MINISTRY / 5.4 million Chinese need to know

5.4 million Chinese live in the United States. That's enough people to fill Chicago twice!

"How do we reach them with the gospel?" That's the question the leaders of our Chinese expatriate outreach division along with a team of other Confessional Lutheran organizations seek to answer.

One step in that direction involved assembling a focus group of a dozen Chinese Lutherans. The group members live in various places across the U.S. Here's what they told us:

• "Social media will be important. But Chinese are more comfortable with social media they know from China, like WeChat and QQ."

• "We often set up English classes, reading clubs, Bible studies, and other group activities through social media."

• "Facebook and Instagram will attract a younger demographic, like teens and young adults."

• "Most Chinese are not Christians, so offering Bible studies will not attract many. Offer them help with problems they are concerned with. Then show them how God's Word can help them."

• "Chinese value personal relationships. Find ways to connect expatriate Chinese with Chinese Christians."

Developing a strategy for reaching 5.4 million Chinese who live in the United States is a challenge. But what a blessing to work on that with fellow believers and sister organizations. God is good.