In today's digital era, where networking and virtualization run deep, some argue that young people are reluctant to engage in social interactions. However, Pastor Zhao, who has spent over two decades ministering to young people in an eastern Chinese city, holds a different perspective. He believes that the issue is not that young people do not need social interaction, but that the church, family, and society have failed to foster a conducive environment.
Do Young People Really Enjoy Mobile Phones and the Internet? No!
Nowadays, many young people, including those from Christian families, are addicted to the virtual world of the Internet. In response, parents have taken various strategies to curb Internet addiction, yet these efforts are not so effective.
Zhao emphasizes that the solution does not lie in merely restricting external factors such as smartphones, video games, or the Internet. "When we genuinely care for young people and provide them with a space for spiritual growth, they will realize that they do not actually need phones or games. The root issue is that we have failed to cultivate the spiritual and culturally healthy environment they require," he explained.
"Young people are often on their phones not because they enjoy them, but because they are bored," Zhao continued. "They turn to their screens because they have no idea how to deal with their inner struggles. They are experiencing insufficient care in their families, quarrels between parents, ostracization at school, and a sense of worthlessness. Confronted with such pain, they seek something to numb themselves."
"But if there is someone who has faced similar challenges, understands their struggles with answers, and exemplifies for the young people to witness. It has to be someone admired and respected by the young people. Then they will be willing to talk with and may come to a realization," Zhao concluded.
Real-Life Experiences and Testimonies Far More Convincing Than Theories
Pastor Zhao shared an example of helping a young man. During a weekly youth fellowship at his church, Zhao noticed a young man with vacant eyes, sensing that the young man's spirit was lifeless. He asked, "Child, it's been uneasy for you. Are you all right?" The young man didn't respond. Zhao continued, "Is there anything I can do to help you?" But still, there was no answer. Zhao reflected, "Sometimes, you have to invite them multiple times, just like Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for help. You need to ask in contrast."
Pastor Zhao then said, "I saw your WeChat Moments, and the story you posted was very interesting." The young man asked in surprise, "You read my Moments? And my stories?" Zhao replied, "Yes, I've been paying attention to you." At that moment, the young man changed, and his eyes brightened.
He had believed he was insignificant and unnoticed, but now someone was genuinely paying attention to his Moments. He might have thought, "The pastor really cares about someone like me!" He was both shocked and reassured, asking again, "You read my Moments?" Zhao affirmed, "Of course. You write very well. I think the dragon in your story is vivid and lifelike." The young man then confided that the dragon in his story symbolized his own growth, struggles, and sin. Zhao responded, "Your story is deep. I'm really looking forward to your next post."
The following week, the young man arrived early, an unusual occurrence for him, and began conversing with Pastor Zhao. In subsequent weeks, he actively participated in the fellowship. His mother noticed something unusual. Previously, the son would leave immediately after the gathering or even wanted to sneak away before it ended. This time, she waited downstairs for an hour before he finally came down.
This young man's spiritual life was reborn because Pastor Zhao saw his inner needs and validated his worth. "When we genuinely pay attention to them and affirm their value, they can come back to life. But if we force them to change based on the pressures of current secular culture, they will wither away," Pastor Zhao concluded.
Interrelationships and Connections
Pastor Zhao emphasizes the crucial importance of interrelationships and connections, especially in today's interconnected world.
"Mobile phones and the Internet enable us to connect, but the issue is that these connections are not well-established at all," he observed.
A common issue today is that even when people gather together physically, they are actually disconnected. This is especially true within families, where couples rarely communicate, children lock themselves in their rooms, and family members are silent at the dinner table, each engrossed in their phones. "In reality, they may not even realize how deeply they long for connection, yet they don't know how to connect. Especially for young people, who often struggle to connect and require guidance from their parents from different aspects," he explained.
Pastor Zhao believes that the older generation has a significant role in helping young people build healthy interpersonal relationships. The older generation should remain humble and not easily criticize young people for behaviors that seem inappropriate. "In our generation, many things seemed innate, requiring little formal learning. But the world has changed. Today's youth have grown up in a virtual environment, and many things that were once instinctive are no longer so," he noted.
He shared, "Just take my son as an example; many young people can't even manage their facial expressions. They can't smile because nothing brings them joy. Ask a young person how often he or she is happy, and one will likely say that 300 days of the year he or she is unhappy."
When asked why young people today appear cold and indifferent, Zhao responded, "If you had grown up in their world, you would be the same. You'd feel completely dead inside, with no sense of life."
"God has guided me to encounter many young people struggling with these issues," Zhao continued. "But I believe we can find ways to revive them and bring them back to life. This is an essential task in today's world." He adds that the Chinese church needs more individuals who are burdened for the well-being of young people.
- Edited by Karen Luo, and translated by Poppy Chan
