China and Pathways

Old and New China

Before I left Spokane I watched a BBC series called ‘Wild China’, which showed a vast array of what China has to offer, from beautiful rice paddies to the modern cities. This was not the China I saw although it was beautiful the culture runs so much deeper. Spending five weeks in the city of Kunming has only allowed me to scratch the surface on a country with such a vast history. For most Westerners China is a mysterious country steeped in communism and because of the language barrier most know relatively little about what life in China is really like. Fortunately God has provided a door for some of our staff to live and work there. So I visited this new Pathways team as they seek to learn the language, culture, and most importantly what God has for them in the next few years.

Food Court

As many of you know, my journey started with the intention of going to Spain with a team. The model for doing that was through a program called Pathways, which is now taking place in China.

Pathways strategy:

1. Pathways spurs natural leadership development.  It is a challenging program that will necessitate individuals to be stretched and leadership qualities to emerge.

2. Pathways transplants whole teams into a new or existing CRM ministry site, rather than solely merging individuals into an existing CRM team.

3. Realistic ministry objectives—centered around developing intentional relationships—is expected from the individual’s work, stretching the faith of the individuals involved.

4. Pathways central personal development philosophy is to create experiential learning environments and to process the learning that takes place through coaching and mentoring. Training is interlaced to compliment this style of learning.

Eating deep fried bugs

Pathways goal in each city is to:

1. Catalyze a new generation to authentically connect with Jesus.

2. Create viable and sustainable communities / expressions of the Body that will grow and multiply.

3. Develop leadership that facilitates these types of movements.

Downtown Kunming

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit the team in China especially since we were all on a similar journey. I admire their adjustment and integration into a culture as diverse as China. While studying language and settling into normal routines the team has been listening and observing what God has already been doing there. It’s an exciting place to be in terms of hearing and meeting the needs of the Chinese people. I believe God has a big vision as to how He plans to use this team to expand His Kingdom in China. I am also eager to see how God uses the Pathways program to send people all over the world.

Nightlife