Building One Another Up, Passing the Faith On

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

A few months ago, I travelled to Toronto for ministry work. The vast sky and snow-covered landscape felt worlds apart from Vancouver. The falling snow spoke of winter’s chill, as all things lay hidden in stillness. Yet amid the biting cold, I attended an event that warmed my heart.

I was invited to be interviewed for a youth podcast hosted by two young people from CCM Toronto Centre. They asked me to share my faith journey and what the Lord has been teaching me—an experience I found both refreshing and deeply encouraging. One of the hosts was from Sri Lanka; the other was a second-generation Chinese Christian. Through this face-to-face encounter, I was genuinely moved by the vibrancy of their spiritual lives.

Faith has always been a work passed from one generation to the next. Yet such a legacy is never easily sustained. According to a study cited by Behold magazine (December 2025), between 75% and 90% of second-generation Chinese youth leave the church in adulthood. While figures vary, the high attrition rate is a widely recognized concern among Asian churches in North America.¹

One pastor reflected: “Chinese churches in Canada are largely led by first-generation immigrants. As this generation ages, a gap begins to emerge. Their children, mostly Canadian-born, often experience a disconnect in language, culture, values, and identity that affects their engagement in Chinese churches. Coupled with the influence of postmodernism, liberal ideologies, and contemporary views on sexuality, marriage, and identity, these young people—shaped by a multicultural context—face significant challenges to their faith.”²

In the face of such pressures, how can the Chinese Christian community faithfully pass on the faith? At CCM Canada, our ministry once primarily served first-generation immigrants. Today, we are increasingly engaging with young Chinese believers who have grown up in Canada. They are often fluent across cultures and languages, with social circles that extend well beyond ethnic boundaries. They are very much part of the wider society.

And yet, many of them continue to care deeply about the needs of the Chinese Christian community. Some have even chosen to serve within Chinese churches and ministries. Perhaps, for them, this is still “home”—a place marked by a unique warmth and sense of belonging. So how do we walk alongside these younger members of the family in ways that foster mutual growth and genuine partnership?

In recent years, CCM Canada has been intentional about building meaningful connections with young people. We have sought to become a platform where young believers are invited not only to participate, but also to lead. Their voices are heard, and their perspectives are valued. Compared with traditional top-down instruction, this approach often allows the younger generation to use their gifts more fully. We believe that when we are willing to shift our perspective—to loosen our grip, to serve together, and to make space for young people to express the gospel in their own way—we will discover something new. Through their involvement, our ministry has already begun to extend beyond the Chinese community into the wider society.

A recent book offers a helpful insight: “To young people, ‘adults’ should not be distant role models, but real people who are able to connect with them. Growth does not primarily come from knowledge, resources, or even experience. Rather, it is nurtured through everyday relationships—formed and cultivated over time. True relationships do not seek to shape young people into what others expect them to be, but provide the soil in which their uniqueness can grow.”³

We need not mould young believers into our own expectations. Different generations, shaped by different contexts, will inevitably require adjustment and understanding. Like a new set of teeth learning to align, there must be contact and time before a healthy fit is formed. In the process, we learn to see one another—and to make room for one another. If we are willing to become like the soil—making space, giving time, and walking alongside younger believers—we can together co-create the future of our faith community. In doing so, we allow them to grow into who God has uniquely called them to be, and ensure that the seeds of the gospel continue to take root and flourish in this “home,” from one generation to the next.⁴

1Zhang Yuanlai, “Challenges and Opportunities in Youth Ministry in North American Chinese Churches: 'Reaching People' or 'Reaching Numbers'?” (translated), Behold, December 27, 2025, drawing on D. J. Chuang, “Silent Exodus: Asian American Christians Leaving Churches,” December 9, 2017, https://djchuang.com/when-asian-american-christian-youth-go-to-college (accessed July 4, 2025); Barna Group; and Donald E. Miller and Arpi M. Miller, “Finding a Niche: The New Los Angeles Evangelicals,” in Gen X Religion, ed. Richard W. Flory and Donald E. Miller (New York: Routledge, 2000), 135–150. The 75%–90% attrition rate reflects a commonly cited estimate in the literature.
2Wu Ting-leung, “Chinese Churches in Canada,” Christian Weekly, no. 3045 (January 1, 2023), https://christianweekly.net/2023/ta2042266.html (translated) 
3Pang Ching Hung and Chan Bik Ling, Hong Kong Youth Profile: From Relational Being Perspective (Hong Kong: Breakthrough Ltd., 2025), 25.
4The argument, terminology, and the “teeth” analogy in this paragraph are drawn from the work cited in note 3, p. 30.

