A delegation of three from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) visited CCC&TSPM and Nanjing Union Theological Seminary (NJUTS) after the three-year pandemic.
During the meeting on October 26, BGEA and CCC&TSPM exchanged views on pastoral ministry and social services, reported CCC&TSPM.
Rev. Shen Xuebin, residential vice president of CCC, first reviewed the history of friendly exchanges between the two sides, thanking BGEA for its attention and support of China's church ministries.
Rev. Gary Lundstorm, international vice president of the Samaritan's Purse, sent regards from Rev. Dr. Franklin Graham and expressed their love for China, aspiring for more opportunities to work with churches in China and the continuous development of friendship among churches in both nations.
Both sides communicated the challenges and changes that churches confronted during the pandemic period and shared the current development of the churches in China and the United States. Based on their experience holding the second China-USA Protestant Church Leaders Forum together in Shanghai in 2013, CCC&TSPM and BGEA both said they looked forward to future exchanges and visits, as well as praying for each other, working to improve church relations between China and the US through practical actions, and working together on the role of Christianity in social development.
Following the meeting, the delegation also extended a visit to the Shanghai Holy Trinity Cathedral and its affiliated Christian bookstore.
Subsequent to the stay in Shanghai, BGEA‘s delegation embarked on a visit to the NJUTS on October 30, where they shared views on theological education and word ministry, according to the seminary.
Rev. Gary also brought greetings from Rev. Dr. Franklin Graham and expressed anticipation for future partnerships. Both sides discussed the difficulties encountered in COVID-19 and updated their present status. Additionally, the guest highlighted the newly completed Billy Graham Archive and Research Center.
After the meeting, the delegation visited the seminary’s auditorium and exhibition on NJUTS's 70-year history.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is a global mission organization founded in the name of the late Billy Graham, a world-famous evangelist from America.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
