Sheung Un recounts the difficulties of delivering theological books to Chinese seminary graduates in 2020.

 

On Friday afternoon in June 2020, a seminary vice-principal rang to tell me that a graduation ceremony planned for August had to take place within two days or not at all. To comply with the latest infection control measures the students had to be off the campus by midday Sunday. Once the graduates had left the college it would be impossible to distribute our book packages.

 

Now or never!

 

I reallocated book packages and contacted the logistics company. Soon a vehicle departed for the seminary with the impossible task of arriving in less than 46 hours. The trip normally takes three days. Poor weather, accidents on the highway or waiting at checkpoints can easily prolong the journey. I could do nothing but pray and keep praying.

 

Why did I insist on attempting this delivery at such late notice? These students had to rush to graduate like refugees on the run. Yet, amid the chaos, the seminary staff made contacting me a priority. They rang because books matter to them. Graduates finishing their training and returning to their distant hometowns were counting on us.

 

An enduring challenge

 

Last year, the pandemic and serious flooding interrupted book distribution. Most seminaries were forced to defer or cancel their graduation ceremonies. Nevertheless we felt a strong urge to deliver books to seminary graduates. With what felt like only five loaves of bread and no fish, we were thankful for opportunities to resume deliveries.

 

These books are a sign of God’s provision and a gift of love from brothers and sisters in different parts of the world. Whatever else happens, this gift will accompany the graduates as they venture into ministry.

 

These packages will be especially valuable to those who are assigned to teach and preach in poor and remote areas where they will rely on these books and what they have learned at seminary. Your gift of pastoral resources will invigorate and encourage them throughout their ministries.

 

An all-powerful God

 

At 11 am on Sunday morning, the books arrived at the seminary. Just in time! How abundantly the Lord’s unseen hands guided and protected us! Looking at photos of the graduation ceremony, how could we not be deeply moved by the Lord’s gracious providence?

 

I thank God for reminding me that everything is accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit.

 

Please pray that the Lord will strengthen us in our ministry of encouragement so that the church in China will grow.

 

Sheung Un and his colleagues provide theological and pastoral resources to students graduating from seminaries and training centres across China.

 

$30,000 will make possible the provision of book packages to graduates from seminaries and training centres across China in 2021.

You can help leaders like Pastor Li prepare a new generation of workers for long-term ministry.

 

I graduated from Bible School over a decade ago. I have faithfully served as a church leader day in and day out; always striving to do a good job. I work hard for the Lord. I am trying to obey his will and to develop the ministry of the church. I am clear about God’s calling for me, yet I grow more and more perplexed under heavy work pressures. I do not know how to manage my time. I struggle to set a good example for my congregation. My love and patience are wearing thin. I am exhausted, both physically and mentally. I have learned that busyness alone achieves nothing.

 

Long on knowledge but short on character

 

We young pastors might be rich in theological knowledge but this knowledge has not always increased the quality of our spiritual life or made us effective leaders. However, reading Leading from the Heart: Six Leadership Essentials has invigorated my work. This book says that when a leader is clear about his calling and mission, and is on good terms with God, then he should proceed, following God’s plan. If we can do that, the burden is a light one.

 

I have come to understand more about my calling. Now I know that God builds my character as my relationship with him develops. This takes time. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

 

Too busy not to pray

 

I now have a vision and determination for my work. No matter how busy or tired we are, we must regularly and deliberately spend time with God. This is the secret to a sustainable ministry. As a full-time church worker, I am very excited to have read this book. I have learned how to better serve God’s people, by putting knowledge into practice. I am able to manage my time effectively and work with my team to lead our congregation. Reading the Bible, going on retreats and arranging gatherings with my team and small groups allows us to grow together.

 

Local writers with local understanding

 

We have started using Leading from the Heart in our discipleship training. The church is responsible for passing on its mission. We must prepare Christians to spread the Gospel and drive the church’s growth. We must nurture the spiritual leaders who will take our place. The prospects are bright for a church that makes disciples who make disciples.

 

Leading from the Heart is especially relevant to us because it is written by Chinese church leaders with local experience and understanding. They integrate management techniques and leadership theory, examples from the Scriptures and real-life, Chinese-specific applications.

 

Please pray that this book will empower pastors to serve the church in China. Pray that the Lord will give us the wisdom to serve with all our heart, for his glory!

 

 

Pastor Li pastors a church in rural China.

 

$22,000 will provide a copy of Leading from the Heart by Otto Lui and Lau Chung Ming to 4,500 graduates from 45 training centres.

You can help Pastor Shi prepare a new generation of church leaders for long-term service.

 

I notice that Shun is discouraged. He has been struggling for too long. He desperately wants to serve God and has been working diligently at his church for over a decade. Yet, he has never been given responsibilities or opportunities to exercise his gifts. He has little to show for his efforts. He has lost sight of the big picture. No one seems to care about his personal development or aspirations. The joy has gone. Shun is burnt out.

 

On the other hand Pastor Wei is full of energy. Despite his lack of experience he was a popular choice to plant a new church. Unfortunately, conflict follows him wherever he goes. He is young, talented and confident, but immature. His lack of empathy and respect eventually alienated his team and congregation.

 

Equipped to serve

 

Both traditional and contemporary models of leadership in China are leader-centric. They emphasise charisma, authority and control. Rather than building up followers they build up leaders. Some pastors make all the decisions, no matter how small. Too often team members are prevented from using their gifts, acquiring skills or appreciating how their work contributes to the mission of the church. They frequently feel isolated and discouraged. Consequently there is little enthusiasm, cooperation or collaboration.

 

Faith building and sustainable growth requires humility, discipline and patience. We urgently need to introduce a Biblical style of leadership that emphasises godly character, service and collaboration. Above all we need to train leaders to disciple and nurture future leaders.

 

Leaders can encourage team members by reminding them how their work contributes to the overall vision. This enables us to focus our time and resources on fulfilling God’s call to serve him.

 

Equipped to lead

 

By making possible the publication of a Simplified Chinese translation of Relational Leadership: A Biblical Model for Influence and Service by Walter Wright you will help equip leaders to nurture others for the sake of the Kingdom.

 

For seminary graduates, this book will bring a new leadership perspective which emphasises character rather than charisma. They will be inspired to build up future generations of leaders by investing in those who work with and under them. They will be encouraged to empower others to grow God’s people.

 

Please pray that through the provision of this book, seminary and Bible college graduates in China will strive to be godly leaders in their churches.

 

Will you continue to support us as we equip pastors, preachers and teachers? Pray that I will faithfully build up the body of Christ in love.

 

$5 will provide a Simplified Chinese edition of Relational Leadership to a Bible college graduate.

 

Image: Last year a SparkLit grant made possible the translation and publication of a Simplified Chinese edition of The Call to Joy and Pain by Ajith Fernando and its distribution to 3,000 Bible college graduates.