Faith Journey of a Third Culture Kid

Joshua Ho  Legal Clinic Director, CCM Vancouver Centre; Lawyer

“Third Culture Kids”. “Citizens of everywhere and nowhere”. That’s what they call us, raised in a culture different from our parents’ for a significant part of our developmental years. Born in Hong Kong, raised partly in Taiwan and partly in Canada, I grew up learning to adapt, moving between cultures, languages, and expectations, never fully belonging to just one. I remember the desire to fit in during my school years, at times at the cost of rejecting my own cultural heritage. It wasn’t until much later in life that I made peace with my identity as a blend of multiple cultures. However, being born and raised in a Christian family and living in a secular world, I wonder if I am a “third culture kid” in more ways than one.

Faith, like culture, shapes our identity and remains a large part of who we are. During my teenage years, my life was immersed in church: attending a Christian school during the week, youth group on Friday nights, serving in the church’s children’s program on Saturdays, and attending church services on Sunday. When I started university away from home, without the familiar structure and suddenly exposed to various alternative viewpoints and values, there was a disconnect akin to culture shock. I certainly recall the internal struggles to reconcile different perspectives and to face challenges to my faith, before forming my own convictions (not that questions do not still appear in my mind from time to time). Of course, first and foremost, I am where I am now by God’s grace alone, but looking back, I do believe that God worked through certain people and experiences to guide me along the way.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Observing faith

No amount of teaching can replace the effect of lived example. My parents weren’t perfect, but they consistently demonstrated how Christian faith is lived out in everyday decisions, whether big or small. I saw them prioritize faith in their daily lives, whether it was having family devotions and prayer on trips when we could not attend regular church services, or encouraging me to continue serving at church despite having a final exam the next day.

When we were presented with the opportunity to move to Canada, my parents took my brother and me out to dinner, explained the situation, and asked that we continue to pray about it as a family. The move was not without sacrifices, as my father gave up a prestigious career as a medical doctor and any financial benefits and comforts that came with it, to stay together as a family rather than sending us abroad while he remained behind to work—a common practice among his peers. By God’s grace, he was eventually able to requalify and practise again, after seven years of struggle and uncertainty, not knowing whether he would ever return to the vocation he loved. Through it all, he would say that God has a plan and that His plans are higher than ours. Growing up, I observed that to my parents, faith is more important than pleasure, comfort, wealth, and career.

Practising faith

My parents allowed me to question and challenge faith and gave me space to develop my own. From a young age, my parents did not dismiss my questions but listened patiently. When I raised doubts, I recall my father sharing his own journey, how he wrestled with questions before arriving at a deeper conviction in faith. I often heard from my mother how she experienced God’s guidance through challenges. They not only taught me to pray about my future and decisions but also trusted me to do so. When I was eleven years old, they respected my decision against a potential move to Hong Kong for secondary school after I told them that I had prayed about it, asked for a sign, and believed I had received one. That left a lasting impression on me.

I admit that I don’t go to God as much as I should, but I would always pray earnestly about major decisions, whether it was which university to go to, what subject to major in, or what to do after graduation. I don’t always receive clear answers, but over time, I have learned to recognize a sense of peace in certain decisions, often followed by confirmation later. Through opportunities to practice, I began to increase my reliance on God and form my own internal faith and values. When facing challenges, whether from external sources or internal questioning, I no longer depend solely on my parents’ experiences, but also have my own experiences of God’s providence to look back on.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Living out faith

The opportunity to join CCM and help launch and operate a legal clinic came at a time when I was considering different career options. I was seeking something that feels more meaningful, something that allows me to help those in need, rather than those that can pay. I had been praying for direction for half a year, and considered going back to school for social work or counselling, among other alternatives.

