October 2025 RCMI Newsletter

revivalchinese
1天前
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Pastor Sharon Lau Interview: The New Generation of Chinese Missions — From "Mission To China" to "China on Mission"

Long-time members of Revival Christian Church are often deeply affected by videos that Pastor Dennis Balcombe shares before his sermons, showing gatherings all over the world from which he's just returned. The most striking footage often comes from Chinese rural churches with no musical instruments or church buildings, sometimes just brothers and sisters gathering in open fields -- no environment can dampen their fervor and hunger! And Pastor Balcombe has always had one clear goal: Missions! ... whether to or from China.

More than 45 years have passed since China’s reform and opening in 1979. As the proverb says, "When ten years have passed, life is totally different!" The face of the Chinese Church has also been transformed. For this issue, we specially invited Pastor Balcombe’s daughter, Pastor Sharon Lau, to share her insights on the current state of China missions.

Pastor Sharon Lau speaking at Revival Christian Church

A Look Back: The Chinese Rural Church of the 1980's and 1990's

In the 80's and 90's, Pastor Sharon Lau frequently accompanied her father deep into rural China to serve local house churches. At that time, the rural population was predominantly young people with simple lives. Outside of farm work, they devoted themselves to gatherings and evangelism. During the winter downtime, some gatherings would go on day and night continuously for months, demonstrating amazing spiritual fervor.

Pastor Sharon Lau accompanied Pastor Balcombe serving rural house churches in the 80's and 90's

It was an unsophisticated era, one in which God's work was easily seen. Due to the difficult living conditions and lack of medical resources, many sick people could only rely on God. Pastor Lau shared testimonies of many miracles -- the sick healed, and even the dead raised. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully, and the church experienced tremendous revival. Believers' hunger for God burned like a roaring flame.

However, the church's growth was accompanied by persecution. Beyond policy restrictions, poverty was also a factor. Sometimes believers were arrested and required to pay heavy fines for release, resulting in numerous cases of property confiscation or detention.

Rural churches in the 80s-90s were greatly revived

Current Challenges and Transformation of the Rural Church

With the current changes in Chinese society and government policies, the rural church is facing two major challenges:

1. Population Drain and "Left-behind Children"

Many remote villages are now primarily inhabited by the elderly and children, as most young and middle-aged adults have left for cities to find work. These children have been dubbed "left-behind children," who may not see their parents for a year or more. This phenomenon has a significant impact on family structure and on church manpower.

Left-behind Children in a Rural Area of Guangxi - Image Source: Visual China

2. Lifestyle Changes and Faith Challenges

As the economy has improved, many families have achieved a moderate level of prosperity; but as the pace of life has accelerated, work hours now often exceed twelve hours a day with only one day off per week -- or even none. The result is that people's spiritual life is challenged by a lack of time and energy.

Nevertheless, Pastor Lau and her husband, Pastor Samuel, continue to visit churches across the country and are encouraged to see many second- and third-generation believers who remain passionately dedicated to the Lord. Modern meeting styles are also emerging, with electronic screens and sound systems, aligning with international church practices.

Persistence of Faith Amidst Tightening Policies

Before the COVID pandemic, China’s religious policies were relatively relaxed, but they have tightened since. New restrictions have made it more difficult to bring in guest speakers. House churches must frequently change meeting venues, and believers are advised against openly sharing their faith in school or government contexts, as their admission or employment could be jeopardized.

While current persecution may not be as severe as in the past, when property confiscation or imprisonment were common, religious freedom is still very restricted. This situation serves as a reminder to believers to cherish every opportunity to meet together and to share the Gospel with others.

Young people Passionate About The Lord

Cross-Cultural Mission of Chinese Believers

In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese Christians are being sent out for overseas mission work. When people think of missions, they often associate it with missionary visas, living by faith, and hardship. However, many countries now -- especially in the Middle East and poorer regions of the world -- no longer issue missionary visas. To stay long-term, overseas workers must make a 'substantial contribution' to the country. Business Missions has thus become a new model, allowing workers to integrate into their local communities through 'legitimate professions,' building relationships and then sharing the Gospel.

This brings to mind the story of the Paris Revival Christian Church. A group of Wenzhou Christians first settled in Paris. Due to the language barrier, at first they could only evangelize fellow Chinese immigrants. Gradually they built a church. Twenty years later, their second generation is fully integrated, speaks fluent French, shares the gospel with the French people, and has even established a French-language worship service. This is a true illustration of the full cycle, "Mission to China, China on Mission."

Early Paris Revival Christian Church gatherings were mainly for fellow Chinese immigrants

Paris Revival Christian Church Ahabah French Church

Paris Revival Christian Church 20th Anniversary Celebration

Ministry Focus in China

Currently, Pastor Sharon Lau’s primary ministry in China is focused on caring for and training pastors' wives and female ministers, providing inner healing services and theological training. She and her husband Pastor Samuel also conduct worship gatherings, leadership training, and marriage retreats committed to nurturing the next generation of spiritual leaders.

Pastors Samuel and Sharon Lau Serving Together

Final Encouragement: Join the Movement of

“Mission to China -- China on Mission”

The revival of the Chinese church is not just a testimony of the past; it is a calling for today. From passionate gatherings in rural villages to resilient faith in urban centers, from local ministry to cross-cultural missions, the Chinese church is growing, maturing, and stepping into its global role.

We warmly invite you to be part of the “Mission to China -- China on Mission” movement by praying for and supporting these vital needs:

Left-behind Children in Rural China -- These children long for love, care, and spiritual guidance as they grow up separated from their parents.

Chinese Pastor’s Wives and Female Ministers -- Many carries heavy burdens in ministry and family life. They need emotional healing, spiritual support, and leadership training.

Leadership Development and Couples’ Retreats -- Equipping the next generation of spiritual leaders means helping them build strong biblical foundations and healthy marriages.

Chinese Missionaries Serving Overseas -- We support their journey as they settle, integrate, and share the Gospel in new cultures—often facing discrimination, isolation, and spiritual warfare. Let us not be spectators, but co-laborers! Through prayer, giving, and action, we respond to this generation’s call! Missions is not just a distant story—it’s an assignment we can all participate in.

Mission to China -- China on Mission: Let it begin with us and let it reach the nations!

Revival Chinese Ministries International

Pastor Sharon Lau