On March 21, 2024, a batch of four led by Dr. Bernard Low, Director of the UBS China Partnership, visited CCC&TSPM. Rev. Shan Weixiang, residential Vice Chairperson of National TSPM, Rev. Dr. Lin Manhong, Residential Vice President and General Secretary of CCC, and Rev. Geng Weizhong, Residential Vice President of CCC, warmly received the guests and had a discussion with them. The two sides talked about their long standing friendship, Bible translation, social services, etc.

Rev. Dr. Lin Manhong welcomed the guests, saying that the friendly interactions between CCC&TSPM and UBS have been established and developed by Bishop K.H. Ting and other church predecessors. Cooperation between the two sides is based upon mutual understanding, mutual respect, mutual trust, openness, laws and regulations. It is expected that the friendly relations will be strengthened through advanced exchange.

Rev. Shan Weixiang said that USB has long been supporting the Bible ministry of the Church in China for almost 40 years. Thanks to God’s guidance, we can spread and practice love through the Bible ministry. Rev. Shan briefly introduced the situation of Bible ministry in China and underlined the impact of the new media on paper books. There are three growing trends that we are complying to: the coexistence of e-books and paper books, diversified versions of the Bible, and new translation of the Bible and training in Bible translation. We would like to see more support of UBS for Chinese churches in these Bible ministries.

Rev. Geng Weizhong recalled the friendly exchanges between the Church in China and UBS, and mentioned that the nearly four-decade Bible ministry of the Church in China could provide rich materials to share our good stories with the rest of the world. In view of the fruitful results achieved by UBS in Bible translation, training of Bible scholars and biblical exegesis research, we look forward to future cooperation between the Church in China and UBS in relevant fields.

Jane Jelgerhuis, Executive Director of Global Philanthropy at UBS, shared the feelings about her first visit to China. She also exchanged ideas with the attendees over the ministries of current concern.

In his response, Dr. Bernard Low thanked CCC&TSPM for the warm reception. He was thankful that God was leading more fellow workers to visit China for exchanges and to see the good witness of the Church in China. He also reaffirmed that UBS respects the Three-Self Principles of the Church in China, and supports the Chinanization of Christianity. More extensive cooperation between the two sides is anticipated in the future.

The delegation also visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Book Telling Bookshop.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng