• GOVERNMENT: Communist one-party state

  • POPULATION: Approximately 1.4 billion

  • RELIGION: Atheist state (major religions
    include Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and Chinese folk religion)

  • LANGUAGE: Mandarin Chinese (with over 500 dialects across different regions)

  • CURRENCY: Yuan (CNY)

  • CLIMATE: Varies from subarctic in the north, temperate in the east, desert in the west, to subtropical in the south

CHINA

THE REALITY

China is home to 20% of the world’s population and is rapidly becoming a global hub for action sports. Major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou are vibrant centers for skateboarding, BMX, and other urban sports, with some of the world’s largest skateparks regularly filled with locals and tourists alike. China also boasts the most ski resorts in the world—719 in total—including both indoor and outdoor facilities. Snowboarding and wakeboarding continue to grow in popularity, attracting a new generation of action sports enthusiasts.

Despite being an officially atheist state, China allows limited religious expression. Over 400 ethnic groups remain unreached with the Gospel, and many young people struggle with isolation and a deep longing for identity and purpose. This creates a significant opportunity for outreach, evangelism, and discipleship through action sports ministry.

The story of the Church in China is one of both perseverance and miraculous growth. During the Cultural Revolution, all religious activity was banned, forcing believers to form underground house-church networks to withstand intense persecution. But the Church didn’t just survive, it flourished. Through radio broadcasts, dedicated Christian workers, and courageous believers, the Gospel continued to spread. When the government re-legalized registered churches in 1978 in an attempt to regain control, the underground, unregistered churches continued to grow even more rapidly. A move of God continues today, but the need is still great. Over 90% of the population remains lost and in need of someone who will boldly share the hope of the Gospel with them.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8

Pray with us

Pray for transformation within the government. Ask God to reveal His truth amidst the country’s promotion of atheism. Pray that God would raise up Christian believers within government institutions to walk with integrity and be a godly influence.

Pray for social and health ministries to flourish. Ask God for Chinese Christians, especially in caring and legal professions, to have opportunities to minister to vulnerable groups: those suffering from diseases, disability, addiction, mental illness, and poverty. That their acts of compassion reflect the love of Jesus.

Pray for unreached people groups. Ask God to increase the boldness of believers to reach the 400+ unreached ethnic groups—especially Muslims and minorities. Ask God to raise up workers to live among them and equip local believers for discipleship.