This book is part of the series published by the Center of Diaspora and Relational Research. It covers the history of Chinese diaspora and development of Chinese diaspora congregations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its focus is on contextualizing diaspora missions and cross-cultural ministry training for Chinese diaspora in the SFBA, including ethnographic description of local cross-cultural ministries of two selected Chinese diaspora churches.

Hope and Hospitality for Migrating People Never have so many people left their homes and migrated to other parts of the world as we’ve seen in recent years. This phenomenon creates as many opportunities as challenges. We are witnessing a massive increase in urbanization, pluralization, multiculturalism, and interfaith dialogue. What are the implications for the church as it tries to reach the nations? Tides of Opportunity brings together experts from diverse backgrounds to consider the practical significance of this mass migration. The reasons for these population movements are as varied as the people. Sadiri Joy Tira explores several causes, like military conflict, economic hardship, and natural disasters. The contributors not only explain such trends but suggest possible ways to engage with diaspora neighbors. Through case studies, this volume also examines lesser-known dynamics, such as sex trafficking and the movement of immigrants to rural areas. This book challenges us to find more creative and integrated mission strategies for effectively reaching out to the various “peoples on the move” with the gospel. How will you respond to the tides of opportunity?

The Chinese diaspora is well known for transnational economic activity, but less so for the impact of the diasporic Chinese church in the USA and elsewhere in the world. Surveying 652 US Chinese churches about their mission activities, along with interviews of a sub-set of respondents, Dr Wu provides analysis and explanation of mission activities using diaspora theories. The trend for Chinese diaspora church mission to take a “Chinese first” approach capitalizes on shared language, culture and transnational networks to advance the gospel. In this era of globalization, diaspora mission has never been so prescient. With special emphasis on the context of short-term missions, this book presents fascinating insight to a significant element of the ministry of the global church. This case of the Chinese church in the USA has many applications in the consideration of global missions outside of the Chinese diaspora.

In this research I have investigated the role of congregational leaders in cross-cultural missions mobilization with five selected Chinese churches in North America, and at the end of the research, provide some reflections and suggestions on missiological applications. This research has five research sub-problems. First, from the research literature, I have found two main strategies used by Chinese church in North America for mobilizing cross-cultural missions--missions through the second generation of the Chinese diaspora church and Chinese-priority mission focus. Secondly, the Chinese church has gone through many different stages of growth, Today, these churches have great potential to be actively involved in cross-cultural missions through their rich resources. Thirdly, through an in-depth case study of a church in Boston, I have discovered six areas in which that church involved and mobilized its congregation in missions. The highest priority is the missions conference and monetary giving to missions. Teaching and preaching on missions remain low-priority. Fourthly, through case studies of four other Chinese churches, I have found that they have similar priorities in their missions involvement compare with the Boston church. The research has indicated that the second generation in Chinese churches are more willing to do cross-cultural missions than the first-generation congregation. Finally, I have discussed significant obstacles like traditional family values, pursuing the American dream, priority for education and success in society, the insecurity of immigrants, and the "Chinese priority" mindset for mission are five main obstacles to Chinese church involvement in missions. In conclusion, participating in cross-cultural missions is an act of obedience to the call of Jesus Christ for both English and vernacular Chinese speakers of Chinese churches of North America in their own unique way to actively involve in obeying the mandate of the Great Commission.

This book provides readers the vision and rationale for engaging Chinese diaspora laity in Bible translation beyond traditional ways. By giving, praying, and sending, they will not merely promote transformation in the Bibleless people; they themselves, as volunteers and the related Chinese diaspora congregations, will be transformed. It includes practical procedures and initiate discussions and actions for the implementation of the vision. It also explores the potential of transferring these principles to other missions and diaspora contexts