Introduction & The State of Faith
Introducing
China Horizon
December, 1999
VISION
China Horizon’s vision is “to address ideas and doctrines impacting the vitality and purity of the Chinese Church; and to nurture qualified servant leaders who will influence the Chinese church in the 21st century” (from our vision statement). We do this through teaching, conducting seminars and conferences, and publishing books, tapes, and on-line material to equip and challenge the Chinese church to remain faithful to God’s Word, and to become effective in the 21st century.
A PIONEER IN STRATEGIC APPROACHES (1989-1999)
China Horizon was founded in September 1989, after Tiananmen Square, to meet the spiritual needs of mainland Chinese intellectuals (PRCs) in North America. We soon discovered that leadership development and research were the key missing elements in what David Aikman calls “the most strategic mission field in the world, bar none.”
With a small trilingual team, we took the lead in using these strategic approaches in PRC ministry:
Send outstanding PRCs to seminary, including Yuan Zhiming at Reformed (Jackson); Zhijun and Esther Wang at Trinity (Illinois), who subsequently launched the first Christian magazine run by PRCs for PRCs (Christian Life Quarterly). We also supported Xiong Yan at Covenant (Extension), and Frank Wanbing Li at Reformed (Charlotte). Several agencies have set up PRC scholarship funds since then, including OMF.
Launch the first conference run by PRC seminarians and pastors for their peers.
Sponsor some of the first research projects on PRC ministry conducted by PRCs, in 1992.
Give birth to, and fund the China Service Coordinating Office, now renamed ChinaSource, which is an information center, a catalyst for partnership, and a voice representing hundreds of China ministries in North America (based in Wheaton College, Illinois).
Sponsor two bibliographies for China service agencies to support their effort to supply China’s theological libraries.
Publish a series of books about PRCs for the English speaking world, beginning with Soul Searching (September 1997). The second book on PRCs, Chinese Intellectuals and the Gospel, is now ready for printing.
Produce our first cassette album on theology (Mandarin), our first video lecture in apologetics (English), and the first series of articles for our website, in 1999.
Provide consulting services to China ministries, e.g. China Outreach Ministries (ongoing for over 6 years); International Students, Inc. (for China ’97); China Briefing, October 1996; Board of Moody Bible Institute; John Nelson in China (putting Brahms’ German Requiem in Chinese); Reformation Translation Fellowship; David C. Cook Communications; the MacLaurin Institute (Minneapolis); Norwegian Missionary Alliance; and a number of American as well as Chinese churches.
Support the birthing of Chinese Christian Internet Mission, linking Chinese Christian websites in North America with each other and with others in Asia and Europe.
A FACILITATOR
Guided by the Board of China Horizon, I have been responsible for its ministry and specifically undertaken the following:
Advise college, seminary and doctoral (dissertation) students (including PRCs), some of whom have published their works.
Mentor American-born and Asia’s Chinese leaders, often neglected by traditional Chinese church leaders, including: pastors who are mobilizing their laypeople to study and seek ways to impact culture; two law professors in Hong Kong; and an American-born Chinese seminarian in missions mobilization.
Respond to requests for advice from the American and Chinese governments.
Carry on a heavy conference speaking schedule. In June 1998 I delivered the David Adeney Memorial Lectures to PRCs in Hong Kong’s universities; in August 1999, I spoke to all the Chinese churches in Oregon, as well as all the Chinese churches in Tokyo/Yokohama, Japan; in October 1999, I spoke to the Miri Gospel Churches in Miri, Sarawak, East Malaysia; in December 1999, to the Chinese Christian Winter Conference in Banff, Alberta; and in January 2000, addressing the all-Australia Chinese congress on evangelism.
Teach at Singapore Bible College and other schools in previous years, such as Westminster Theological Seminary in California; and Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis.
Keep in touch on the grass-roots level. Currently I am consultant at an evangelism-minded church near UCLA, Chinese Bible Church of Los Angeles.
We have accomplished these, by the grace of God, with limited resources.
GOALS, 2000
We have just refocused our ministries and the following are our goals for AD 2000. It puts priority on teaching (both in person and on-line) in the Pacific Rim.
1. TEACHING
- Conduct “Christian Mind” or theology lectures:
Evangelical Formosan Church of Cerritos, Buena Park, CA, Feb. 4 – April 14.
Johore Bahru/Singapore – June 30-July 2, July 3-7.
Kuala Lumpur, West Malaysia – June 26-29.
Others as scheduled.
- Teach seminary courses:
Theological Issues in the Chinese Church – Malaysia Bible Seminary, June 26-30.
Theological Issues in the Chinese Church – Singapore Bible College, July 3-7.
Systematic Theology – Singapore Bible College, July 24-September 2.
C. Begin and teach an on-line theological course.
2. RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
A. Continue with research project #402, “Mainland Chinese Intellectuals and Christian Theology.” Write report.
B. Publish new books and tapes as funds are available:
Sinclair Ferguson, The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction (first draft of translation finished).
