A few years ago, I began writing monthly letters based on the theme of reaching Chinese around the world with the gospel of Christ. These have been expanded into a book, Reaching Chinese Worldwide.

Jesus said, “As you go, make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). He further defined making disciples as “baptizing” (helping people come to full faith and commitment) and “teaching” (helping them grow in Christian maturity).

The Lord has confirmed the priority of the written word and mentoring for my ministry. Not only in my own private devotions, but also through illness and fatigue, he has shown me that the time has come to focus on these two activities.

God has demonstrated his grace and mercy to us in manifold ways again in the past year, just as he has for many decades now. For his glory and your encouragement, allow me to mention only a few highlights of 2012.

Since the inception of China Institute in 1989, we have adhered to a few basic principles for reaching Chinese with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Here are a few of them.

Virtually everyone agrees that the greatest need among Chinese Christians is for qualified leaders, especially men. The number of professing believers has grown so fast that leadership training has not caught up. As a result, millions of Chinese Christians lack adequate spiritual oversight and care.

For a number of reasons, many Chinese attend English-language churches. These may be English congregations connected to a Chinese church, or churches of native English speakers led by Westerners.

With most young Americans shrinking from commitments of any sort, including marriage, this plea for a willingness to invest many years in China ministry could not be more timely, or more challenging.

In mainland China and Taiwan, though Christians are numerous, more than one billion people have likely never heard a clear presentation of the gospel.

Several hard facts point to the need for solid, sustained study of Chinese history, culture, and society, including Chinese Christianity.