China
___________________________________________________________________________________
Demographics
Population: 1,322 million
Ethnic groups: Han Chinese 92%, minority groups 8%
Religions: Officially atheist. Buddhism
& Taois
m: 
33%,
Christian
ity: 4%, Islam: 2%, Others: 3%
Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Num
rous Dialects and Minority Languages
Industry: Agriculture, Industrial/Manufacturing In Urban Centers
___________________________________________________________________________________
Cornerstone in China:
As we consider the work that Cornerstone has in China now, it might be hard to believe that it all started with a “word” in a midweek service many years ago. God spoke and placed before us a vision for the most populous nation in the world. The challenge and responsibility was daunting, yet an unspoken confidence in us propelled us to believe, that God would do what He said He would do. Hence, we started on this amazing journey of serving the nation of China.
Over the last ten years, small steps were taken on a consistent basis. Christian materials of every kind were brought in. Many teams were being sent to labor on this field. As a result, we have thriving indigenous churches who are passionate about God, giving their lives as a gospel bridge to the multitudes around them today.
The churches have been very much focused on spreading the gospel and making disciples, given that a large percentage of the population has never heard of the gospel before. A new ministry amongst the students and youth has seen about 100 young people saved to-date and doors are continually being opened in campuses and tertiary institutions. The churches are also active in reaching villages, where some of the early converts have now matured into spiritual leaders, becoming a source of blessing for the region.
We see an acceleration of what God is doing in China, and we are excited to be part of it. Besides the ongoing work of church planting, plans to move into community outreaches are underway. One such project is ACTS – A Chance to Study, which is a poverty elevation project to sponsor students from ethnic minorities.
The work has come a long way since its inception, and we see it moving into a new phase. Even as the local churches become more independent and self-sufficient, Cornerstone Singapore continues to provide them with guidance, spiritual food, and assistance through regular short-term mission teams. This is a partnership and relationship that God has given to us, and we believe through this synergy, we will see greater fruitfulness for the kingdom of God.
Affiliate Churches: Cornerstone has planted churches in three major cities in China but for security reasons, we are unable to disclose these cities. A new work is also being started in north China in 2009, as a new area has shown tremendous potential for church planting and evangelism, ready for harvest.
Leadership: The church leadership team consists of a school teacher, a brother who operates an education support agency, and a plantation manager. There are also two sisters who were successful executives, and a married couple who have availed themselves for full-time ministry.
Prayer Focus:
- A year of harvest for Cornerstone in China, when God sends out laborers who will move like an arrow in a concentrated force through the nation.
- Believers to be strong in the Lord when they face persecution and opposition from families and colleagues, which is common for them.
- Clarity of vision to persist in what God has called them to do.