Christianity and Western Culture – Chinese audio and video.
1-2 new audio/video series on systematic theology and church history.
Video: Song of a Chinese Sparrow.
3. CONFERENCE MINISTRY, including providing leadership to the Chinese conference on biblical inerrancy and authority.
4. MENTORING a small number of leaders for apologetics ministry.
ORGANIZATION
Our board of reference members are:
Dr. David Aikman (former Beijing bureau chief, Time magazine);
Dr. J.I. Packer, theologian at Regent College;
Dr. Joseph Stowell, president of Moody Bible Institute;
Dr. Luder Whitlock, president of Reformed Theological Seminary;
Dr. Edmund P. Clowney, former president of Westminster Theological Seminary;
Rev. Hay-him Chan, former general secretary of CCCOWE, and senior pastor of Toronto’s North York Baptist Church;
Dr. Che Bin Tan, currently president of China Evangelical Seminary, Taipei; and
Rev. Daniel Rao, former general secretary, Campus Evangelical Fellowship, Taiwan.
Our board of trustees includes:
Mr. Winston Ling, chairman (vice-president, Tyndale Seminary, Toronto);
Elder Lee Troup (retired from Ambassadors For Christ);
Dr. Rudolf Mak (OMF);
Dr. Stewart Wu (Chinese Christian Medical Mission); and
Dr. John K. Chang (GO International); and
Dr. Yile Wang (Chinese Christian Internet Mission; Columbus, Ohio).
We have a statement of faith which is part of our by-laws. Both are available upon request.
FINANCES
China Horizon is a faith mission, a 501-c-3 non-profit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and incorporated in New York State. We depend on God’s supply and the people of God’s gifts to support our ministries. In the past I largely depended on seminary teaching and local church ministry to support myself. In the future we are moving away from this arrangement, which takes valuable time away from our priority ministries.
In 1998 the bulk of our $140,000+ income came from approximately 500 supporters. The vast majority of these are Chinese Christian individuals in North America. We are regularly supported by about a dozen churches (mostly Chinese churches). A small portion of our income comes from honoraria and the distribution of books and tapes.
In 1999 we received a matching grant challenge from the Maclellan Foundation, and matched their $50,000 with $50,000 of gifts, mostly from Chinese Christian individuals. We anticipate our income and expense to be around $170,000-$180,000 for 1999.
Our budget for 2000 is also available upon request. We are keenly conscious that we are stewards of God’s resources, and operate only at a level necessary to accomplish our goals. My wife Mildred is volunteer director of finance and administration, reporting to the board of trustees. We have two part time helpers.
We are happy to answer any questions.
For Christ and Chinese minds,
Samuel D. Ling
President
I.
CHINA HORIZON
INTERNATIONAL
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The church of Jesus Chrst is called to worship and praise the Triune God, to teach the Word of God for the edification of God’s people, and to witness to the power and grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed, for His glory. As she engages in the task of witness in and across cultures, the church labors toward the conversion of men, women and children to saving faith in Christ; the maturing of the Body of Christ in every culture; and the transformation of society, thought and culture, according to the Word of God.
I Peter 2:4-5, 9
As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by man but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ … But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Ephesians 4:11-13
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
II Corinthians 10:4-5
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
The Board of Trustees and staff of China Horizon affirm our duty to proclaim, teach and defend the truth once delivered to the saints. Recognizing that there are excellent expositions of Christian doctrine such as the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Westminster Confession and Catechisms (1647), the Lausanne Covenant (1974), the Declaration of the Chinese Congress on World Evangelism (1976), the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978), and the Cambridge Declaration (1996), we subscribe to the following summary of our Biblical faith.
- SCRIPTURE
The Bible of the Old and New Testaments is the inspired Word of God, is infallible and inerrant in its original manuscripts in all it affirms, in matters of faith, conduct, history and science, and is the only authority for every believer and the church. Scripture alone can bind the human conscience. Christians receive the Bible as the Word of God because of the testimony in Scripture by the Holy Spirit, Who is its Author.
II Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
II Thessalonians 2:13
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
II Timothy 3:15
How from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 55:8-11
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 15:26
When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.
- GOD
There is only one true, living and Triune God, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Who is infinite, eternal, and unchanging in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. The three persons of the Triune God are equal in glory and power, and worthy of worship.
John 17:3
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 4:24
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.
Exodus 15:11
Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
II Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Psalm 147:5
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Psalm 139:7-10
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Daniel 2:20-21
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up
kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Revelation 4:11
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.
Ephesians 1:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.
Isaiah 6:3
And they were calling to one another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.
Exodus 15:11
Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Psalm 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Psalm 145:17
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
Psalm 86:5
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 118:29
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Nehemiah 9:17
They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them.
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
3. CREATION
God created the universe out of nothing by the power of His Word, and created man male and female in His own image, to rule over the world for His glory.
Psalm 33:6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.