Faith Between Two Cultures – Hope for the Second Generation
If you’ve ever stood in a retreat centre surrounded by over 100 teenagers and young adults, all jumping and singing to God on Easter morning, then you know something special is happening. That’s what it was like at this year’s Youth Easter Camp (JOC) for the Chinese-German second generation. It wasn’t just a camp—it was a space to breathe fresh air, to encounter God, and to take new steps of faith.
This second generation—young people with Chinese heritage growing up in Germany—are scattered across the country. They’ve been raised between two cultures: the often achievement-oriented expectations of their families and the freedom-centered, Western culture around them. It’s no surprise, then, that many don’t feel fully understood in traditional Chinese churches, yet also struggle to feel at home in German church communities. Christian events that truly speak to their experiences are rare. That’s why the JOC exists.
For many, the JOC is a spiritual turning point. Some only came this year because their parents signed them up—but by the time they left four days later, they had formed friendships, experienced God’s presence, or, for the first time, realized that their faith can be relevant and dependable in everyday life. One participant put it simply but powerfully in the feedback form: “It changed my life.”
One especially moving part of the camp was a workshop on “Finding a Partner and Dating,” which we led with another missionary. Together with the participants, we explored questions such as: What is God’s vision and purpose for marriage? How do I know when I’m ready to marry? How do I choose the right partner? What does dating look like for a Christian? We were surprised by how attentively the 31 participants—ages 16 to 25—listened, reflected personally, and asked deep questions. One exercise asked them to rank the qualities they hoped to find in a future spouse by importance. Most agreed that a strong faith is the foundation of a healthy marriage, and that character maturity is essential in choosing a partner. 
Across Germany, several missionaries support these young people and help make the annual camp possible. However, offering spiritual guidance in everyday life is much more difficult, since we’re all spread out geographically. Still, the missionaries are united in the conviction that we must actively work on a path forward. The first participants of the camp are no longer teens—they’re starting their careers and entering married life. Right now, there are no spiritual programs that meet the needs of this age group. Some participants, who have since become reliable volunteers, already have some great ideas about what the future could look like.
As missionaries, we’re asking ourselves: How should we continue to walk alongside them in the years to come? How can we support their growth and maturity in faith? We’re in ongoing conversations and prayer, hoping that with God’s help—and together with the youth—we can lay solid groundwork for the years ahead. The need is growing every year, and God is calling us to be companions and role models for these young people.
