SERVING CHINA’S INTERNAL DIASPORA: MOTIVE, MEANS AND METHODS/MISSIONS

Abstract

This paper is different from earlier publications, because it is neither general in scope on Chinese diaspora  nor on urban centers in the US;  but on internal diaspora in China’s urban centers. The purposes of this paper are: first to analyze some of the issues facing China’s internal diaspora then to consider possible responses from the church.  This paper will be largely reflective in nature, offering observations from Enoch Wan’s decades-long teaching/training ministries among China’s internal diaspora and Joe Dow’s eight years of personal experience and close friendship with China’s migrants. Each section will include “case studies” in the form of personal stories that illustrate both the migrants’ plight and ministry potential among them. In addition, we will look to the Gospel of Matthew to shed light on Christ’s heart and the church’s duty. To make it more readable and personal, the term “I” is used whenever personal stories are told.In terms of serving China’s internal diaspora, we will approach the subject matter utilizing Enoch Wan’s “CORRECT” approach (Wan 2003)  to consider various aspects of the church’s possible response within the three broader categories of motive, means and methods.