I reached out to a lawyer with a background in social work with the intention of asking about his experience in that area, when instead he told me about CCM and its vision for a legal clinic. It did not appeal to me at first, as I had intended to leave the legal profession altogether. I also worried about not having sufficient experience for the role, since I would be required to give advice in various areas of law, many of which are not within my area of expertise. However, through prayers and discussions with my parents and wife, I felt led to at least give it a try. Over time, I saw that not only does the role combine my background in law with elements of social work, it also utilizes my multicultural background and fluency in both Cantonese and Mandarin – helpful in relating to service users from different countries of origin and facilitating effective communication. I felt that God had equipped me with the necessary tools and passion, and that I should not pass it up lightly.

Some may find it an unusual move to be working for a Chinese Christian charity, after living in the mainstream, predominantly English-speaking, secular society and being on a prestigious career path. I suppose it would have also been hard for my younger self to imagine, when I at one point felt ashamed of speaking a different language during my school years, or when I was marvelling at the lavishness of corporate law firms during visits and internships in London and Hong Kong. However, in the past year I feel most fulfilled when I help individuals facing seemingly overwhelming legal challenges feel more at peace and equipped. When I meet with clients, I do not have to worry about billable time, and can often offer suggestions beyond the legal matter at hand. Looking back, I can see all the experiences that shaped me and led me to where I am. It feels like a homecoming.

Biography – Joshua Ho

Joshua was born into a Christian family in Hong Kong and spent a significant amount of his childhood living in Taiwan, where he officially made the decision to follow Christ at the age of 8. He then moved to Calgary, Canada with his family, where he spent his secondary school years. After graduating high school, he went on to study Psychology in Edmonton, Law in London, U.K., briefly returned to Calgary for a few years, where he started his legal career, before eventually settling in Vancouver with his wife.

After practising law for more than four years in areas including real estate, estate planning, and family law, Joshua felt the urge to pursue a different role. By God’s grace and timing, Joshua joined CCM at the beginning of 2025 to lead the planning and coordination of the CCM Vancouver Legal Clinic and has been overseeing its operation since launching in June 2025. In his current role, he provides general legal guidance and support to lower-income individuals facing legal challenges.

For more details about Legal Clinic, CCM Vancouver Centre, please visit https://legalclinic.ccmcanada.org/vancouver/en

When We Encounter the Younger Generation

Melody Sheng  Ministry Coordinator (Family), CCM Toronto Centre

When we reach midlife and look back on our younger years, it often stirs a mix of emotions. We may smile at our youthful impulsiveness or feel the quiet weight of time passing. If we had found our direction earlier and remained on the right path, would that not be our deepest hope for the next generation?

Keeping Pace with the Young—and Seeing God at Work

At the end of last year, I travelled with ten young people from our church—most of them Chinese Canadians who grew up here—to attend Urbana 2025, a major mission conference held every three years in the United States. Young people have a remarkable way of moving forward once their hearts are set. They are energetic, bold, and willing to step out in faith, following the Lord with a freedom that is often unburdened. I was the only older adult in the group and initially felt some pressure. Yet I quickly realized how capable they were. Even in an unfamiliar setting, they handled things with confidence and ease. Ironically, it was I who had worried beforehand—about my English, about whether I could connect with them naturally. In the end, none of those fears proved true. Instead, God opened my eyes. I witnessed their hearts being stirred, their faith renewed, and their spirits set on fire for the Lord. I sensed the Holy Spirit at work, calling this new generation in a very real way.

At the conference, more than seven thousand young people from different nations and cultures gathered to worship God together. One of the most powerful moments came on the final day. Outside the venue, a small group began singing hymns spontaneously. What began as simple worship grew into something much more— testimonies, prayers, and even sharing the gospel with passersby. Over three hours, nearly three hundred people gathered. Some sang until their voices gave out; others lifted their hands in prayer; still others stepped forward to share their faith. In that moment, I felt as though I was catching a glimpse of heaven: “They sang a new song… for you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation…” (Revelation 5:9–10).

A Borderless Generation

With the rapid rise of AI, we are entering a new era—one where the lines between the virtual and the real are increasingly blurred. While national borders still exist, the digital world has already become borderless. The younger generation must learn to live within this sense of boundlessness in a world more complex than ours. Even those who grew up in the church are not immune. Young people need support, community, and companions for the journey. It was out of this burden that CCM Toronto Centre initiated the podcast Voices We Longed For¹—to engage young people in a format that resonates with them and invites participation.

