I grew up in a small rural town in North Georgia. The only time I encountered Chinese characters was at our local Chinese restaurant, where a few were used as decorations on the walls. Looking back, I know it might be inappropriate, but the sounds of Chinese were so foreign to us that we used to joke, "How do Chinese people name their children?" The punchline: "They throw pots and pans against the wall to see what sound they make." I hope this gives you an idea of my original concept of the Chinese language.

For some people, their language-learning journey begins with a deep interest in a culture or a desire to connect with a particular group of people. That wasn’t the case for me. Honestly, I had no interest in learning a new language, especially Chinese, until I felt called to share the Gospel with the Chinese people. Before that, learning Chinese wasn’t even on my radar until God called me to leave my job and go to China with the gospel.

For two years, I traveled across the country with a family of six, including four small children. You might think that all that time spent on the road and in the car would have been the perfect opportunity to get a head start on learning Chinese, but I honestly had no idea where to begin. When I asked others who had already learned Chinese for advice, it felt like they had forgotten the process themselves. They’d say things like, “Just listen to it all the time,” as though constantly hearing unfamiliar sounds would somehow make a difference. Eventually, I decided to wait until I got to Taiwan to start learning.

I now live in Taiwan and have just reached the two year mark of my Chinese learning journey. Now, after two years of learning, you’re probably wondering, “How’s your Chinese?” To be honest, I’m not sure how to even explain my level. And to be even more honest, I don’t care about my "level." Here’s something I’ve learned along the way: tests really don’t matter. I meet people in Taiwan all the time with great English test scores, yet their English is terrible. Some of them are even English teachers! The same goes for any language. Until recently I had never tested my language in any way. It wasn’t until an organization I am with requested it, that I took a test. I understand my organization may require it but for all real intents and purposes, tests mean NOTHING.

Let me make something clear before we go any further: language is meant to be spoken. What do I mean by that? There are many different methods for learning a second language, but if we lose sight of the fact that language is primarily spoken, we might learn the theory behind it and pass tests, but we’ll still sound like those people with high test scores who can barely communicate in English.

This brings me to what I believe is the most important aspect of language learning: attitude. From day one, you must make a firm decision that I WILL learn the language.

"When I arrived, I began with a series of lessons, primarily focused on drills that use a set of sentences and swap out a few different words for repetition. This technique is often referred to as a 'substitution drill' or 'drill substitution practice.'" I fumbled through this for around 9 months and because most of my time learning was speaking, my listening quickly fell behind (I will cover how I faced this challenge in future articles) The best thing about the technique I used at first is that it has helped my spoken Chinese tremendously and worked as a great foundation for pronunciation. Of course, as my Chinese improved, the entire time wasn’t just spent on reading aloud a lesson but also chatting with my language helper. This helped tremendously as well.

Living in a Chinese-speaking environment certainly helped as well, but there were still plenty of pitfalls to avoid. One of the biggest challenges was other English speakers. I made a point to avoid them as much as possible. If you decide to learn a language in a foreign country, you’ll likely face the same situation. Anyone who speaks English sees you as an opportunity to practice their skills.

This brings me to what I believe is the most important aspect of language learning: attitude. From day one, you must make a firm decision that I WILL learn the language. At every turn, you'll encounter excuses telling you it's okay not to focus on language learning as much. But your goal should be to sound like a native speaker.

Plenty of people—especially other language learners—will tell you that you’ll never sound like a native speaker in your second language. Don’t believe them. Keep waking up every day knowing that you will reach your goal…after all, you didn’t give yourself another option!

Thanks for reading PART 1 of my language learning Series. I look forward to the next few months of writing about this necessary step as a church-planting missionary!

City of The Month - Shijiazhuang 石家庄

Preaching the Gospel in Shijiazhuang, China

Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province, is a city of great potential—great challenges, yet also great opportunity. It’s a place that often goes unnoticed in the grand narrative of China’s vast urban sprawl, yet its people are no less in need of the Gospel than those in the more well-known cities. In fact, the city’s rapid development, its blend of industrial and cultural dynamics, and its proximity to Beijing create a unique environment for the work of God’s Kingdom. And perhaps, God is calling you to be the one to go.

The Need in Shijiazhuang

With a population of over 4.4 million people, Shijiazhuang stands as a vibrant, bustling city in northern China, surrounded by a rich historical and cultural backdrop. Yet, despite its size, the city’s spiritual landscape remains largely untapped. Christianity is a minority faith in Hebei Province, and even more so in the city itself. Though the city has seen growth in its Christian population, the Church is still struggling against government restrictions, cultural barriers, and the growing pressures of secularism.

This is where you come in.

A City of Opportunity

Shijiazhuang is a city of contrasts. While the air is thick with pollution, the hearts of its people are still searching for meaning, for hope, for something greater than themselves. The opportunities are ripe for the Gospel to take root, especially as younger generations in China are increasingly open to new ideas. A hunger for truth, for purpose, exists, even in the midst of an industrialized, secular environment.

The growing interest in Christianity among the Chinese people is undeniable. Though the government tightly controls religious practices, unregistered house churches are still vibrant, underground beacons of hope and faith. Christians are beginning to meet in private homes, universities, and parks, yearning for spiritual community and the transformative message of Jesus Christ. And God is raising up workers to enter these fields. Could you be one of them?

The Call to Surrender

Jesus' command in Matthew 28 was clear: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” This is not merely a call for the privileged few—it’s a call for you, right now. Shijiazhuang may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of mission work, but it is a place that desperately needs the Gospel. The city’s economic development, its proximity to key political centers, and its role in shaping the future of China make it a strategic location for ministry.

However, with this call comes sacrifice. You will face cultural differences, language barriers, and government restrictions. You may encounter opposition, legal risks, and isolation. But remember, the same Jesus who commissioned you has promised to be with you always—“lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20).

Think of the missionaries who have gone before you: Robert Morrison, Hudson Taylor, and countless others who faced immense challenges but were used powerfully by God to transform lives. The Gospel flourished in China despite immense difficulties, and today, God continues to work in miraculous ways. Will you surrender your life to join this mission?

God’s Promise

In the face of these challenges, let us not forget the promise of Christ. As He sent His disciples to the ends of the earth, He didn’t send them alone—He went with them. And He will go with you, too. There is power in the Gospel to break down every barrier—cultural, linguistic, or political. And as you go, remember that God is not only using you to change the lives of others, but He is shaping your own life in ways you can’t yet imagine.

God is raising up a generation of young men who will be bold enough to answer the call. Shijiazhuang may seem like a hard city, but it is a city that is crying out for hope. You can be the one to carry that hope to its people. This is your chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself, to be part of God’s Kingdom advancing in a land that desperately needs His truth.

Your Next Steps

If you feel that God is calling you to Shijiazhuang, take the first steps in preparation. Begin learning Mandarin, study the culture, and seek out connections with other missionaries and believers in the region. Pray for courage and clarity, and trust that God will lead you.

This is not a journey of personal glory, but a path of obedience to the One who gave His life for you. You may face struggles, but the reward is eternal. Surrender your life for the city of Shijiazhuang, and let the Gospel of Jesus Christ transform lives, just as it has transformed yours.

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” – Isaiah 6:8 (KJV)

Will you say yes?

My Email: 4Him4Them@proton.me