Countering the Divorce Culture in China
The Ministry of Civil Affairs in China reported that the divorce rate in 2010 was up 14.5% from that of 2009, leading to a total of 1.71 million (one out of every six marriages) ending in divorce—triple the number of divorces in China since 2001. Most would attribute this increase to several factors: more relaxed restrictions on divorce, economic boom, and moral decline in society. Still, that statistic is very alarming to the Chinese government—and to the church.
“It is no surprise that we hear more about discussions and actual cases of marriage issues, spousal abuse and extramarital affairs from our audience on forums, blogs and weibo [something like Twitter in China],” notes Chinese ministry leader Rev. Jimmy Lin. “When our Chinese media ministry started venturing into the world of forums and social media, we knew that our ministry would take on a new direction. But the direction is not that different after all. Whereas we were ministering to a community of faith through radio waves in the past, we are ministering to a community of faith connected digitally.”
Xiao is a believer who described her marriage as “dull.” She shared her struggle on our Chinese Today forum: “Please help me! I have been struggling to stay away from this temptation for a few days now and it just doesn’t want to go away. This new boss really fits into my dream, so handsome, caring and energetic. I know I am married, but I just could not resist keeping my eyes and attention away from him. We work so closely, I just don’t know how to respond when he asked me out this morning.”
Our Chinese Today editor was able to offer these words of encouragement: “We need to flee temptations (2 Tim.2:22) and you did the right thing not to read his text messages. But you need to do more, ask God and seek help to strengthen your marriage.”
Other believers in the forum also encouraged Xiao and prayed for her marriage. Two days later Xiao reported: “After I had read yesterday’s devotion, I could not fall to sleep that evening. The Lord is speaking to me through David’s lament about guilt. I woke up this morning and I cut off this immoral relationship. Thank you for all who have been praying and thank you for providing such timely and valuable devotion materials.”
A believer whose username is “Born Again” responded, “I thank my God for you. I have faced a similar temptation not too long ago. The temptation may come back, but our God is more powerful.”
Online forums and social networks cannot and should not replace the fellowship and person to person contact believers can enjoy in churches. Still, ministry through this venue is an exciting supplement that can strengthen spiritual lives in various situations.
Rev. Lin comments, “We all look forward to the day when our Lord will dwell among us and wipe away the tears caused by divorce and other problems we are facing every day. In the meantime, please pray that we will have the wisdom to continue to minister through the worldwide web.”
Your prayers and gifts open up doors of ministry for Chinese people around the world. Thank you!
