Celebrating 36 years of Chinese Ministry

Back to God Ministries International marked 36 years of media ministry to Chinese-speaking people with a recent "Listeners Open House" in Hong Kong. More than 100 people—long time listeners/readers, new believers, staff members, volunteers and supporters from Hong Kong—gathered for the first-ever such event outside of North America.

One listener who attended commented to BTGMI Chinese producer Cheung Yun, "I have been waiting so long to meet you face to face." A local pastor thanked Rev. Jimmy Lin, Chinese ministry leader, "We have been well-fed spiritually by your Chinese Today [devotional booklets] for many years."

"They came from every age and every background, and most of them had not met each other until that evening," Rev. Lin reported. "However, it felt like a family reunion, like seeing old friends. We were drawn together by God; we were bonded into the Back to God family by His love."

The gathering was very special for Rev. Lin not only on a ministry level, but also personally. "It was also 36 years ago that I committed my life to Jesus. I am so blessed to share my spiritual birth year with the ministry I love so much and have been privileged to serve."

Back to God's Chinese ministry (called Good News for the Whole World in Chinese) began under the leadership of Rev. Isaac Jen in 1974, during Mao Tse-Tung's reign over China. For the first three years there was no response, and Rev. Jen wondered if anyone was listening. Following Mao’s death in 1978, some restrictions were lifted and letters began pouring out of China from listeners, many of them new Christians who had heard the broadcast and responded to the gospel.

Once primarily a radio program, today the Chinese ministry has grown to become a multi-media outreach—including radio, Internet (websites and social networking), CD/DVD, and literature—reaching China and many places worldwide.

Approximately 28,000 contacts are made every month as people respond through letters, text-messaging, phone calls or Internet contacts. More than 50 volunteers assist with ministry production and resource distribution. The ministry’s supporters include donors, not only in North America, but also from other Asian countries.

One Internet listener who attended the Open House asked how he could volunteer to help "in this exciting ministry," and a donor from Hong Kong informed Rev. Lin that she would be making BTGMI the benefactor of some of her resources. Another donor told Rev. Lin, "I never realized that your Chinese ministry has so many facets. Now I can pray for your ministry more to the point."

Those gathered for the celebration in Hong Kong spent time praying specifically for Back to God Ministries International Chinese worldwide media outreach. Rev. Lin noted, “This gathering reminded me again of God’s faithfulness.”

For those interested , click on giving a gift so Back to God Ministries International can continue to share the good news of Jesus with Chinese people.