RED LANTERNS ‘I, a Chinese Christian, chose to return to be a witness of the faith’

The testimony of a young Christian who, after 12 years in the United States, like many of his companions trying to escape to the West, chose to return to his country: “From a spiritual point of view, China is like a dry pond: it urgently needs our help.”

Beijing () – Although the current situation in China is “unfavorable” for Christians, many of whom prefer to “flight” to the West in search of a “better life”, they have the mission of “sustaining a different system of values of the laity”, giving priority “to God before personal interests”, says in his testimony Rex Chen, a Chinese Christian who left his country to pursue university studies in the United States when he finished high school. His testimony was collected by Chinese Church Voicesperiodic column of ChinaSource Blogwhere he invites us to evaluate “whether our actions are in line with the will and values ​​of God” going beyond the search for “advantages in earthly life.”

Rex remembers the moment when, as a young Christian student, he left China. “Many did not understand why I was reluctant” to leave, he says in the text, to the point that at some points he even thought about “abandoning” the idea of ​​studying in the United States. “That was because my sister had just been born, who is 18 years younger than me,” he explains. Her parents were separated and lived far away. Rex grew up with his grandparents and he had to take care of his half-sister.

But there was also another reason, related to his faith: “As at that time I was the only Christian in my family, I was very worried – he remembers – because, if I went to study in the United States, there would be no one who would continue sharing the Gospel with they”. However, despite all the anxiety and fear, “I left my home and embarked on the adventure” of going to study alone in the United States.

Today, 12 years after his departure and his academic successes, he has decided to return although, in the meantime, his grandparents died, his sister has emigrated and many Chinese Christians have preferred to leave the country “for various reasons.” Some because “they do not want to raise their children in an environment like that of today’s China”, others because of the lack of “community life in the Church and freedom of expression” (and worship), which makes life ” too oppressive.” Finally, some insist on the economic aspect and the difficulties “in making money.” All of those reasons are valid, he continues, but none of them “center on the need to work for the kingdom of God,” and I “believe that this is the primary responsibility of a Christian, his duty and his responsibility.”

Although the price of being a Christian is “high,” he cannot understand that “many students from mainland China do not return after finishing their studies at the seminaries.” “Given that the situation in China has worsened, coupled with the expulsion of many missionaries, the dismantling of many churches, and the urgent need for ministers, I assumed that most of them would return to China. But the reality – he continues in his reflection – is exactly the opposite: about 80% of those who complete their studies in the seminaries decide to stay in the United States,” because some “are not clear about what their vocation is,” while others They remain in the United States out of “mere selfishness, hypocrisy and cowardice.”

He points out the importance of returning to their country of origin, and gives as an example the decision of many Jews who, when the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out, decided to leave their homes in the West to go fight. The same example of sacrifice shows the story of the Ukrainian soldier who immolated himself to destroy the bridge and prevent the invasion of the Russian army. “If these people can make such great sacrifices for their homeland on earth, then as Christians – he observes – with eternal life and the promises of God, shouldn’t we be even more brave and loyal for the kingdom of God? How can we call ourselves soldiers of the Lord?”

“However, I hope that many Christians will remain in China to meet the needs, because the population is large, the fields are extensive, and the need is urgent. Three months ago I returned to China and upon my return I found a situation more urgent and desperate than I imagined. From a spiritual point of view, China – concludes Rex Chen – is like a dry pond, and I hope that more people will come to serve China, which urgently needs your help. I wait for you”.

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