Evangelist
has unprecedented entrance in China
Published under
“Spiritual Dynamics” at
www.globalmissiology.org, April 2008 with permission.
In an
intense historic tour of three major Chinese cities in five days, world
evangelist Luis Palau recently took the word of God directly
to Chinese people in Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai. In a
special Saturday night service in Hangzhou, more than 8,000
people jammed the massive building that is designed for just 5,000. Palau's ministry
recorded almost 1,000 decisions to follow Christ.
Palau concluded his trip in Shanghai with a visit
with Zhao Qizheng, Dean of the Renmin University
School of Journalism and Communication and China's former Minister of Information, who co-wrote with Palau the book 'A
Friendly Dialogue between an Atheist and
a Christian'. The Chinese translation of the book is a bestseller in China.
Also see this video clip produced by
Palau's ministry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXxwrE0dkzQ.
Source: Luis Palau Association.
Luis Palau's
Book Launches in New York
http://www.palau.org/news/story/luispalauand8217sbooklaunchesinnewyork308
|
Luis’ latest book, A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist
and a Christian (Zondervan, 2008), is the first-ever book written between a Chinese diplomat and a Christian
evangelist openly discussing Christianity and its role in
society. Originally published in China in 2006, this book was written in partnership with Zhao Qizheng, an influential government leader for the People’s Republic of China and self-proclaimed atheist. |
New York, NY) February 22, 2008 – An historic book
got an historic sendoff this week in
New York as leaders of the publishing, media, and diplomatic worlds gathered to
celebrate the release of A
Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Christian by coauthors Luis Palau and Zhao Qizheng.
The first collaboration between a
preeminent American Christian evangelist with a global ministry
(Palau) and a Chinese scientist, scholar, and atheist (Zhao), A Friendly
Dialogue is an open and frank exchange on issues of faith, culture,
history, and politics. It has been a bestseller in China since its
release in August of 2006; the much-anticipated English
and Spanish versions, published by Zondervan (a
division of HarperCollins Publishers) arrived
in American bookstores this week.
At a unique launch event hosted by News
Corporation CEO Rupert Murdoch, HarperCollins
CEO Jane Friedman, and Zondervan CEO Moe Girkins, Palau and Zhao shared the story of creating the book’s unique
content through recorded conversations that were later transcribed. Minister
Zhao was accompanied at the event by representatives
of China’s publishing industry, the Chinese Consulate, and Ye Xiaowen, director-general of the State Administration for
Religious Affairs.
In introductory remarks, Ms. Friedman said, “The
world we live in is becoming increasingly global and new technologies are
removing barriers that once separated countries
and cultures. As this happens, it is important for us to be able to understand,
respect, and discuss our ideas and cultures. Dr. Palau and Minister Zhao have
done just that, and I believe we all
have something to learn from them.”
“Minister Zhao and I learned so much about each
other and our cultures during our dialogues,” said Palau. “That two men could
be so dramatically different in our beliefs and backgrounds and yet find so
many areas of agreement should be a great encouragement to those who will interact with the Chinese people in the
century ahead.”
“I am a physicist and an architect by training,”
said Zhao through a translator, “but I have read the Bible several times, as well as the writings of Martin Luther,
Calvin, and others, so I welcomed
and enjoyed the dialogue on issues of religion and faith with Dr. Palau.”
Palau and Zhao also participated in a series of
interviews with national and international media during their New York visit. Palau travels next to Buenos Aires,
Argentina, where a major launch of
the Spanish edition of A Friendly Dialogue will coincide with one of the evangelist’s largest outdoor festivals in the
history of his global ministry.
(From http://www.palau.org/media/
posted with permission)