HISTORY

In the fifth century BC, Shanghai was a small fishing village at the mouth of Yangzi River. It has since become China’s largest seaport and manufacturing base. The Shen Zhen and other Special Economic Zones and Pudong New Area were established by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980’s. The projects have propelled Shanghai back to its glorious days of old, and have become the most developed areas in China. Perhaps one could look at the nation’s future by simply staring at the skylines of Shanghai, as the city spearheaded the role of the socialist market economy.

When the western nations used guns and iron ships to force China to sign the Treaty of Nanking and to open her sea ports in 1842, foreigners, including British, American, French, and German, were able to self-rule, and were exempt from Chinese laws in certain parts of the city. These sections were called International Settlements. The city remains the product of European colonialism, and much of its cityscape and architecture reflect the European heritage. Stretching a section of Huangpu River, the famous Bund was the center of the economy in the 1930s, and the nation’s equivalent of Wall Street. Today, the center has moved across the river into the Pudong area, where the Jin Mao building, the third tallest in the world, decorates the riverbank along with numerous high-rise office buildings.

Encouraged by rapid economical development in the past few decades, overseas businesses have flocked into the area, followed by Chinese entrepreneurs to fill the needs for services. Fashionable restaurants featuring cuisines and delicacies of all China’s best culinary regions have popped up everywhere. Jazz bands, discos, magician shows and various forms of western style entertainments have flourished, joined by the oriental style of night-life, they have turned into a mixed blessing for the millions of Shanghainese.

OUR MISSION

Shuttling among their own endeavors in the days and the dazzling spinning of neon lights in the nights, where is the voice of the Truth that people hear? Unfortunately there are few sanctuaries for the seeking hearts, and few people who know the Way come to share.

It is our hearts and desires to reach out to the mass, but there are certain obstacles and limitations. Our Lord has opened some doors for us, and it turned out to be very practical and effective.

People from overseas will primarily attend the English classes. These people are considered "foreigners" by the locals. They are Taiwanese, Japanese and business people from other Pacific Rim countries. Most of them are senior managers, or owners of manufacturing factories. Their influences to their colleagues, local communities, and even back to their own countries, could be tremendous. If any of our students accept Christ, the domino effect will be far-reaching.

What a privilege to serve our Lord in this large and most populated nation, and see how God has done many miracles to reach out. It will keep the fire in your heart burning for His wonderful plans for you. Someday, when Jesus’ tender voice sounds, "My dear child, what have you done for me?" we will answer with much confidence and a whole-hearted smile, then enter His graceful gate with thanksgiving, and dash into His heavenly court with shouting of eternal joy.

See you in Shanghai! Come and change the lives of many in the summer of 2002!

Official Name of Country: People's Republic of China
Area: 9,596,960 sq km (mainland)
Population: 1.2 billion (mainland) Yikes!
Capital city: Beijing (pop 12.6 million)
People: Han Chinese (93%), plus Mongol, Zhuang, Manchu and Uighur minorities
Languages: Putonghua (Beijing Mandarin dialect), Shanghainese
Religion: Officially atheist; Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism (no stats available); Muslim, Christian Government: Communist republic
Head of State: Jiang Zemin

GDP: US$1.0 trillion
GDP per head: US$860
Growth rate: 7.8%
Inflation: 2.8%
Major industries: Iron, steel, coal, machinery, textiles
Major trading partners: USA, Japan, Germany, South Korea