Christian Education: A Huge Opportunity

Editor’s note: This is the second of a three-part interview series in which we spoke with a Chinese educator involved in establishing a Christian school outside of China. (Part one can be found here; part two is here.)

Running a school has many opportunities and challenges. In this final section, Joshua Liu shares some of the struggles he faces on a regular basis as he tries to help his diverse, global staff view their educational work as mission. This is a crucial time for Chinese Christian education, and he believes there are many opportunities in this season.


Teaching as Mission

China Partnership: What are some specific challenges that your school, and also other schools who have similar mission and vision as yours, might be facing?

Joshua: We have many challenges. One of the challenges is how to get all the teachers on the same page. The teachers are international, from many different places. There are some teachers who say they are Christians, but do not think education is a Christian mission. They think of their job as simply being a good teacher and receiving a salary, but they don’t quite understand education as mission.

We also have churches. For some of the churches, it is difficult to understand what we are doing. How can we lead these teams of international teachers to truly love the kingdom of God? How can we help them to view their teaching as a mission for Jesus and his kingdom? On the teaching side, this is one of our challenges at the moment. How can we unite teachers hailing from many different countries around the kingdom of God?

How can we lead these teams of international teachers to truly love the kingdom of God?…How can we unite teachers hailing from many different countries around the kingdom of God?

The second challenge is this. Because at the moment the high school is mainly made up of Chinese students, there are some parents who feel the school is not international enough. Unlike some of the other international schools, it does not have many students from other countries. But actually, I think this is not really a problem. Even in a Chinese international school, the school would still be mainly or exclusively made up of Chinese students. The most important thing about international education is not having students from different countries, but having mature Christian teachers.

Still, some of the Chinese parents want their children to go to a school where there are a lot of foreign students. But they don’t really understand that this is actually the best environment for their children. They can learn from Western, American, Christian education, but at the same time, they are supported by a Chinese community. In this way, the sense of security and the friendships they have are actually very beneficial for their growth. But not all parents understand that.

Grasping the Opportunity

CP: In this current environment, are there other opportunities that you see for schools like yours?

Joshua: Right now, we have a huge opportunity. We are hoping that more students  will come to us to study. The need is big. We are praying and asking God to give us wisdom for how we can grasp this opportunity, so more students can come here and  to study and receive this Christian education.

We have a huge opportunity. We are hoping that more students  will come to us to study. The need is big.

CP: How can we be praying for and support your work and other works similar to yours?


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Joshua: You can pray for us. Pray for the teachers, that they will have the conviction of being missionaries in their work and that they will be unified around this conviction. We need experienced educators, so we are looking for good Christian teachers. The most important thing for us is to provide quality education, so we really need good Christian teachers to come so they can improve the quality of the school. The fundamental thing for a school is its educational quality.

Also, please pray for our safety.


Joshua Liu is a pseudonym for a Chinese Christian educator involved in teaching and training the next generation.

Pray for quality teachers in Chinese Christian education who view their work as mission. Pray for the safety of those involved in this work.

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Further Reading

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The J-Curve: Suffering with Jesus
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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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