MINISTRY / A revival of online courses

New fall Bible institute courses

316NOW is conducting six online Bible institute courses this fall. There are 50 students.

That is a welcomed change from zero courses last March. That's when China dictated stricter controls on the communication of religious content over its internet.

Changes

What has changed?

First, this is what hasn't changed. China's determination to prohibit religious content on its internet has not changed. If anything, it has increased. All religious content that the government hasn't approved remains banned and is monitored. China is especially wary of religious content that is generated by Western Christians and beamed into the country.

Adjustments

In spite of that prohibition, Chinese Christians are beginning to return to our online courses. For our part, we teach courses over the most secure online platform we are aware of. We do not use online communication that is open to Chinese eavesdropping.

These limits on how we communicate have caused grief for our Chinese friends and for our 316NOW Team who know and love them. In years past, we were able to communicate rather freely about our faith on Chinese social media, as well as programs like Skype and Zoom. That is no longer possible.

Opening doors

Nonetheless, the Spirit continues to open doors to the proclamation of grace in China. Our God is greater than any barriers or obstacles humans or Satan raise.

Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name" (Psalm 66:2-4).

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What you can do: Pray for the Spirit's protection for our Bible institute students. Ask that he raises up more Confessional Lutheran leaders through 316NOW. Pray that tens of millions more in China are brought to faith in Jesus. Praise him for his infinite power, wisdom, love, and promise-keeping.