Chinese Union Mission Marks 25 Years of Ministry

The Chinese Union Mission (CHUM) marks 25 years of navigating contemporary challenges in the region, while coordinating mission work. 

The region is evolving as a bridge between Chinese believers and the global church, while working to be a center of innovation in ministry. 

CHUM is based in Hong Kong and serves mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The history of the Seventh-day Adventist church in China dates back to 1888 and in 1999 CHUM officially organized to support China’s growing church networks. 

Leadership Development

In partnership with Andrews University and the General Conference, leadership seminars were conducted to address four key areas: 

• Personal development

• Teamwork

• Organizational structure

• Multiplication through discipleship

As a result, there have been improvements in cross-church collaboration, leadership communication, and youth empowerment. Many pastors and local leaders are now actively mentoring new members to serve in mission work. 

Significant growth has been seen in the region’s institutions. Hong Kong Adventist College has launched a nursing school, Hong Kong Adventist Academy continues to evangelize through education and the Hong Kong Macau Conference opened an assisted living facility to meet the needs of the city’s aging population. 

International Evangelism and Church Planting

Since 2019, 15 missionary families have been sent to more than 10 countries. One example includes the work of Brother Zhang and his wife, who spent five years serving the Chinese community in Panama City. Despite early discouragement, their ministry saw a breakthrough in early 2025 when seven individuals were baptized following a weekend evangelistic series. Thirty others responded to the call to follow Jesus.

The couple had established a small center of influence that provided free natural health treatments and Sabbath meals. Their persistent compassion helped build relationships with local Chinese residents who were primarily focused on business and financial stability.

In July 2024, 22 workers were sent to five countries across East-Central Africa. Partnering with local churches, they conducted a series of homecoming evangelism events that resulted in nearly 600 baptisms. Leaders reported that the cross-cultural exchange reignited spiritual enthusiasm both in Africa and CHUM participants. 

Theological Education and Doctrinal Unity

CHUM continues to invest in theological education. The Chinese Adventist Seminary provides full-time and online programs for pastors and lay members seeking formal ministry training. The seminary currently enrolls 500 students.

Among its’ graduates is a man named Fu, who first encountered Adventist theology through short-term revival meetings during his youth. Inspired to study theology, he enrolled at the seminary and later became a missionary in Hungary. Today, he leads a growing Chinese-language congregation in Europe.

“The seed of ministry was planted early in my life,” said Fu. “The opportunity for theological training gave me the tools to serve effectively.”

Reaching Unentered Areas

The report also highlighted CHUM’s efforts to share the gospel with under-reached people. Following a New Testament model of house churches and relational outreach, CHUM launched the “One Leading One” initiative, which encourages each church member to lead one person to Christ.

This strategy has supported outreach in regions traditionally resistant to Christianity. In Buddhist-majority areas, ethnic minority communities, and Muslim neighborhoods, Adventist members have continued to sow gospel seeds through personal relationships and small group ministry.

Ben and his wife, former Tibetan Buddhists, embraced Adventism after relocating to southeast China. Though initially isolated from their faith community and rejected by former friends, they deepened their spiritual understanding after connecting with two Adventist pastors in the northeast. Eventually, their home became a place of worship for others, and they began sharing the Bible with a group of 52 individuals identified as “living Buddhas.”

Digital Evangelism and Unentered Areas

CHUM is utilizing online platforms to engage new believers.  The launch of SDABible.org has provided a comprehensive spiritual resource hub offering Bible commentaries, more than 180 Ellen G. White books,  theological literature, Sabbath School materials, and video programs. The platform is accessible via web and mobile apps.

CHUM’s livestreamed revival meetings attract approximately 150,000 participants each session, with some videos reaching more than 10 million downloads.

As digital engagement and international collaboration increase, CHUM’s influence continues to expand.

First Chinese Slave Congress

In 2024 First Chinese Slave Congress, held in Malaysia, brought together Adventist leaders and members from Chinese-language ministries around the world. 

Leaders from CHUM emphasized the importance of continuing to nurture spiritual revival, develop young leaders, and share resources across borders. The mission also remains deeply rooted in personal relationships and faithful service.

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy,” the report stated, referencing the perseverance of missionaries. 

Looking Forward

As CHUM reflects on 25 years of service,  the division credits its progress to God’s grace and the dedication of church members, leaders, and mission partners.

“The journey ahead includes challenges,” the report notes, “but it also holds opportunities for deeper discipleship, broader outreach, and continued innovation.”

CHUM remains committed to supporting Adventist believers worldwide and reaching communities with the message of hope.

By ANN | July 8, 2025

The original article was published on the Adventist News Network news site.