China, Yunnan
transforming lives in Yunnan
Without doubt Yunnan province is one of the most beautiful regions in China. It is the most geographically varied province with terrain ranging from tropical rainforests in the east to the icy Tibetan mountains on Yunnan's western border. It is home to one-third of all China’s minority groups.
Transportation for villagers, especially those in mountainous regions, is a problem due to lack of good roads and public transportation. It often takes a day to journey by donkey or on foot to a medical clinic in another town. Village clinics bring relief to the sick. CNEC Partners International, because of its good relations with the local authorities, is given permission to build medical clinics. There are opportunities for short-term medical and dental mission teams from abroad to work in the villages. The local churches also help in translation and other works closely linked with the medical missions.
Training Church Workers
Churches amongst the minority people groups are often young in faith. The new believers need teaching. The church worker usually comes from a farming background who has typically not received any formal biblical or theological training. They are aware that they are weak in biblical teaching and ministry skills such as church management. The need for these church planters/pastors to be trained is critical.
Training programs are welcomed by the churches and even by local governments who know that solid biblical training has consistently led to good citizenship and orderly church communities. Training is conducted through intensive two-week sessions covering many aspects of the Bible, theology and practical ministry skills.
Church Planter Support
The fact that churches in many rural areas are small and poor, and among the minority people groups the churches are very young, church planters and pastors have an awesome responsibility. The pastors who are trained and faithfully ministering toil hard to serve many churches, many of which are located far apart. We are privileged to walk side-by-side with pastors who have a passion for their people and who work under difficult physical, economic and spiritual conditions. These church planters/pastors need the necessary training, literature resources and financial support.
Church Buildings
Churches often begin in homes. In regions that are extremely poor, the homes are small and when the number of Christians increases, a simple structure is needed for the growing church. With the good relationship our partners have with the local authorities, permission is often granted for the construction of church buildings. Sometimes the government will even provide a piece of land for the church building in recognition of the positive development work that our partners are doing in the community.
Because of poverty believers cannot afford to build a building but they are able to give their labour. They need assistance in providing the building materials. Once a church is built it is not unusual that the numeric growth of the church increases quickly. The church building also becomes a community asset.
Other programs in the area include work with youth and children, vocational training for deaf and mute people, start-up loans and building water reservoirs.
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About CNEC Partners International
CNEC Partners International involves Australians in Extraordinary Partnerships with local Christian ministries in developing regions. Together we share and demonstrate God’s love in Christ - a love which transforms individuals and their communities.