Editor’s note: In recent years, many Chinese Christian leaders have moved overseas. Some of this is due to pressure or persecution, which makes it more challenging to follow Jesus and raise children in the faith, especially for church leaders. However, although many people are leaving China, others are deciding to return or remain. Recently, we spoke with one church leader about her decision to come back to serve the church in China after living overseas for several years.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

China Partnership: What was life like for you from the beginning of the Covid pandemic up to now?

Sister Bao En: The pandemic brought us quite significant changes. Before, we had close, in-person interactions. But during the pandemic, everyone was online or at home. It changed our entire way of life. People became less willing to interact with others, preferring to stay quietly at home.

Because we couldn’t go out and were stuck at home, the pandemic brought some changes to my personal life. My relationship with my husband is closer than before. Previously, we each did our own thing and often neglected each other’s feelings. But because all we could do during Covid was stay home, we spent more time together and communicated more. It was a blessing in disguise.

I decided to leave the U.S. and return home. Little by little, God moved my heart and called me.

CP: Recently, you lived abroad for awhile. After some consideration, you decided to return to China. Can you tell us about this decision?

Sister Bao En: Making this decision wasn’t easy. It was a process. At first, I decided to stay and accompany my child [who was living and working in the U.S.]. It was a long time from that point to when I decided to leave the U.S. and return home. But little by little, God moved my heart and called me. That led me to finally decide to return.

A lot of my decision stemmed from seeing current needs in China. I also realized that, no matter where we are, true peace is found in Jesus Christ. Because of that, I’m not so particular about external circumstances. The comfort they bring doesn’t give me true peace.

Before I decided to return, I was really conflicted. I wondered whether I should go back or not and did a lot of evaluating. But in the end, when I decided to return to be with my family and participate in ministry, I felt very peaceful. I think the Holy Spirit was leading me. Wherever there is a field for ministry, God calls me to the place that’s right for me.

After I actually returned to China, I truly found that being together, interacting with each other, and seeing everyone was exciting. There was so much to share.

CP: You decided to come back because you have the opportunity to serve. Tell me about this.

Sister Bao En: I realized that I was very indolent when I got used to being online with brothers and sisters for three years. I didn’t need to spend much time or energy on others, and became lazy even in online gatherings. But then I realized that this kind of life and these relationships are actually very superficial. They are not genuine. So after three years, I felt exhausted by this state and longed to be with people

When I decided to go back to be with my family and the brothers and sisters in the church, I was very happy. After I actually returned to China, I truly found that being together, interacting with each other, and seeing everyone was exciting. There was so much to share. So, I think I made the right decision.

China’s current environment presents many challenges for churches and individuals, especially churches. There isn’t as much of a comfortable environment, or things that feel easy.

CP: What are some of the challenges about returning to China?
Sister Bao En: There are definitely challenges. China’s current environment presents many challenges for churches and individuals, especially churches. There isn’t as much of a comfortable environment, or things that feel easy. But when I was praying, God spoke to me through Phil. 2:1-11. Those verses are about how Jesus gave up his heavenly status and came to earth, willingly humbling himself.

I also saw that throughout history, there have been many who went against the flow: Jesus, Paul, Robert Morrison, Hudson Taylor. All of these people went against their comfort and the flow of their times.

Also during that time [when I was deciding], I don’t quite remember which pastor said it, but I heard someone say we should choose the path that is relatively less comfortable. Often, that less comfortable path is the one God wants us to take, to resist our own selfish desires and sins. I think I had that perspective.

Sister Bao En (a pseudonym) lives in a city in southern China. She loves to pray and to share the vision of prayer with others.

Pray that God will lead the right people to return to or remain in China and serve his people through this uncertain time in Chinese church history.