Through several episodes, we have found podcasting to be a very effective way to connect. We see a strong desire among young people to express themselves—to be heard, understood, and connected. Through this platform, they are not only sharing their own stories but also encouraging one another in their search for faith and purpose. We are especially thankful that, just as this vision took shape, God brought along several university students—some Chinese, others from different cultural backgrounds—to be part of this ministry. From the very beginning, it has taken on an intercultural and intergenerational character. Earlier in my life, I worked in gospel broadcasting, and I have seen firsthand the influence of media—especially today’s self-media²—on individuals. We pray that God will give us wisdom to use these tools well, so that we may lead people, especially young people, to Him. Perhaps through these new forms of communication, we can draw closer to the younger generation—creating space for them to express the gospel in their own voice, share it in ways meaningful to them, and live it out in their daily lives.

1This podcast ministry is scheduled to be officially launched on May 21, 2026. Please stay tuned. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/voices-we-longed-for/id1896319169 
2Self-media” (or “we media”) refers to digital platforms that allow individuals to share information and perspectives directly online, without relying on traditional media. Common forms include blogs, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and podcasts.

Intergenerational Co-Building: A Young Chinese Believer's Perspective on Church Legacy

Interviewee: Zerlinda Chau CCM Canada Volunteer
Interviewer and Writer: Wendy Yau Ministry Director (Literature), CCM Canada

Editor’s Note: In March this year, CCM Canada was invited to organize a spring camp for refugee children. Zerlinda served as the program coordinator, bringing together a team of young volunteers—both Chinese and from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Looking ahead, she will continue to journey with us as we explore new possibilities in cross-cultural and intergenerational ministry.

Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a person in a language they understand, it goes to their head. If you talk to them in their mother tongue, it goes to their heart.” Zerlinda usually communicates in English, but for this interview, she chose to share her faith journey entirely in fluent Cantonese. She described Cantonese as one of her “heart languages”—a language that speaks deeply to who she is. And beyond language itself, the needs of people within that “heart-language community” have always remained close to her heart.

P&P: Could you tell us a bit about your family, your upbringing, and how you came to faith? And why is your Chinese so strong?

Z: I was born in Canada, and my parents are from Hong Kong. My mom was very intentional about making sure my younger brother and I spoke Cantonese at home. As for church, I didn’t grow up in a Christian family. Like many immigrant parents, my mom was always looking for resources and opportunities for us. She believed that church could instill strong values in children, so she started sending me when I was about eight. By the time I finished high school, getting baptized felt like a natural next step. I became involved in different areas of ministry—Sunday school, youth ministry, worship ministry, and so on. Now both my mom and my brother have come to faith. As for learning Chinese, I wasn’t very motivated at first. But in Grade 10, I was invited to help translate for a group of students from China. Around the same time, I had a Chinese teacher who was both strict and committed. That combination really pushed me, and from then on, my Chinese—including Mandarin—improved quickly.

P&P: We heard that you spent some time attending a local English-speaking church before returning to a Chinese church a few years later. Could you share a bit about that journey? From your perspective, what are the differences between Chinese churches and local Western churches?

Z: There was a period in my life when I wasn’t doing very well emotionally—I was a bit depressed. I felt that although the church often talked about love, no one really reached out to me personally. I lost that sense of “home.” So I began visiting other churches and eventually settled at a large local church. Even then, I still felt low, and in a big church, it’s easy to go unnoticed. I joined a small group and even hosted Bible studies at my home, but looking back, I think I was forcing myself to engage. Then the pandemic hit, and everything came to a stop. In some ways, I was relieved—I no longer had to keep up socially. During that time, I began to realize that I didn’t feel a strong sense of belonging there. Eventually I returned to my original Chinese church. It’s hard to generalize, but in my experience, Western churches often have a higher production value in worship, and their overall pastoral care is quite solid. But sometimes, what’s missing is that sense of warmth—the feeling of being at home.

P&P: What has led you to stay in a Chinese church today? And are you involved in ministry?

