I spent 12 years of my career in retail managing a store on the Pitt campus. One of the blessings I encountered was dealing with the Asian students, primarily those from China. Although they at first seemed a bit aloof and sometimes even arrogant, I came to realize that they were a small group on a major campus and home was 7,000 to 10,000 miles away. They did not go home for Christmas as very few were Christian; and Thanksgiving was just another day because this American holiday had little significance for them. In short, they weren’t aloof or arrogant, they were lonely and only had each other.
Ken Wagoner and his staff at China Outreach Ministries provide an opportunity for their culture to blend with the American way of life. They accomplish this by reaching out to these students with the Good News of the Gospel, discipiling them to be godly leaders for Christ and sharing their faith with others. Their purpose is deeply rooted with the truth of one God, eternally existent in three persons, the deity of Christ, the Bible as the only authoritative, inspired word of God and the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ. By walking alongside these students, they plant the seeds and nurture them to live out their faith with their families, communities and professions. A sense of connection develops through social activities, hospitality, communication and a variety of practical services helping them succeed. As their faith and confidence grows, many have returned to China and shared their faith with communities at home.
Help Ken and his staff keep this ministry vibrant. They covet your prayers for strength and wisdom as they bridge the gap between these two cultures. Contact me for more information at 724-516-2600.
