Jonathan Shibley, Vice President of Global Advance says there has been substantial growth in the number of Christians, especially in Chinese business circles.

“All of a sudden, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of small businessmen fellowships taking place, both within major corporations in China, and within homes,” reports Mission News Network.

“So businessmen are beginning to get a glimpse of what the Gospel looks like, transforming not only their own lives, but transforming the culture around them and becoming salt and light.”

Shibley was speaking on the back of attending a Global Advance Marketplace Missions conference in China, which was aimed at giving tools to Chinese Christian businessmen to further increase the Christian presence in the country.

He says that while the Chinese government is concerned about the increase in Christians in business, it has done little more than reprimand them for their faith. He believes this is because they know that Christian businessmen are more honest, less corrupt and contribute to the wealth of China.

As a result Shibley said, “China is potentially on the tipping point in the next decade of either becoming a Christian nation or submitting to the god of materialism … I think what we do to help pour into the godly leaders of China within the next ten years will greatly determine which way it swings.”

Source: Christianity Today: China could be Christian country in a decade

Across the small island nation seminars, exhibitions and special courses are being held to debate and educate about the life, teachings and legacy of John Calvin.

Last week Taiwan Theological College and Seminary opened an exhibit entitled “Calvin and Taiwan” dealing with the legacy of John Calvin and his impact on churches in Taiwan.

According to Worldwide Faith News, officials at the seminary are hoping the exhibit will help churches to come to know more about John Calvin.

In the south of Taiwan, one presbytery introduced a three month book club for people interested in knowing more about Calvin’s theology. The club is being held from March through to June in one local church and is being sponsored by the Chiayi presbytery and by the Taiwan Theological College.

It has been reported that over 60 people from 20 different churches attended the club in its first session. Many from the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan said how they felt it was important to know the basic teachings of Calvin to pass on his legacy.

The success of the book club has led to plans to transform it into a continuing education course at Taiwan Theological College.

John Calvin was born in France in 1509, but spent much of his life in the city of Geneva. His biggest contributions to Protestant theology were the doctrines on Predestination and the Sovereignty of God.

In Geneva itself a number of events are planned to mark the birth of the man who has become inextricably linked with the city.

On Pentecost Sunday a thanksgiving service will be held in the adopted church of Calvin in Geneva’s St Pierre’s Cathedral. In addition a conference of over 140 international scholars will be held in May, on the influence of Calvin from his birth down to the present day.

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches, based in Geneva, will also be inviting pastors and elders of Presbyterian and Reformed churches to take part in its “Calvin Jubilee Celebration”.

Museums in and near the city will also be opening special exhibitions about the life of Calvin, his works and his theology.

Source: Christianity Today – Taiwan marks 500th anniversary of John Calvin