Z: My church is not large, and many of the “aunties and uncles” have known me since I was little. When they found out I had moved out, they would often bring me food and care for me like family. That sense of warmth made me stay. I’m quite involved in ministry, including helping develop an English worship service. In my view, the term “Chinese” is very broad. There are people from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong who speak Mandarin or Cantonese, but also those from places like Singapore and Malaysia who primarily speak English. I don’t think this English-speaking group should be overlooked. As long as you identify yourself as Chinese, there should be a place for you. That’s why I advocate for a more inclusive “Chinese worship.” In our services, we sing in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. I believe different languages carry different emotional and spiritual resonance. After worship, we split into Mandarin and English congregations for the sermon. Thankfully, this approach has been well received.

P&P: It’s often said that Chinese churches struggle to retain young people. In your view, what is the biggest gap between generations? And how might we bridge it?

Z: I think it comes down largely to differences in values. In Western thinking, respect is often something that is earned. But in traditional Chinese culture, respect is tied to age and hierarchy. As young people, we value flexibility and creativity. It’s hard for us to accept doing the same things in the same way for decades. In some ways, I understand the needs and perspectives of young people, but at the same time, because I work alongside older generations in ministry, I can also see things from their point of view. It’s interesting—I often feel like I’m in between worlds. Some Chinese see me as “not Chinese enough,” while others see me as “not local enough.” But perhaps that’s exactly what allows me to be a bridge. To me, both peers and older generations are equally important. Older believers have walked paths that we haven’t, and their experience is something we can’t replace.

P&P: Finally, as a young adult, how do you envision the future of the Chinese church?

Z: Where else—other than the church—can someone belong from infancy all the way into old age? I hope the Chinese church will continue to be a place of warmth, while also growing and adapting with the times. A place where people are willing to be involved, to serve together, and to build one another up. And one day, if I have children of my own, I hope they won’t see the church as outdated or irrelevant—but as a place they truly want to be.

Activities Recap

Small Town Mission

• 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Vision Sharing Gatherings
  Small Town Mission held its 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Vision Sharing Gatherings on April 11, 18, and 25 in Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg respectively. Pastoral team of churches, short-term mission team members, and brothers and sisters from different regions were invited to join in thanksgiving and celebration, witnessing God’s faithfulness, provision, and guidance throughout the past 25 years. Participants worshipped together with one heart, offered thanks to the Lord, and renewed their commitment to continue moving forward in mission.
• Small Town Mission 25th Anniversary “Rise & Move” Fundraising Campaign
  The Small Town Mission 25th Anniversary Rise & Move Fundraising Campaign concluded successfully on April 30, raising over $50,000 and achieving its fundraising goal. We thank all brothers and sisters for their enthusiastic support and faithful prayers.
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CCM Toronto Centre

• Caring Without Distance
  In response to the needs of our local community, CCM Toronto Centre and Markham Chinese Baptist Church partnered to provide the “Caring Without Distance” training, equipping brothers and sisters for upcoming outreach and evangelism in May for Markham community. Through five interactive workshops, participants gained practical skills in self-awareness, communication, relational care, and sharing the gospel—while developing a heart of service rooted in love and centered on people.
  
  Our desire is to raise up disciples who are willing to step into people’s lives, respond to real needs, and become a channel of God’s love and blessing in the community.
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CCM Vancouver Centre

• Spring Kids Camp
  During Spring Break, March 16-27, 2026, we had the privilege of serving 45 children each week in our CCM Spring Kids Camp. Through various Bible characters and athletes, the children learned about sportsmanship, and had fun in our fieldtrips to BC Sports Hall of Fame and H.R. MacMillen Space Centre. We hope to continue to serve these families in our upcoming Summer Kids Camp.
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• The 4th Special Needs Art Exhibition 2026 – Portrait of My Heart
  The 4th Special Needs Art Exhibition 2026 – “Portrait of My Heart” was successfully held from April 10 to 22. This year, 23 local young artists participated, showcasing over 50 vibrant and inspiring artworks filled with creativity and life. The success of the exhibition was made possible through the care and support of various members of the community. We are especially grateful to Member of Parliament Chak Au, as well as Mr. Mike Hurley – Mayor of Burnaby and Burnaby City Councillors, for attending in person to share remarks and offer their blessings, encouragement, and support.
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