China's Christian Millions

Having lived in Hong Kong during the 1980s and visited in China, I was eager to read Tony Lambert's book. I was not disappointed, particularly with the updated version. Since Chinese history is so internally volatile, it is important to be aware of the timeframe of any information related to the church in China. When I compared the updated version to the original, I was struck with the importance of the update which renders the original really outdated and much less useful.

This is a very interesting book that has a lot of detailed information on the monumental growth of Christianity in China. Another book I'd suggest is 'The Heavenly Man' by Brother Yun, for more information on China's church.

Lambert knows whereof he speaks. He is an experienced China hand, with direct knowledge of God's Church in China. Much of the information he reports apparently comes from his years of experience with China Inland Missions (now Overseas Missionary Fellowship). Ihave also read 'Jesus in Beijing" by David Aikman. Both are highly recomended reading for persons, especially Christians, wishing to learn how God is working in China. Of the two, I found Lambert a bit easier, and more personal to read. The province-by-province summaries at the end of the book are useful and interesting to those familiar with areas of China. He gives a fair and balanced treatment of the Three-Self churches and the house churches. Like Aikman, he has a leaning to the house churches. But probably most evangelical Christians would have the same leaning. (I have worshiped in a Three-Self church and found that one friendly and evangelical.)A good book with lots of personal, first-hand reports of faith and persecution.