MINISTRY / New challenges and new opportunities: Bible institute

New challenges and new opportunities: Bible institute

"Our God is greater" has been 316NOW's byword, a continuing reminder that our power to proclaim grace across China has nothing to do with us and everything to do with God's mercy and strength.

This blog post and the four posts that are paired with it examine the ministry plans 316NOW has prayed over and committed to during its 2023-24 fiscal year.

The challenges are beyond our abilities. But not beyond our Father's ability. Not beyond the resources that he has already given us, you, and the rest of his family who partners with 316NOW to bring his grace to the people of China.

Plans for the 2023-24 fiscal year

At the annual board meeting of 316NOW's leaders, the administrator of our Education Division reported on some of the differences we've seen in our ministry over the last fiscal year.

"We are beginning to see new challenges and new opportunities. And we can now begin to develop new goals and plans with hope for a brighter future. We are not defeated. God has given us new life."

A look back, a look ahead

Fifteen months ago, China insisted it would become even more serious about severely limiting the mention of spiritual matters on its internet. Its intention was to shut down the broadcast of worship services, witnessing on social media, and online teaching like our online Bible institute. China also vowed to aggressively crack down on illegal house churches.  All of that took place during China's severe Covid restrictions. Those restrictions would not loosen until December of last year, seven months ago.

He noted that about half of our former students have returned to classes. The rest will require continuing encouragement. Our liaison (a Chinese pastor who lives in China) has enabled us to re-establish contact with a number of our students and to recruit additional students.

Thank you for your support

None of this would have happened without the prayers and support of hundreds of American Christians. To you, 316NOW says, thank you. For the Chinese Christians 316NOW trains and for the souls they reach, we also say, thank you. 

What you can do

Continue to pray that God's grace reaches more Chinese people. Ask that he uses 316NOW's Bible institute to have a significant role to accomplish that.