In my last article, I mentioned that I would address how I improved my Chinese listening ability. To expand on that thought and also help you understand more about my language learning process in general, let me start off by explaining that I chose the self-study route. I understand that many people go to universities, academies, or language schools, but I believe it is important to know yourself enough to choose which option suits you best. I personally knew that self-study would more than likely be the best option. I also knew that I wanted to do anything to avoid the classroom environment. Nothing says incredibly boring like studying in a classroom.

Having said that, if you choose to self-study a language, it is imperative that you can effectively evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in order to spend your time wisely and effectively. For example, if your weakness is listening, you need to be able to recognize this and address it. The same can be said for speaking, reading, etc. No matter how good you are at recognizing your own strengths and weaknesses, you still need external feedback from a native speaker. Also, you will depend on a native speaker for MANY things in relation to your communication in the new language. I will touch on this in a future post.

I was around a year and a half into my language learning journey when I began to realize that my listening ability was very poor. I could speak fairly well, but my listening was stunting my progress. I decided to look for new ways to improve when I stumbled upon a YouTube Chinese learning sensation named Will Hart and another guy named Teddy, who both learned Chinese from the comfort of their own homes. They had never traveled to China, and yet their Chinese was incredibly fluent. I studied their methods, which were very similar and required tons of listening and reviewing using an app called ANKI (along with some other browser plug-ins). I began this process and continued for the next 6 months. This greatly improved both my listening and, in turn, my speaking, as I was able to carry conversations more naturally for a longer period of time.

Thanks for taking the time to read #2 in this series, which covers my Chinese learning journey! I hope something I write can help someone aspiring to become a messenger of the Kingdom of God in another language.

So a couple of key takeaways from this article,
#1 Recognize what method of learning suits you best (ie. classroom, self-study, mixture of both)
#2 If you choose self-study, be prepared to continually evaluate your needs and adjust how you spend your time accordingly.

City of the Month - Harbin 哈尔滨

Harbin is a major city in northeast China, with a metropolitan population of over 10 million, predominantly Han Chinese (over 93%), but also home to significant Manchu, Korean, Hui, and Mongol minorities

Why You Should Consider Giving Up Your Life in America to Plant Churches in Harbin, China

Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If you’re a young man or woman who loves Christ and desires to live for something greater than yourself, it’s time to ask a bold question:

What if God is calling you to go to Harbin, China?

Below are reasons why this northern Chinese city may be exactly where the Lord wants you to pour out your life for the sake of the gospel.

The Gospel Is Still Largely Unknown in Harbin

Though official numbers suggest a small but growing Christian population in China, only 3–5% of Chinese people identify as Christians, and even fewer truly understand the biblical gospel of salvation by grace through faith.

Many people in Harbin have never heard the clear message that Jesus Christ paid for their sins, that salvation is not earned but freely given. You could be the one to bring them that message for the first time.

Religion Without Redemption: A Cultural Christianity

In Harbin, the idea of Christianity is often more cultural than transformational. Many registered churches are influenced—if not controlled—by state pressures to conform their teaching to government-approved content.

As a result, the message of grace is often watered down, distorted, or omitted altogether. People may hear about Jesus but never understand the saving power of the cross. What they need is not just religion—they need redemption.

A Unique Spiritual Opportunity in a Crossroads City

Harbin’s rich history as a meeting place between East and West has produced a city that is more open and diverse than many other places in China. This offers a rare and strategic window for gospel conversations in an environment that is curious, not closed.

The door may not stay open forever. Now is the time.

A Field Ripe for True Discipleship

Local believers in Harbin often have limited access to sound doctrine and biblical teaching. Many are hungry for truth but lack guidance. A missionary with a solid foundation in Scripture and a heart for discipleship can strengthen the body of Christ from within, helping believers understand salvation by grace and equipping them to share it.

If you go, you're not going alone—you’re going to build and equip the Church that already exists, however scattered and quiet it may be.

Reaching the Unreached Among Ethnic Minorities

Harbin is home to several ethnic minority groups—Manchu, Korean, Hui, Mongol, and others—many of whom have never heard the gospel in a way they can understand and embrace.

If you're willing to learn their language, live among them, and love them as Christ loves them, you could be the first person to bring them the hope of eternal life.

Harbin Needs Underground Churches Rooted in the Gospel

Because of government restrictions, the only way to faithfully preach the gospel and disciple believers in Harbin is through unregistered, underground churches. These gatherings may be small, hidden, and simple—but they are powerful when filled with believers committed to the truth of God's Word.

The call is not glamorous. It will involve sacrifice, hardship, and risk. But what a glorious thing—to see souls saved, lives changed, and biblical churches planted in the shadow of opposition.

Will You Go?

“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” — Mark 8:34

The comforts of America are temporary. The souls in Harbin are eternal. Christ is worthy of your life.

If you’re young, grounded in the Word, and burdened for the lost, don’t wait for perfect conditions. There will never be a "safe" time to follow Christ into the hard places. But there is a right time, and that time may be now.

Harbin is calling. Will you go?