China

China is home to almost one-fifth of the world’s population. About 21 percent of the population is under the age of 15. Current laws limit most urban couples to one child.

Ninety-one percent of people are Han Chinese, while 8 percent are of some 55 other ethnic groups—the largest being Huis, Mongols, Uygurs, Zhuangs, Yis, Tibetans, Miaos, Manchus, Bouyei, and Koreans. There are eight major languages and hundreds of dialects. This can cause delays when translating letters from sponsors.

About 70 percent of the people work in agriculture growing rice, wheat, tea, and a variety of other crops. Many farming families struggle to grow even enough food to feed their children; they rarely have a surplus to sell for other needs. Thanks to sponsorship, many of these families are learning new agricultural techniques that will help them increase food production.

The growth of the Christian church in China over the past few decades is nothing short of miraculous. Just 50 years ago, the number of Christians in China was estimated to be about 5 million. By the early 1990s, this number had grown to an estimated 75 million people. However, this is still less than five percent of the population.

China is the world’s most populous nation and the third largest country in terms of area. The country’s official name has been the People’s Republic of China since 1949. It is predominantly a mountainous country, with ranges covering almost one-third of the land.

The most famous of these is the Himalayas. China is a country of diverse climates, with areas of heavy rainfall, extreme cold, dry heat, and semi-tropical weather.

Adequate health care is an urgent need, particularly in rural communities where medical facilities are not always available. Your sponsorship is working in the poorest of these communities to ensure children receive the care they need and to help families attain a higher standard of health.

After 1949, numerous religious institutions were destroyed under the Chinese Communist government. Since 1978, however, the government has become more tolerant. In fact, the constitution now guarantees religious freedom. Major religions include Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, and Christianity. Some Chinese also believe in ancestor worship. It is still unlawful for youths under the age of 18 to be exposed to the gospel. But by the grace of God, young people continue to seek the truth found only in Him.

• Pray that your sponsored child might respond to God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.