On Sunday 11 September I decided to go and experience the local church, an outing organized  for me by my Chinese friends. The Chinese Communist party is atheist but allow 5 religions to practice, namely Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism and Daoism. It is believed that Jesus’ disciple Thomas was the first Christian to go to China.

C. M. Cipolla’s in his book, Guns, Sails and Empires, says “While Buddha came to China on white elephants, Christ was born on cannon balls.” Perhaps this is an explanation of past persecution of Christians. The missionaries followed closely with those who came to exploit China.

My friend Smile and I went by taxi to a nearby local church.

I realized this was a Catholic Church when I saw the women wearing what looked like black hairnet head coverings.  The service was in Chinese so I understood nothing but it was interesting to experience a different part of the body of Christ. The people next to me directed me to the passages being preached on and I read the English version.

I celebrated communion. Plates with small pieces of wafers were passed along the pews. A bowl of teaspoons was passed along the row.  The wine, which tasted like sherry, was served in a glass. The person sitting next to you held the glass for you as you took a teaspoon of wine. In a like manner you served your neighbour.

After the service a meal is shared. The meal is made by the older members of the congregation. No collection plate is passed around. I was told that many of the people are students so no money is expected but if you want to give there is a box you can put money in. The church is self-supporting, supported by the older members who have money. A member of the church gave us and several other students a lift back to campus.

Back at campus

We had met Walter before so it was lovely seeing him again. He is from Rwanda, came to South Africa as a refugee, learnt English, completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering at DUT, started learning Mandarin, came to China on a scholarship and is doing extremely well. Quite a story of perseverance!

I am now busy doing lesson preparation as I start my first lessons next week.