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Shandong: The Revival Province
Many have heard of the extraordinary explosion of Christianity throughout China in recent decades. Few, however, know how it occurred. Paul Hattaway draws on thirty years' experience in China and numerous interviews with church leaders to provide insights into how the living God brought about the largest revival in the history of Christianity.
In a narrative full of jaw-dropping stories, the China Chronicles document the acts of the Holy Spirit throughout China, where phenomenal growth has occurred in the furnace of intense persecution. Hattaway starts his account with Shandong Province, which is home to almost one hundred million people. On multiple occasions, God has revived his Church in Shandong by pouring out his Spirit with great power and grace. As a result, Shandong today could be rightfully called "China's Revival Province."
In a narrative full of jaw-dropping stories, the China Chronicles document the acts of the Holy Spirit throughout China, where phenomenal growth has occurred in the furnace of intense persecution. Hattaway starts his account with Shandong Province, which is home to almost one hundred million people. On multiple occasions, God has revived his Church in Shandong by pouring out his Spirit with great power and grace. As a result, Shandong today could be rightfully called "China's Revival Province."
- GenresChristian
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 2, 2019
Things I Liked
This book had so many encouraging stories! Every few pages there would be an amazing testimony of how God was/is moving in the Bride of Christ in Shandong.
My view of Chinese Christianity was shifted greatly. Before, I had thought of their faith as somehow higher or more superior than ours, but this book showed me their amazing strengths and also their weaknesses. As I have mentioned before, I like it when people are shown as humans.
There is a heavy emphasis throughout the book of salvation, repentance, and confession of sins. I also liked the fact that revival and repentance were always shown as working hand-in-hand: revival leads to repentance, and repentance to revival.
There were several mentions to parts of Jesus' ministry that are often neglected in our culture: for example, there were several examples of demon possession and deliverance or being filled with the Holy Spirit. There are many examples of the works of the Spirit that cannot be denied.
I really like how there are contemporary stories from very recent times in the last couple chapters.
Things I Disliked
There are several vague mentions of "sensationalism" throughout the book. It is never clear what this means, but it could be insulting to those who believe in the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit as I do. I personally don't know the author's intentions in using this term; I just know I have seen it misused before to describe moves of the Holy Spirit, and it was never clarified either way in the book.
There's a bit of denominational-ism sprinkled in, especially toward the beginning. I know that there's not much an author could do to remedy this, as many mission boards and ministries are associated with a denomination.
The book is particularly historically dense toward the beginning. I'm not criticizing this, but I personally wasn't expecting that type of book. Note that as the decades of history go by, there are more and more specific testimonies and letters from Chinese believers, which lightens that aspect up. If you are looking for a more gripping narrative style with many, many true and inspiring stories, check out The Heavenly Man.
Note to Parents
This book has very little questionable content, but I think the main issue would be that it's too historically dense for most kiddos. There are a couple instances such as mentioning that rebels raped innocent females or that someone's back was so infected that it split right down the middle and they were thrown in human waste. (These examples are actually the worst I can think of) However, these instances are few and far between, and are not described in great detail. None personally disturbed me, and that normally says something XD. As I said, this book is likely way too historical for most kids (it's not a dry list, but it does read like a schoolbook toward the beginning; less so toward the end). My suggestion would be to read some inspiring excerpts during a family time for your kids to experience the encouragement of this book without the occasional scene or the historical aspect.
Summary
If you have connections to or an interest in God's moves in Chinese believers, this book would definitely be an encouragement for you! I would especially recommend it to those of you who enjoy a good, deep history book.
This book had so many encouraging stories! Every few pages there would be an amazing testimony of how God was/is moving in the Bride of Christ in Shandong.
My view of Chinese Christianity was shifted greatly. Before, I had thought of their faith as somehow higher or more superior than ours, but this book showed me their amazing strengths and also their weaknesses. As I have mentioned before, I like it when people are shown as humans.
There is a heavy emphasis throughout the book of salvation, repentance, and confession of sins. I also liked the fact that revival and repentance were always shown as working hand-in-hand: revival leads to repentance, and repentance to revival.
There were several mentions to parts of Jesus' ministry that are often neglected in our culture: for example, there were several examples of demon possession and deliverance or being filled with the Holy Spirit. There are many examples of the works of the Spirit that cannot be denied.
I really like how there are contemporary stories from very recent times in the last couple chapters.
