Last week, delegations from the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) and United Bible Societies (UBS) visited CCC&TSPM, fostering friendship and discussing future collaborations.
On March 20, CCC&TSPM welcomed Mrs. Gunya Na Thlang, the Asian director of the Int'l LLL, and Rev. Jingcai Zhu, the League's Chinese ministry adviser, said the host.
Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of the national TSPM, updated the guests on the 11th National Chinese Christian Congress and the ongoing process of the sinicization of Christianity campaign in China, highlighting the integration of China’s traditional culture in publishing and media ministry. Rev. Xu looks forward to enhancing exchanges and mutual understanding between China and the United States at this year's coming "China-US Christian Forum" in the U.S. Rev. Shan Weixiang, vice chairman of the national TSPM, expressed gratitude for the League’s support for the Ai Ji Printing Press in Shanghai and provided an update on its current status.
Mrs. Gunya Na Thlang sent regards from the leader of the Int'l LLL with the latest development of the League. She mentioned that this visit marked her final official visit, as it was time for her retirement after 33 years with the league. She would continue to pray for the friendship between the two sides and for the Chinese churches.
This year celebrates the 35th anniversary of the International Lutheran Union's friendship with the CCC&TSPM. Both parties expressed anticipation for the future, aiming for the healthy growth of their friendship.
The United Bible Societies China Partnership (UBS CP) director, Dr. Bernard Low Bun Leong, led a four-person delegation that arrived at CCC&TSPM the following day. Both parties reflected on their friendship and engaged in exchanges on Bible translation, social services, and other ministries.
Rev. Lin Manhong, vice president and general secretary of the China Christian Council (CCC), greeted the guests and recalled the cordial relationship between the churches in China and the UBS since Bishop K.H. Ting's time.
Pastor Shan, vice residential chairman of the National Committee Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), briefed on the current development of the Bible ministry in the Chinese churches, with a particular analysis of the impact on paper books from new media, highlighting the need for responsive measures. These include offering both paper and electronic versions of the Bible, diversifying Bible editions, re-translating the Bible, and training translation talents. He also expressed hope for increased support from UBS for these initiatives.
Rev. Geng Weizhong, vice president of the CCC, made a comprehensive overview of the Bible ministry in the Chinese church over the past 40 years, which was a diverse presentation of the story of the Chinese Bible ministry and the Chinese churches from distinct aspects. Rev. Geng expressed a desire for continued learning and collaboration with the United Bible Societies in the future progress of Bible translation, cultivation of scholars, and exegesis research.
Mrs. Jane Jelgerhuis, executive director of Global Philanthropy at the American Bible Society, expressed her impressions of the first trip to China and discussed ministries of her attention. Dr. Bernard Low showed his gratitude to God for bringing more UBS staff to China and allowing them to witness the country’s churches, with the expectation of deeper collaboration with them.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
