China is the third largest state in the world. One in five people in the world live in China.

In 1949 Chairman Mao’s dictatorship imposed a “Cultural Revolution” on China – getting rid of anything that was opposed to Chinese Communism. Universities were closed, intellectuals and religious believers were imprisoned if they didn’t tow the party line. An estimated 20 million people lost their lives during the “Cultural Revolution”.

In 1989 students protesting against the Communist regime were massacred in Tiananmen Square.

There is growing social unrest in China; poverty is widespread and 200 million people can’t find enough work to live on.

Most of the people planting churches are women - many when they are still in their teens.

The massacre of students at Tiananmen Square in 1989 was a defining moment in China’s history. This event was a turning point for many students and young professionals in the cities who turned to God for the first time.

No other country in history has seen as much church growth as there has been in China, ever! Surprisingly the communist rulers of China actually helped the Christian church to grow because they cracked down on all kinds of religious superstition.

The Christians in China have suffered harsh persecution, but have remained faithful and committed. Churches are growing and seeing the Holy Spirit move in power.

There are over 60 million members of the Chinese Communist Party who are the ‘top dogs’ of Chinese society. Officially they are not allowed to believe in God, but there are many who secretly believe in Jesus despite opposition.

The Communist Party have used a ‘one child’ policy to try and control the growing population. This policy has had devastating effect on society; hundreds of baby girls are abandoned and in some areas where young men outnumber women by up to 40% young women have benn abducted, taken as slaves or raped.

The government has tried to make churches loyal to the Communist Party. Many leaders have compromised their faith in order to obey their rules; they aren’t allowed to pray for healings or tell people that Jesus is coming again!

It is illegal to teach children and young people about God and many churches don’t know how to teach and disciple their young people.

There is a real need for people to reach out to the 25 million Muslim believers in China.

The Communist Party feel threatened by the growth of the Christian Church.