Amazing Testimonies from the Underground House Church in China

Summary

This video follows Eugene Bach, host of the 'Back to Jerusalem' podcast, as he embarks on a journey to meet Pastor Zhang, a legendary figure at the heart of China's underground house church movement. Zhang, once imprisoned for his activism, continues to lead millions in faith despite constant surveillance. The video explores China's rich Christian history, from ancient Nestorian missionaries to the explosive underground revival today. It highlights the pivotal role women play in this revival and the vision of 'Back to Jerusalem,' where Chinese Christians aim to spread the Gospel across the region, impacting billions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eugene Bach, the host of the Back to Jerusalem podcast, travels globally to explore the intersection of faith, history, and culture.
• 😀 Pastor Zhang, a famous Chinese underground house church leader, has an impactful and enduring legacy in the revival movement of China.
• 😀 Zhang was imprisoned for seven years in 1976 for counterrevolutionary activities and suffers from diabetes and a stroke, but continues his ministry despite his health challenges.
• 😀 The house church movement in China is massive, with Pastor Zhang's congregation reaching more people than most countries have in total.
• 😀 Chinese characters, including those for 'people,' 'great,' and 'God,' play a central role in both communication and spiritual expression, with some characters reflecting biblical themes.
• 😀 China has a rich history of Christian influence, dating back over 1,600 years to the arrival of Nestorian missionaries along the Silk Road.
• 😀 Despite China's rapid modernization, questions arise about the survival of the church in a changing China, especially in the face of increasing urbanization and state control.
• 😀 The majority of ministers in China's house church movement are women, and they play a crucial role in the revival, often writing their own songs born out of persecution and trial.
• 😀 The vision of 'Back to Jerusalem' is a movement of Chinese Christians aiming to spread the Gospel through countries between China and Jerusalem, continuing a historical mission that started over a century ago.
• 😀 The story of Nestorian missionaries in China highlights the enduring nature of Christianity in the region, despite cultural and political changes over the centuries, including the decline during the Tang dynasty.

Q & A

Who is Pastor Zhang and why is he significant?

Pastor Zhang is one of the most famous pastors in China, central to the underground house church movement. He has faced significant persecution, including a seven-year prison sentence for aiding a counterrevolution. Despite his age and health challenges, he remains a crucial figure in the Chinese Christian community.

What role does Eugene Bach play in the narrative?

Eugene Bach is the host of the 'Back to Jerusalem' podcast and serves as the narrator of the script. He travels globally, particularly in regions where Christianity faces persecution, and explores the intersection of faith, culture, and history in places like China.

What is the significance of the 'Back to Jerusalem' vision?

The 'Back to Jerusalem' vision is a mission to bring the Gospel to the nations between China and Jerusalem. It originated in the early 1900s and was embraced by Chinese Christians who envisioned spreading Christianity throughout Asia and the Middle East.

How does the script highlight the history of Christianity in China?

The script explores Christianity's deep historical roots in China, referencing the ancient Nestorian missionaries from Persia who brought the Gospel to China around 1,600 years ago. It also discusses the challenges faced by these early Christians and their eventual decline after the Mongol conversion to Islam.

What does the script reveal about the cultural importance of Chinese characters?

The script discusses the cultural significance of Chinese characters, explaining that they are not only a means of communication but also an art form. Characters like 'people' and 'God' reflect profound concepts, linking Chinese language to spiritual and historical narratives, including Genesis.

What challenges does Eugene Bach face while documenting this story?

Eugene Bach faces several challenges, including being a foreigner in China, meeting Pastor Zhang under constant surveillance, and trying to document events while remaining inconspicuous in a country where religious freedom is restricted.

Why is Pastor Zhang considered a living legend in the Chinese church?

Pastor Zhang is regarded as a living legend because of his pivotal role in the Chinese underground house church movement. He was involved from the early days of revival and is seen as a father figure for the Chinese Christian community.

How has the role of women shaped the Chinese underground church?

The revival in China is largely driven by women, with figures like Sister Han and Xiao Min playing key roles. The script highlights how women have been crucial in sustaining the house church movement, particularly through songs of faith born from persecution.

What is the significance of the Daqin Temple and the Nestorian stele?

The Daqin Temple is believed to be one of the oldest Christian sites in China, dating back to the Nestorian missionaries who arrived from Persia. The Nestorian stele, a key artifact, provides evidence of the early Christian presence in China and is a testament to the spread of Christianity along the Silk Road.

How does the script address the current state of Christianity in China?

The script explores the rapid changes occurring in China, raising concerns about whether the church can remain vibrant in the face of growing government control and societal shifts. The script suggests that despite challenges, the church continues to grow, particularly through underground networks.