Close

Away from Home: Diaspora Ministry

Tags: Canada, Diaspora Ministry, Story
A New Opportunity

"Diaspora" refers to people who are living outside their home country. In 1999, God placed a vision deep in the hearts of Martyn and Jill Hartley that would eventually impact many Diaspora people.  Following a request from Chinese new believers in Siberia, a ministry was established of taking teams of Mandarin speakers to share the gospel and hold evangelism meetings, first in Russia and later in Eastern Europe.

On an initial visit to Russia, in the cities of Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk there were 14 professions of faith among the Chinese Diaspora. As new opportunities arose, teams began visiting other cities, and soon small groups of believers were starting, growing into churches.  New believers were discipled and taught how to reach their own people!

Expanding the Ministry

As God affirmed the Chinese Diaspora Ministry (CDM) and it grew, the ministry widened its scope to include the Vietnamese Diaspora as well. God continues to change lives through the faithfulness of the teams that go. Some team members have gone many times and now lead their own teams!

Through these Mandarin and Vietnamese speaking teams, thousands have heard the gospel, made a profession of faith and have been baptized.  Many have heard that there is a God who loves them and wants them to be His children! Over 30 churches have now been helped or established in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Diaspora Ministry Today

In 2015 there were 12 teams from Canada, consisting of 42 team members who advanced the diaspora vision.  Teams ministered in Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries.  Also, early in 2016, 16 church leaders from the diaspora churches completed a pastoral leadership training course at the Kiev Theological Seminary – a joint venture between SEND Canada and the Hudson Taylor Centre for Chinese Ministries at Tyndale University College. 

Will YOU Join?

There is need for Mandarin (& Vietnamese) speaking people to go and serve! If you speak Mandarin or Vietnamese would you consider using your language ability in this ministry?

Explore Diaspora Ministry Opportunities.