On the morning of October 10, 2023, Rev. Wu Wei, President of CCC, and Rev. Shen Xuebin, Residential Vice President of CCC, received the guests from the Council for World Mission (CWM)/Nethersole Fund at the CCC&TSPM headquarters. The two sides exchanged their latest church development in the post-pandemic era and their ministry of social services. 

Rev. Shen Xuebin moderated the meeting. Mr. Wang Baocheng, the deputy associate director of CCC&TSPM’s Social Services Department, Ms. Gu Jingqin, the interim chief of CCC&TSPM’s Overseas Relations Department, and other colleagues participated in this reception.

Rev. Wu Wei delivered a welcome speech and introduced the situation of the churches in the Mainland of China. Rev. Wu began by recalling the good cooperation and interaction between the two sides. He appreciated the spirit of “A Cup of Cold Water” promoted by CWM/Nethersole Fund, which stresses sharing resources with those in need and becoming the companions to the church. Rev. Wu believed that social service in line with biblical teachings, church traditions and the needs of our society, is a God-given grace. Rev. Wu also introduced the recent development of the churches in the mainland and challenges facing in pastoral care. He expressed his hope for continued cooperation in social services, and joint efforts to advance the ministry of social services and to promote the social charity, so that more people can benefit with more grace.

Roland Kun Chee Chow, Chairperson of CWM/Nethersole Fund, introduced the overview of Nethersole Fund, with a particular focus on the recent updates in social services. He expected two sides to seek more cooperation and development, strengthen exchange and communication and further their friendship with the churches in the mainland.

During the meeting, the two sides had a discussion over a few topics. The guests presented a video showcasing the services provided by Nethersole Fund. Ms. Cai Chaoheng, a colleague from the Social Service Department, elaborated on the ministries carried out by CCC&TSPM in disaster assistance, medical health, social welfare, community development, capacity building, publicity and advocacy, etc. Rev. Shen Xuebin and other colleagues responded to the questions posed by the guests, including church ministries during the pandemic, training of the future social service personnel, and so forth.

Following the meeting, the guests expressed their keen interest in visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Grace Telling Bookshop.

The Council for World Mission/Nethersole Fund was set up as an independent trust fund on September 19, 1997. Nethersole Fund has always been an active supporter of the churches in the mainland for more than two decades. With the support of CCC&TSPM, Nethersole Fund has implemented over 180 social service projects, encompassing areas such as medical health, poverty-aid, elderly care, infrastructure development, social service skills training, etc.

Translated and edited by Bei Feng.