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Chinese Christians Making Impact in Earthquake Zone

Tuesday, 10 June 2008

 

Relief efforts to earthquake survivors continue after the devastating May 12 quake in China, including a groundswell of public support for the government following a visible relief and recovery operation.

Non-governmental organizations -- including churches -- are playing an active role in the aid.

“Christians were driving their own cars and purchasing medicine, water and food to go to the areas which were missed by the government trucks and cars,” said the director of China training for Open Doors (his name is not given due to security issues).

“And, without exception, before distributing those goods, Christians are telling survivors about eternal hope and eternal salvation. People are extremely touched by the fact that others would come and provide for their needs.”

While travelling in the affected area would normally have been prohibited because of the upcoming Olympic Games, those restrictions have been dropped, and Open Doors is forming volunteer groups.

“One group has 17, another has 30, including nurses and doctors, who are raising funds for their own transportation and also bringing extremely generous donations,” the representative said. “They are not only going for a few days or a few weeks, they are going to stay there long-term so they can truly express the love of God to these people who are suffering so much.”

Some analysts say the earthquake could be a turning point for civil society in China.

Sources: Open Doors USA, National Public Radio

* HCJB Global-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra broadcasts 18 hours of Mandarin programming each week. An additional five hours of weekly programming in Min Nan Chinese (Fujian) and 10.5 hours in English also air to China.