East Asia is a complex tapestry of people, languages, culture, and ancient histories woven through five diverse countries.

Centuries of dynasties enriched with cultural traditions and wise proverbs seem to fade into newsprint as factories, commerce, and higher education characterize twenty-first-century China. Though the past fades, it still influences current Chinese society.
Booklet preview: Although China is considered the world’s largest atheist country, about two-thirds of its people engage in some religious practice each year, mostly Buddhism or ancestor worship.

Generally speaking, Japan remains secluded from the gospel because of its culture of conformity. The Japanese are taught from a young age to blend in, not to stand out. Making a decision to step out of Shintoism and Buddhism, the two predominant religions in Japan, is an invitation for criticism and social exclusion.
Booklet preview: About one percent of Japanese claim to be Christian, but half or fewer of those are evangelical. Many believers are older than age sixty.

In the land of Genghis Khan, strength and a warrior spirit have reigned through the centuries. Although Mongolia is a predominantly Buddhist country, its Christian population has exploded since 1990 when there were only about forty known believers. Now, there are an estimated 60,000 believers who make up 500 churches.
Booklet preview: Mongolia sends more international missionaries per Christian than any other country—one for every 222 Christ-following Mongolians.

South Korea is largely a bustling center of commerce and an Asian missions-sending giant. The nation’s sent-out ones have taken the gospel to places Westerners can’t go. South Korean missionaries number around 28,000 and span many denominations and missions-sending organizations.
Booklet preview: The Korean Baptist Foreign Mission Board has nearly 700 missionaries serving in more than forty countries or people groups around the world.

Taiwan emerged onto the global scene after the Chinese civil war when thousands of Han Chinese escaped. Only 4 percent of Taiwan’s population claims to be Christian, and most of them live in the capital. Unfortunately, many rural areas have a weak gospel presence.
Booklet preview: Keeping the spirits of deceased ancestors happy ensures one’s peace and prosperity. Because filial piety is so strong in Taiwan, children often refrain from becoming Christians until after their parents die.

Download Introducing East Asian Peoples booklet to learn more about how the gospel meets the culture in these five places. Booklet highlights include:

• Barriers and bridges to the gospel in each location
• Religious, economic, and social demographics
• An in-depth look at East Asia’s predominant religions
• Why cities are the new frontier for the gospel
• Unreached people groups information
• How you can connect with East Asians at home and abroad