Where is Home? Where is Foreign Land?

Rev. Janet Jim Executive Director, CCM Canada
Content Coordination and Editorial Support:
Wendy Yau Ministry Director (Literature), CCM Canada

On Christmas Eve last year, my team and I took part in one of the activities of Christian Faith Month—helping distribute turkey meals at the Richmond Food Bank. Richmond is well known for its many Chinese and Hong Kong–style restaurants, so my team assumed that most of the people we served would be Chinese-speaking. To their surprise, within the first half hour, we had already met nearly twenty individuals who spoke no Chinese at all, including several Muslims. We knew this because, as we handed them their meal boxes, many gently asked, “Was the turkey prepared according to halal standards?”

That simple question left a deep impression on me.

At the Fourth Lausanne Congress, Dr. Michael Oh, the Global Executive Director of the Lausanne Movement, shared that approximately 3.4 billion people around the world will live and die without ever hearing the gospel, and that 80 percent of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists may go through their entire lives without having meaningful contact with a Christian. Meanwhile, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as of mid-2024, about 122.6 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced by war, persecution, and other crises. Scattered and displaced peoples have become one of the most urgent mission fields of our time.¹ Mass migration has profoundly reshaped societies across the globe, giving rise to increasingly multicultural communities. More often than we realize, the people we long to serve are already living right beside us. They walk our streets, shop in our stores, and stand quietly at our doors. Yet, amid the busyness of daily life, we may pass them by without truly noticing or caring.

In Canada, immigrants, refugees, and international students arrive from every corner of the world. For CCM Canada, which has faithfully served the Chinese community for over 46 years, an important question now lies before us: as we continue to minister among Chinese people, should we not also take a step forward to welcome the nations that God has already brought to our doorstep?²

Our mission statement—“Reaching the Chinese to Reach the World”—reflects our deep commitment to global missions. We long to share the gospel through serving Chinese communities, so that the torch of faith may be passed on to people of all nations. As first-generation Chinese Christians have gradually taken root in Canada, many second- and third- generation believers are now rising. Equipped with language skills, cultural fluency, and diverse networks, they are uniquely positioned to engage with culturally diverse communities.

Recently, we launched a pilot initiative that connected several young believers who share a vision and burden for cross-cultural outreach. Though ethnically Chinese, their heart language is clearly English. Their insight and participation have helped us better understand the culture, needs, and realities of communities from different ethnic origins, providing valuable guidance as we prayerfully shape our long-term ministry direction.

At the same time, God has graciously brought many like-minded partners across my path—pastors from Lebanon, organizations devoted to local intercultural ministries, and many others. Their presence has reminded me that CCM Canada can draw upon decades of community service experience to serve as a partner, supporter, and platform, equipping and empowering fellow workers who are engaging in local intercultural mission, so that the gospel may take root more deeply among people of every background.

In an age of constant movement, the boundaries between home and foreign land are becoming increasingly blurred. Hospitality has always been a cherished virtue within Chinese culture. Perhaps now is the time for us to live it out more fully—extending a warm welcome not only to those who share our language and heritage, but also to our neighbours from every nation.

May we open our hearts and our tables, inviting all to taste and see the richness of God’s grace and to join the heavenly banquet prepared for every people and every tongue.

1Li, Chuan-Sung. “Multi-centre Ministry, Workplace Engagement, and Intergenerational Partnership”, Gospel Operation International, Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism Quarterly, no. 85, special issue “Reflections on the Lausanne Congress,” July–September 2025. Author's own translation. https://gointl.org/cn/magazine-85.php.
2Pang Shu-Yui, “Where Is Local? Where Is Foreign? How Should We Focus on Local Cross-Cultural Mission?” CCCOWE ArticleLib, Document EP152, April 2024. Author's own translation. The article references a German church publication titled Welcome in the Nations Among Us. https://artslib.cccowe.org/archives/5548.

