Dr. Hans and Alice Wilhelm
Training Emerging Christian Leadership in China
Christians are a small religious minority in China because of Communist rule, which dictates freedom of religion yet requires members of the church to attend one of the government-supported “three-self” churches. In recent years, there have been changes in China, opening doors to minister more freely and with fewer restrictions, in both seminaries and churches. The church has been experiencing tremendous growth and is in need of well-trained leaders to handle this spiritual boom.
However, no one knows how long this window of opportunity will remain in China before materialism quenches the new hunger in China for God’s Word, as has happened in Taiwan.
The focus of Hans Wilhelm’s ministry, therefore, is to help the church in China fulfill the Great Commission through training emerging Christian leaders. More specifically, Hans is helping to re-structure the whole curriculum of materials and to teach. That this is even possible in a Communist country is a miracle!
Hans works with registered (as opposed to “underground”) seminaries and churches in China to train Christian leaders by consulting with them on curriculum, strategy, locations and schedules. For more information regarding the Wilhelm ministry and about the Church in China, please visit www.wbm.org.
In each update, Hans details some of the opposition he faces – sometimes about spiritual warfare, but mostly about restrictions by the Chinese government. One example: the amount of time that Hans is allowed to teach has been greatly reduced by the government, but he is still able to teach effectively during that reduced duration. Another example: there had been some concerns regarding limitations of foreign lecturers such as Hans, but he was able to teach full courses without limitations. In each update, Hans expresses his amazement and thankfulness as he observes God’s sovereign work in China.
Hans and Alice recently moved from San Jose, CA to Arnold, CA (about 2.5 hours away), but are still actively involved ministering to, and teaching at a number of San Jose area Chinese churches. Hans is frequently invited to speak at churches and retreats regarding missions because of his 40-plus years of missions experience. Additionally, Hans is often sought out for his godly wisdom and counsel.
The Wilhelms are proud that their son Marty and wife Karen and four children are currently serving as missionaries to Africa, training up the leadership of the African church.
Canaan has been committed to supporting the Wilhelm ministry since 1997. |
