Celebrating New Life: Friendship with a New Chinese Mom

Chunsun (meaning “spring bamboo”) is a collective pseudonym for writers ministering in sensitive situations to Chinese people. The author of this post formerly served students in Mainland China and now works with internationals of all nationalities in Dallas, Texas.

As the wife of a campus minister to international students, much of my time is spent hosting and welcoming students as well as caring for our two small children. Our kids know that Friday nights are the time for students to come over for dinner and studying the Bible. We also squeeze in play dates, walks with students, and hosting students for dinner (amidst the chaos of bath time, kids throwing fits, and trying to figure out different dietary restrictions). It is a joy to get to enter into life with students as well as enable my kids to get a taste of the larger world beyond Dallas, Texas. We have a map up in the play room and love taking time to find our students’ homes. Needless to say, India and China are two countries my son can find in an instant!

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in deeper relationships with a few girls, one of whom is the wife of one of our PhD students. I met A. almost a year ago in January when she joined her husband in Dallas. They joined our Friday night Bible study, and we started a sweet friendship. He is a believer and she is still exploring faith. Friday nights are a safe place where we gather for a homemade meal, laugh and share stories, and then head into the family room to dive into the Word. We have been going through the basics of faith with lots of time for questions and discussion.

Both A. and I were pregnant at the same time, due about six weeks apart. She arrived in Dallas already at the end of her second trimester and in need of finding a doctor and learning the American medical system. I had opportunities to accompany A. to doctor’s appointments, help connect her with pediatricians, learn how to install a carseat, etc. We wrestled through insurance, countless medical forms, figuring out what baby supplies she needed, and how to prepare for delivery. Like any first time parent, the process was a bit overwhelming to A. Often in China, an in-law moves in to help with the arrival of the new baby and afterwards helps take care of the baby. Here, they were on their own. We had fun comparing and contrasting the differences between cultures, as well as figuring out what was important to them to actually implement.

One of the best moments was being with A. and her husband when they saw their baby girl for the first time on a sonogram. In China, you don’t get to actually see the sonograms or find out the gender. What a miracle it is that the Lord knits life together in the womb! They were ecstatic to finally see her healthy, kicking and with a strong heartbeat. This shared experience truly knit our hearts together and opened the door to further and deeper conversations about life, motherhood, and the Lord.

One of A.’s biggest needs was baby supplies. She came with nothing and knew that she would only be here for a short while before having to leave the country again for her visa. Groups of women from two different churches had expressed interest in getting more involved with international students, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to engage them and host a baby shower for A. This wasn’t something typically done in China, but she was open to the idea and really appreciated the help.  About fifteen women gathered to enjoy yummy treats, provide the essentials for their new baby, share stories of wisdom, and pray over their little girl. A. left with a bed, stroller, and carseat to borrow until they are able to purchase their own, as well as tons of diapers, clothes, bottles, etc.

After a long labor and delivery, they welcomed a precious little girl into the world. I was one of the first to meet her in the hospital, and six weeks later they were some of the first to meet our baby girl too! Since then, we have continued to walk together, pointing them to the Lord and wrestling together through the long moments of having a newborn. We have shared the struggles of getting babies to sleep and the joys of their first laugh. We have shared feeding schedules and walks at the mall. We are even meeting tomorrow so that our girls can play together and we can visit.

A.’s husband actually joined our church in December and my husband had the privilege of baptizing him and baby Ann two weeks ago. While not yet a believer, A. tells me that she has been reading her Bible and her friendships with believers have made her really want to believe. Please pray for this sweet couple – that the Lord would strengthen their marriage and that baby Ann would come to know the Lord in deep and real ways!

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Further Reading

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

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ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

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About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

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About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

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About Chongqing

Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

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About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

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About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

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About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

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About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

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About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

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About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

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About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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