He Guides Us with His Skillful Hand
——Reflections on the Multi-cultural Event on December 7, 2025

Shirley Ma  Ministry Director (Counselling), CCM Montreal Centre

As Montreal Centre prepared to launch our café ministry, God was opening doors for us to broaden our engagement with local communities. After a miraculous connection with local Christian young professionals and a coffee house event at the Montreal Centre (i.e. the future café) in August, God sent us an invitation from a local community organization to take part in a multi-cultural event. At first, we didn’t know much about the background of this organization, only that they mainly help newly arrived immigrant women in need. Thinking this would be an opportunity for Montreal Centre to expand our connections with the local community, we accepted the invitation. Later, we discovered that the organizer has Christian background and a vision to witness for Christ through community work. When asked why they considered inviting us, the chairperson shared her testimony that it was God’s work in her heart that gave her the idea to include a Chinese organization. She searched online for Chinese Christian organizations in Montreal—and found us! That’s amazing!

On the other hand, we need someone to help coordinate a “Chinese cultural performance” before we can accept the invitation. Praise God for His provision! A Christian professional choir conductor, who used to lead a CCM choir before the pandemic, is currently leading a group of Chinese seniors in a singing class, and she is willing to volunteer to coordinate this “Chinese cultural performance.” We decided to sing a Christian gospel song, a Chinese folk song, a Chinese golden pop song, and a Christmas song, in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, with beautiful Chinese New Year costumes. This has turned out to bring great joy for all the choir members, including Christians and non-Christians.

On the event day, I met a female guest twice while lining up for the restroom. I met her for the first time before our performance. We chatted while waiting in line. She is a non-Christian local Quebecoise invited by her friend. She seemed surprised when I shared with her that I am a Chinese and a Christian. She thought all Chinese are Buddhists. I met her again after our performance, towards the end of the event, while waiting in line again once more. She told me that there were tears in her eyes while listening to our Chinese folk song. That song narrates a person’s feeling for their hometown after being away for many years. Even though she may not fully understand all the lyrics, with just a brief French introduction and translation of the song, she was somehow touched by our singing. It was singing from the hearts of Chinese immigrants leaving their homeland. I thank God for these brief encounters with this French lady. This is an encouragement from God, showing me that He can use us even in unexpected ways and occasions.

Throughout the multi-cultural event, we enjoyed a variety of cultural performances. The most impressive one for me was a musical performance depicting the Biblical story of Moses, performed by a team of African Christian youth. God’s greatness was revealed through the Ten Plagues, and God’s salvation was magnified through the separation of the Red Sea and the concluding song, “When You Believe,” the theme song of the animated movie “The Prince of Egypt.” These were the youth from the church of the chairperson of this event, including her sons. Even though their performance was not perfect, I could feel their enthusiasm and great effort made for God.

This is not the end, just like the words of the chairperson of this event. We look forward to future collaborations with this and other local organizations, if it is God’s will. May the LORD continue HIS work among HIS people. HE raises up HIS workers from different cultural backgrounds, working together for HIS glory and HIS miraculous work of salvation!

Let the Children Come to Me
——Going Beyond Our Comfort Zones…

Wings Chan  Acting Ministry Director (Family Ministry), CCM Vancouver Centre

Canada is often described as a cultural mosaic, where people from many backgrounds, cultures, and heritages come together. In the midst of this diversity, CCM seeks to serve and care for those around us. While our roots are in the Chinese community, our heart extends well beyond it. Through our children’s programs—such as Spring and Summer Kids Camps and Scouts—we joyfully welcome families from many cultures, creating spaces where children can learn, grow, and feel a true sense of belonging.

CCM’s Spring and Summer Kids Camps continue to attract many families, and in recent years we have been blessed to welcome participants from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. These opportunities allow us to reach beyond familiar circles, extend our services to new communities, support families, and share God’s love with the children. Our camps are made possible by the dedication of coordinators and volunteers, who play a vital role in nurturing and guiding the children. Volunteers are not simply helpers in our programs; they are individuals we walk alongside in community and in growth.

We recruit volunteers from nearby high schools, and we have seen a growing number of applications from youth who are not from a Chinese background. These young volunteers bring fresh perspectives on engaging the next generation and help expand our volunteer base by sharing CCM’s opportunities within their own networks. Their involvement encourages us to step beyond our comfort zone and broaden our reach, allowing us to connect with and serve youth from many different cultures.

