very mobile, so you have to make the most of your time when the people are there and train them and try to disciple them.”

In Johannesburg, home to some 300,000 Chinese people, three new fellowships now meet where there was no church only a year ago. With the help of Malaysian Chinese SIM missionaries, Rev Sia Bik Sing and his wife Seow Ping, Braystone Methodist Church was born and two Bible studies were started.

The work of the Sias complements the ongoing work of Rev Frank and Ada Tuan, who have served in Johannesburg with SIM for nearly 20 years. With so many Chinese in Johannesburg, the goal is to mobilize more Chinese pastors to plant churches there. Some Chinese believers also want to serve as lay leaders in these churches, but theological education is often lacking.

	In Johannesburg, home to 300,000 Chinese, three fellowships now meet where there was no church only a year ago. Malaysian Chinese SIM missionaries, Rev Sia Bik Sing and his wife, Seow Ping, started a church and two Bible studies.

Recently the SCMC rolled out a new intensive training program for these lay leaders in Johannesburg. Chinese pastors are flown in to conduct short-term training once per quarter. They hope to build a strong lay ministry base for more grounded spiritual transformation among the Chinese Christian community.

Though many Chinese in Africa are considering the claims of Christ, tangible care and concern make the biggest impact. Hospitality ministry speaks powerfully to a culture that especially values acts of service.

So in August, when the Chinese couple couldn’t afford the ectopic pregnancy surgery, SIM missionaries arranged for them to see a physician at a government hospital. The woman was able to have the necessary surgery free of charge. It was a powerful witness to this couple. They are now attending an SIM fellowship, learning about the gospel from people filled with generosity through God’s love.

SIM is asking God for more people to help us serve and reach the Chinese diaspora. If you or someone you know would like to learn more, here are two types of positions we are seeking to fill:

• Evangelist, Church Planter, or Pastor for Diaspora Chinese
• Teaching English to Chinese in Johannesburg