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| A Ministry Of Language & Compassion |
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An American shares the joys of his work with a Columban-associated organization that brings lessons in language and faith to Chinese students. I live in a rather isolated area of northwest China, but there are plenty of modern and comfortable cities nearby to go to relax and refresh the spirit. I will admit that when I first arrived in China, I had many doubts and second guesses about coming here. Due to its size and population, China has a way of overwhelming people. Everything is magnified, including frustrations and satisfactions. I, too, was overwhelmed. Everything was so different: the language, culture, history, political situation and lifestyle. 
The author, Gabe Hurrish, with some of his English students in northwest China.
Religion in China is controlled and manipulated by the central government. But despite years and years of oppression, I have found the Holy Spirit alive and working among these people. There is a great thirst for something other than the message of the government. Despite the government’s mantra that getting rich will bring happiness, the people are finding out that wealth does not satisfy. My experience has shown me that most Chinese are not happy, and many suffer from mild to moderate levels of depression. This is especially true of youths who struggle with the expectations of parents, pressures to succeed in school and fierce competition for jobs in society. The Chinese are under great psychological and mental pressure, and they don’t have any spiritual depth to deal with it. Most Chinese don’t trust anyone, even their family members. However, they will come to the foreigner for advice, counsel and just to unload their burdens. I feel fulfilled and useful because of that. As an oral English teacher, I prepare classes, attend activities such as speaking contests, and give short lectures to other department students. For me, teaching is a way I can be here for the Chinese people and support them. I have found that just my presence alone can give people hope and encourage them. In fact, I spend most of my time listening to the complaints and frustrations of my friends and students and trying to give them some advice or counsel. I have plenty of free time to get involved in other activities. I frequently go to a local private orphanage for abandoned babies and others. I have lots of friends with whom I can practice my limited Chinese. There are lots of chances to teach privately, but I prefer to remain unencumbered by work so I can be freely available to students and friends. I like China because it is big enough and diverse enough to satisfy anyone’s interests. There is something for everyone here. Although the government and corruption can get one down, the average Chinese people are lovely, and it’s a wonderful blessing to share my life with them.
Volunteer To Teach In China
By Fr. Hugh MacMahon Teachers, are you interested in bringing your professional skills and Christian faith to China? Each August, we who work with the Association for International Teaching, Education and Curriculum Exchange (AITECE) or its British equivalent, the Cultural Exchange with China (CEC), welcome new volunteer teachers to China. AITECE is a public, nonprofit company registered in Hong Kong and Beijing. The Columbans and other religious orders are involved in its management and coordination. We welcome the new volunteers, many of whom come from the United States, and give them an on-the-spot orientation over several days before they leave for assignments in poor regions in seven different parts of China. The teaching-in-China process begins up to six months earlier when candidates apply to an AITECE contact office in one of six countries. There they are screened and introduced to the program. After they are accepted, AITECE Hong Kong is informed and begins the task of finding a position suited to their health, interests and qualifications. There are more than 60 AITECE volunteers in China. As an AITECE candidate, you do not have to be Catholic, as long as you have a Christian background and want to share Christian values. There are more people in China than are Catholics in the world, so for those who want to share their faith, China is the place to be. Volunteers normally have a bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience. Some are quite young, but most AITECE teachers are close to or older than retirement age. This maturity and experience is a distinct bonus. Some come for just one year; others have renewed their contracts again and again. AITECE provides a monthly salary and living accommodations. Volunteers may also receive full or partial payment for airfares. The AITECE program is about people, sharing and learning from each other. By the time volunteers have finished their contract, they are not the same as when they arrived. Plus, they have left a lasting impression in the minds and hearts of many young Chinese students. In a world marked by division and self-interest, this is a really worthwhile service. Could it be that God is inviting you to share your presence, your gifts and your professional skills with China’s young people?
For more information about teaching in China, write to this address: |