On March 10, a delegation of six from YMCA Bavaria, Germany, led by General Secretary Michael Götz, visited the Shaanxi Provincial CC&TSPM.
Rev. Wang Jun, chairperson and president of Shaanxi Provincial CC&TSPM, welcomed the guests and provided an overview of Shaanxi's historical and cultural heritage, local customs, the history of Christianity in the province, its current status, and key initiatives undertaken by the provincial CC&TSPM. He emphasized the significance of the sinicization of Christian ministry in recent years and addressed the guests' questions on the topic.
The Germany delegation expressed their appreciation for Shaanxi CC&TSPM's efforts in theological education, talent development, pastoral training, the sinicization of Christianity, media ministry, and social services. Both sides also discussed the spread of the gospel and the church's responses to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
On March 12, a delegation of more than 50 members from YMCA Bavaria visited Qionglai City, Chengdu, Sichuan, to explore the local Qiang ethical culture and national 5A-level tourist attractions, covered by the local government. Coinciding with Arbor Day, the German guests also participated in a tree-planting activity.
Last year, marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the all-around strategic partnership between China and Germany and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of friendly relations between Guangdong and Bavaria, the Guangzhou YMCA hosted a Sino-German Youth Exchange Camp in March, said the host. Prior to this, in 2012, a Bavarian delegation visited the Guangzhou YMCA, Guangzhou Zion Church, and several Christian social service programs in the city.
Founded in 1903, YMCA Bavaria (locally known as CVJM Bayern-Christliche Verein Junger Menschen) comprises over 100 local YMCAs across Bavaria, Germany, with approximately 12,140 members and 4,350 volunteers. Guided by the core principles of "connect, preach, and support," the organization offers a diverse range of programs, including educational programs, camps, seminars, visiting services, and club counseling, among which one of their notable initiatives is the GlobalCastle Language Camps.
Notably, on October 27, 2017, a group of six representatives from YMCA Bavaria, accompanied by a coworker from the Beijing YMCA, visited Chongwenmen Church in Beijing for an exchange.
