THE METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY’S (MMS) MISSION for China is to train disciples and disciple-makers so that many preaching points and churches will be planted by the nationals themselves.
MMS missionaries and teaching teams from Singapore Methodist churches have been training the national preachers and workers through small groups and seminars in China.
The MMS currently has five Singapore missionaries stationed in China besides five associate missionaries and eight national preachers. Over the past seven years, the MMS has established a presence in various parts of China through partnerships with local churches, national preachers and associate missionaries.
In southern China, we have a presence in Fujian province, Jiangxi province, Guangdong province and Hainan Island. Northwards, we minister in Henan and Jiangsu provinces. Westwards, we have started preaching points in Xinjiang province.
In Fujian province, we run an English learning centre and a hostel for poor students. A Bible training centre has also been set up to conduct full-time discipleship courses for MMS national workers and volunteers. We support a drug rehabilitation centre and minister to boarders at the centre. We also reach out to the poor and needy in the community through various children’s programmes. In Jiangxi, Guangdong and Henan provinces, we conducted extensive discipleship training of church leaders and workers. There is a growing group with a vibrant university student ministry in these provinces.
We intend to set up an English learning centre in Jiangsu province this year. ere are also plans to set up at least two other English learning centres elsewhere over the next few years. We hope they can be generate some income to help support the ministries in China.
We solicit your prayers as we look forward to getting greater support from our Methodist churches in sending teams to China to contribute to the teaching and training of disciples, national leaders and workers. We also need volunteers to help teach English at our English learning centres and at an English summer camp.
Col (Retd) Quek Koh Eng is an Area Director of the Methodist Missions Society.