Things I Disliked
There are several vague mentions of "sensationalism" throughout the book. It is never clear what this means, but it could be insulting to those who believe in the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit as I do. I personally don't know the author's intentions in using this term; I just know I have seen it misused before to describe moves of the Holy Spirit, and it was never clarified either way in the book.
There's a bit of denominational-ism sprinkled in, especially toward the beginning. I know that there's not much an author could do to remedy this, as many mission boards and ministries are associated with a denomination.
The book is particularly historically dense toward the beginning. I'm not criticizing this, but I personally wasn't expecting that type of book. Note that as the decades of history go by, there are more and more specific testimonies and letters from Chinese believers, which lightens that aspect up. If you are looking for a more gripping narrative style with many, many true and inspiring stories, check out The Heavenly Man.
Note to Parents
This book has very little questionable content, but I think the main issue would be that it's too historically dense for most kiddos. There are a couple instances such as mentioning that rebels raped innocent females or that someone's back was so infected that it split right down the middle and they were thrown in human waste. (These examples are actually the worst I can think of) However, these instances are few and far between, and are not described in great detail. None personally disturbed me, and that normally says something XD. As I said, this book is likely way too historical for most kids (it's not a dry list, but it does read like a schoolbook toward the beginning; less so toward the end). My suggestion would be to read some inspiring excerpts during a family time for your kids to experience the encouragement of this book without the occasional scene or the historical aspect.
Summary
If you have connections to or an interest in God's moves in Chinese believers, this book would definitely be an encouragement for you! I would especially recommend it to those of you who enjoy a good, deep history book.
March 28, 2022
A chronicle of the ebb and flow of evangelical Christianity in Shandong, a northern province of China. Small snapshot stories, arranged by decade, bring the highs and lows into perspective. One of the early conflicts arose when believers were placed under intense pressure to observe traditional "customs and were warned that to step out of line would bring disgrace upon their dead ancestors, and calamity would afflict their communities because the spirits would be offended." (p46)
"In some cases, village elders grew so infuriated by the believers' refusal to venerate the dead souls of their ancestors that Christians ended up laying down their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ." (p47)
"The Boxer organisation started in Shandong... Their drill consisted in burning incense before a tablet and then working themselves up by gymnastics etc. to a state where they were no longer masters of themselves, but became unconscious. After remaining in this state for some time they would rise, declaring themselves possessed of the spirit of one of the old heroes of antiquity.
In this state they could perform great feat, but the chief mark of distinction was that they were invulnerable. Swords would not hurt them and they could knock their heads on the ground until a great lump appeared, but never feel it. This lump on the forehead became a distinguishing mark." (p50)
Story of a woman who said, "I am a herd of swine demons." (p95)
Story of Eric Liddell. (p149ff)
Story of a converted village where no Christian fruit was evident. Things changed when it was discovered some older men had buried earth gods and these were removed. (p176f)
As late as 1992, a young man wrote to say that, despite his decision to become a Christian, he does not have the courage to not bow to the idols in his family during Chinese New Year. (p221f)
"In some cases, village elders grew so infuriated by the believers' refusal to venerate the dead souls of their ancestors that Christians ended up laying down their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ." (p47)
"The Boxer organisation started in Shandong... Their drill consisted in burning incense before a tablet and then working themselves up by gymnastics etc. to a state where they were no longer masters of themselves, but became unconscious. After remaining in this state for some time they would rise, declaring themselves possessed of the spirit of one of the old heroes of antiquity.
In this state they could perform great feat, but the chief mark of distinction was that they were invulnerable. Swords would not hurt them and they could knock their heads on the ground until a great lump appeared, but never feel it. This lump on the forehead became a distinguishing mark." (p50)
Story of a woman who said, "I am a herd of swine demons." (p95)
Story of Eric Liddell. (p149ff)
Story of a converted village where no Christian fruit was evident. Things changed when it was discovered some older men had buried earth gods and these were removed. (p176f)
As late as 1992, a young man wrote to say that, despite his decision to become a Christian, he does not have the courage to not bow to the idols in his family during Chinese New Year. (p221f)
December 27, 2018
I hadn’t expected to find the depth contained in this book when I picked it up, but it was a delightful surprise. From stories from the late 1800s up through the last decade or so, Paul Hattaway weaves a thrilling story of God working in the hearts of the Chinese to bring them to Himself and preserve their faith through years of difficulty.
The most encouraging thing I found in Shandong was the stories of God’s provision in the lives of His people. Though some of them may have been among the poorest of the poor, He still worked in their lives to show them more of Himself. And reading of their needs being supplied helped me reflect on times of similar provision in my own life—bringing back the reminder of how much I do not deserve it, and yet how much I have to be thankful for!