As mentioned previously, our camp coordinators also play a vital role in our Kids Camps. We work closely with them not only in planning and carrying out the camps, but also in walking alongside one another—sharing both joys and challenges throughout the two months and, we hope, beyond them. Traditionally, most of our coordinators have been Chinese, whether immigrants or Canadian-born. In the years following COVID, however, this began to change, and our team has become more diverse. We have welcomed coordinators from different cultural backgrounds. Through our daily interactions and the way we live out our faith, we are given meaningful opportunities to share the gospel and demonstrate God’s love in authentic, respectful ways.

CCM’s Scouts group—currently known as the 16th Richmond Scouts (CCM)—has been established for many years. Following COVID, we expanded the group to Richmond to meet growing interest. As part of Scouts Canada, we welcome youth from across the country to join in the adventure. When our Scouts group first started, because of CCM’s strong ties to the Chinese community, our group primarily attracted Chinese participants. However, with the expansion to Richmond and the increasing demand for Scouts, we have begun receiving inquiries from families of different cultural backgrounds as well. Some of these families may feel hesitant at first, wondering whether our group might be “too Asian,” but over time they come to feel at home and become valued members of our Scouts community. This growth has also extended to our volunteer base. While some volunteers have moved on due to scheduling changes, Scouts has opened CCM’s doors to many dedicated individuals who are passionate about youth development. These volunteers bring fresh ideas and help us build deeper relationships as we serve together. One volunteer joined us as a newcomer to Canada, searching for his place in a new country. He chose to serve with our Scouts group because he felt accepted here—in a community where many may not fit the traditional definition of “mainstream,” yet still find genuine belonging.

CCM holds a unique place within the community. While our Chinese identity may distinguish us from the mainstream, it does not diminish our belonging; instead, it broadens what the mainstream can become. Although we do not fully understand the struggles faced by every culture, nor do we have all the answers, our journey from our homeland to Canada allows us to encourage newcomers, wherever they may be from. CCM may remain a Chinese-focused organization, yet we welcome people of all backgrounds with open arms. We pray that their presence will deepen our understanding of one another and help further expand God’s kingdom.

Stepping Out from the Heart
——Inner Preparation for Intercultural Ministry

Interviewee: Sherman Chan  Former senior adviser and director of an immigration and refugee service agency in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Interviewer & Writer: Wendy Yau  Ministry Director (Literature), CCM Canada

“What many people may not realize is that when we carefully reflect on the meanings embedded in language and terminology, our thinking often becomes clearer and deeper.”¹

This issue of Prayer & Praise explores the theme of local intercultural ministry. Interestingly, the entire interview began with a question of wording: Should we describe it as “cross-cultural” or “intercultural?” The prefix “cross” highlights the courage required to cross boundaries and step beyond one’s comfort zone, while “inter” emphasizes mutual presence—the gentleness of “being with one another.” Indeed, when we seek to expand our ministry beyond familiar circles and into the wider community, both courage and humility are indispensable.

P&P: Sherman, thank you for joining us. You have previously worked closely with people from many different backgrounds. Based on your experience, what kind of mindset should Chinese churches or Christian organizations develop if they hope to extend their ministry beyond their familiar communities?

S: This is a question well worth reflecting on. First, we must learn to genuinely care for our local community and embrace its diversity—whether in faith, ethnicity, physical ability, or values. As a Christian community, we are called to be visible in society, not inward-looking. We should embody a welcoming, open, and inclusive posture, helping people experience the presence and love of God.

Taking CCM as an example, if you hope to move toward intercultural ministry, it is important to deepen your understanding of Canada’s social context, along with its traditions and values of compassion and humanitarianism.² At the same time, diversity and inclusion are two essential principles. When we hold fast to these values, we will gradually find ourselves stepping outward in faithful obedience.

How do we step outward? Evangelism can take many forms, but the most powerful witness is to live out the likeness of Christ so that the community can truly see us—and see God’s love reflected through our good deeds. Whether through street parties, community booths, interest-based classes, neighbourhood gatherings, English tutoring, or other creative initiatives, the key lies in our willingness to know others, care for them, and build genuine relationships—not only with people from our own background, but also with families and individuals from diverse communities. In doing so, we communicate a simple yet powerful message: we are here with you—as neighbours walking alongside one another on this journey. We may ask ourselves: Are we truly willing to engage with people outside our familiar circles? Such willingness includes the desire to know, to learn, and to act. If we are willing, are we also ready? Do we have the necessary skills, confidence, and motivation?

P&P: Assuming we are both willing and ready, are there any blind spots we should be mindful of?

S: Yes, it is vital that we remain open and guard ourselves against prejudice, assumptions, and stereotypes. We should avoid generalizing people based on their place of origin or background. Instead of judging, we must learn to understand their true needs.

P&P: As Chinese Christians, do you think we possess any particular strengths in intercultural ministry?

S: I have reflected on this question for some time. Perhaps one of our greatest strengths is our willingness to share our faith and values. Yet, we must do so in ways that do not create pressure. Different cultures express themselves differently—some are reserved, others more expressive. What matters most is that people feel respected, welcomed, and valued. Whether they are refugees, newcomers, or persons with disabilities, we are called to embody Christ’s love in practical ways. Sometimes, this begins with simple details, such as the design of space, colour tones, and atmosphere—all of which communicate care and sensitivity.

P&P: What, then, would you identify as the greatest challenge in developing intercultural ministry?

S: As the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The hardest part is often taking that very first step—having the courage to step outside what is familiar. Beyond that, serving people of different backgrounds requires cultural safety, which includes cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, and cultural competence. At its heart, this calls for respect and enables meaningful communications—the ability to see through others’ eyes.

Only then can we develop a broader cultural perspective, reflect more deeply, and better understand the diverse needs within our society. Each person’s background, life stage, and experiences shape their unique needs. That is why inclusive consultation is so valuable. It allows us to listen carefully to voices from different cultural communities, ensuring that our ministry truly responds to actual needs.

For example, within a single Canadian community, people may hold very different legal statuses—refugees, permanent residence applicants, Indigenous peoples, and more. Their emotional states and life challenges differ, yet all deserve the same care, dignity, and compassion.

P&P: Finally, do you have any practical recommendations for CCM?

S: To advance intercultural ministry in Canada, it is essential to begin by truly understanding this country. You may consider developing educational resources to help co-workers and volunteers deepen their knowledge. In addition, forming Communities of Practice could be highly beneficial—bringing together church leaders, ministry workers, lay members, and community partners to share, reflect, learn, and plan together. Through dialogue, training, and collaborative initiatives, you can discern next steps, explore implementation strategies, and faithfully carry out this calling.

P&P: Thank you, Sherman. Your insights have truly broadened our vision and deepened our understanding.

1Yang, Tai-fai. “How Does Your Language Shape Your Thinking?” 4Think. Accessed January 28, 2026. Author's own translation. https://4think.blog/你的語言如何影響了你的「思考」？
2See also Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (S.C. 2001, c. 27), Government of Canada.

2025 Event Recap

Vancouver Centre Christmas Market

Held on December 6 at CCM Vancouver Centre, the 2025 Special Christmas Market marked our 5th year of connecting with the community through celebration and inclusion.

With 40 tables, live performances, and family-friendly activities, the market highlighted the talents of neurodivergent individuals, supported local small businesses, and welcomed around 400 community members. With the support of 15 sponsors, the event raised $1,884 after expenses—turning creativity, joy, and connection into meaningful impact.
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Richmond Christian Faith Month Initiative

In support of Christian Faith Month, CCM Canada partnered with 8 churches and organizations in Richmond to serve the community through two large-scale outreach events.

From the “City of Light” Community Carnival at Yaohan Centre to the “Love Draws Near”, more than 500 community members were engaged, and 570 turkey meals were distributed to individuals and families in need on Christmas Turkey Meal Outreach — sharing the love, hope and blessings of Christ across the city.
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Toronto Christmas Celebration

On December 13, CCM Canada co-hosted a Christmas celebration with Chinese Gospel Church, featuring festive performances, games, gift booths, and community resource sharing.

With 109 volunteers serving and over 250 participants, the afternoon was filled with joy, connection, and the warmth of community.
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