In April 2025, some 150 pastors, theologians, and ministry practitioners from around the world gathered in Toronto for the first-ever Chinese Diaspora Network Consultation, CDNC 2025.

The vision for the consultation was birthed out of a Lausanne Global Diaspora Network Consultation that took place on Jeju Island, South Korea in August 2023. A task team was formed to carry the vision forward, with several OMF leaders and practitioners from different centres involved from that early stage. OMF Canada was represented by Rev C.Y. Yan, Director of Connections East Asia.

The main goals of the CDNC were established:

• Connect Chinese diaspora church leaders, scholars, and mission practitioners across generations and regions.
• Catalyze theological reflection, missiological collaboration, and innovative ministry responses to the unique challenges and opportunities within Chinese diaspora communities.
• Co-Create a future vision and working partnerships that respond faithfully to God’s calling among the Chinese scattered across nations.

After 20 months of careful and prayerful planning, the vision became a reality. The first-ever CDNC was held at Toronto Christian Community Church in Markham April 22-25.

Diaspora ministry leaders and practitioners of Chinese heritage came from varied ministries in different parts of the world to present and listen, and to learn from papers written specifically for the consultation.

“It was an eye-opener,” says C.Y., “to see the variety, breadth and depth of diaspora ministries that the Lord has been doing through these leaders and practitioners.”

OMF Global Ambassador Dr. Patrick Fung was a keynote speaker. Through Patrick and others, the delegates came away reassured of the Lord’s will and purpose behind the scattering of people all over the world. God in his sovereign will has scattered them—sometimes under tragic circumstances in human eyes—only to gather them into his kingdom, and to scatter them again—to be a blessing to the people around them, wherever they are.

Organizers are already planning for CDNC 2027, which will be held in Asia to draw in more Asia-based Chinese diaspora ministry leaders and practitioners.

C.Y. concludes: “May he roll out his purpose and will even more clearly and powerfully as the Chinese Diaspora Network continues to grow in number and gain in strength!”

To learn more about the Chinese Diaspora Network, contact C.Y. Yan at cy.yan@omfmail.com.