It was challenging, though, to read about Christians who had went through great suffering and yet were willing and even eager to continue proclaiming the gospel, even though it meant more trouble for them. I don’t know if I would be willing to do that—yet I pray I would!
Either way, this was an inspiring and challenging read. Highly recommended, if you want to hear true stories about our brothers and sisters in Christ, or be challenged in your own Christian walk.
I requested a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
The most encouraging thing I found in Shandong was the stories of God’s provision in the lives of His people. Though some of them may have been among the poorest of the poor, He still worked in their lives to show them more of Himself. And reading of their needs being supplied helped me reflect on times of similar provision in my own life—bringing back the reminder of how much I do not deserve it, and yet how much I have to be thankful for!
It was challenging, though, to read about Christians who had went through great suffering and yet were willing and even eager to continue proclaiming the gospel, even though it meant more trouble for them. I don’t know if I would be willing to do that—yet I pray I would!
Either way, this was an inspiring and challenging read. Highly recommended, if you want to hear true stories about our brothers and sisters in Christ, or be challenged in your own Christian walk.
I requested a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
June 11, 2018
I found this account of the growth of Christianity in Shandong Province very moving and humbling. The overview of events from the 1800’s to the present was presented very clearly and with obvious reference to factual recorded events as foreign missionaries arrived in the province.
I felt humbled to read about those sincere Chinese Christians who gave their lives for the gospel. Also the seed of the gospel was laid with much suffering from missionaries in the 19th century.
This book is a living record of what has happened and is still happening in China. It is an affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit in Shandong despite growing resurgence of persecution.
I felt humbled to read about those sincere Chinese Christians who gave their lives for the gospel. Also the seed of the gospel was laid with much suffering from missionaries in the 19th century.
This book is a living record of what has happened and is still happening in China. It is an affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit in Shandong despite growing resurgence of persecution.
August 24, 2019
Learn about the many Chinese heroes of the Christian faith
It is so encouraging and faith-strengthening to read about the faithfulness and steadfastness and sacrifices made by the American and European missionaries throughout the latter half of the 19th and early part of the 20th century. And then the various key people who came to faith and led movements bringing thousands and millions to faith. May this quiet river of faith in China turn into a roar as many tens of millions flood into His kingdom.
It is so encouraging and faith-strengthening to read about the faithfulness and steadfastness and sacrifices made by the American and European missionaries throughout the latter half of the 19th and early part of the 20th century. And then the various key people who came to faith and led movements bringing thousands and millions to faith. May this quiet river of faith in China turn into a roar as many tens of millions flood into His kingdom.
July 7, 2018
This book is a thrilling account of the growth of Christianity in Shandong, China. The author has done extensive research as well as conducted personal interviews. Here you will read the stories of many Christians who served Christ in the most difficult of circumstances.
April 16, 2021
Honestly a sobering and well-researched history. Original documentary history makes this book stand out.
Lost stars due to its "and then everyone was healed and saved and became lifelong believers and went to heaven and found buried treasure" nature of so many of the stories reported as fact...
Lost stars due to its "and then everyone was healed and saved and became lifelong believers and went to heaven and found buried treasure" nature of so many of the stories reported as fact...
May 12, 2018
Most of us have heard about the phenomenal growth of the Church in China over the last century, and we may know that this growth came in the furnace of intense persecution. But how did it all happen?
The China Chronicles series is an ambitious project to document the advance of Christianity in each province of China, decade by decade, from the time the gospel was introduced there to the present day.
Author and friend of the Chinese church Paul Hattaway has spent hundreds of hours interviewing Chinese believers so their stories can be shared and remembered.
Volume One takes us to Shandong Province, home to almost 100 million people. It includes narratives about foreign missionaries (e.g., Lottie Moon) and Chinese movements (the Evangelistic Bands, the Jesus Family), as well as never-before-published testimonies from Chinese church leaders. So inspiring; I loved reading this book.
The China Chronicles series is an ambitious project to document the advance of Christianity in each province of China, decade by decade, from the time the gospel was introduced there to the present day.
Author and friend of the Chinese church Paul Hattaway has spent hundreds of hours interviewing Chinese believers so their stories can be shared and remembered.
Volume One takes us to Shandong Province, home to almost 100 million people. It includes narratives about foreign missionaries (e.g., Lottie Moon) and Chinese movements (the Evangelistic Bands, the Jesus Family), as well as never-before-published testimonies from Chinese church leaders. So inspiring; I loved reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews