China Outreach Ministries

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China Outreach Ministries For more information visit: www.chinaoutreach.org. We offer the gift of Christ's love demonstrated in daily acts of service and taught through the Word of God.

China Outreach Ministries extends Christ's love and truth to Chinese scholars at North American universities by meeting their practical, social, and spiritual needs. China Outreach Ministries has been sharing Christ's love and truth with the Chinese for over 50 years, serving students and scholars from 50 universities. Loving: On university campuses, Chinese students and scholars are far from home, struggling to adjust to their new lives in America, and wanting American friends. Serving: We provide transportation and host families when the Chinese first arrive, welcome them with social activities, offer conversational English classes, and help them with the challenges of living in a new culture. Equipping: Through Bible studies, special speakers and events, and one-on-one conversations, COM workers lead men and women to Christ. Working with volunteers and churches, we provide discipleship training and personal mentoring that help prepare Christian leaders to live out their faith in China and around the world.

10/06/2026

When AI Goes Rogue



Recently, an OpenAI research model escaped the boundaries of its testing environment and launched attacks on another company’s systems. The AI agents found ways around controls, accessed the internet, and took actions on their own without their designers’ authorization.

OpenAI described the incident as a “warning shot.” It raises a sobering question: What happens when increasingly intelligent AI systems begin to act in ways their creators did not intend and cannot control? When AI becomes smarter and more powerful than human beings, humanity may face an existential crisis unlike anything we have ever experienced.

The concern is not simply that AI is becoming more intelligent. It is that intelligence does not necessarily come with values. AI can reason, solve problems, and effectively execute tasks, but it does not love God or love human beings. I sometimes find myself wishing that AI could also be trained to love what is good and honorable and share our values.

But there is a deeper lesson for us as well.

Human beings can also “go rogue.” In fact, Adam and Eve did exactly that. God gave them His good command, but they chose another path. Our greatest problem is not that we lack intelligence, but that we lack godly values and the inclination to follow moral guidance. That is why Paul, knowing our vulnerability, calls us to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Left to our own whims, we too would be doomed to go rogue.

This idea of transformation is also at the heart of our ministry at COM. We work hard to ensure that Chinese students and scholars who return to China take home more than intelligence and technology. We want them to return with faith in Christ, grounded in biblical truth, and shaped by biblical values.

Our world needs intelligence, but far more importantly, it needs intelligence guided by truth, governed by wisdom, and grounded in godly values. Let us encourage one another to be agents of a higher calling—agents of biblical values, bringing the truth, wisdom, and love of Christ into the world around us.

Daniel Su
COM President

08/05/2026

Every Season Is New!

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" — Isaiah 43:18–19

As every season of life begins, it's easy to think, "Here we go again." We settle back into familiar routines, responsibilities, and schedules. For our COM campus staff members, that may mean preparing for a new school semester with airport pickups, orientation events, or welcoming new students. For others, it may be a new job, a new ministry opportunity, or simply the rhythms of daily life. If we're not careful, what is familiar can rob us of joyful expectancy.

But God reminds us, "I am doing a new thing." While our routines may seem unchanged, His work is never repetitive. Every person we meet carries a unique story, different questions, and God-given potential. Some are facing uncertainty. Some are quietly searching for hope. Others are waiting for someone to show them the love of Christ in a tangible way.

What seems ordinary to us may become unforgettable to someone else. A simple conversation, an act of kindness, a shared meal, or an offer of practical help may become the very moment God uses to change a life. We often have no idea how He is working through the small opportunities He places before us.

God rarely accomplishes His greatest work through spectacular moments alone. More often, He works through ordinary acts of faithful service repeated over time. He calls us not to chase excitement but to remain faithful, trusting Him to produce fruit in His perfect timing.

As you enter this new season, ask God to give you fresh eyes, renewed compassion, and expectant faith. Whether you're welcoming new students, serving in your church, caring for your family, or simply living out your daily calling, remember that God is still doing something new through those who faithfully follow Him. Are you ready for God's gracious surprises?

Daniel Su
COM President

07/18/2026

Faith Under Testing

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
—James 1:2–3 (NIV)

This Bible passage reminds my meeting with a pastor who had endured persecution because of his faith. The local authorities raided his church and placed a heavy fine on him. He never sought persecution, nor did he minimize its negative impact. Yet when it came, he embraced it as a test permitted by God. While acknowledging the hardship, he also saw God's gracious purpose. The trial strengthened the faith of sincere believers and purified the church.

Most of us may never face persecution like this. I find it interesting that the Bible says trials come in “many kinds.” Every believer will experience seasons when faith is tested one way or another. It may come through difficult circumstances, strained relationships, life’s uncertainties, health issues, or unexpected loss.

Our natural response is to ask, "Why me?" Maybe we should ask instead, "How does God want to use this in my life?"

We do not need to seek suffering for its own sake. But when God allows trials to enter our lives, we can receive them with confidence that He is at work. He uses them to deepen our trust, refine our character, and draw us closer to Himself. Like gold refined in the fire, genuine faith cannot become stronger without testing.

Whatever challenge you may be facing today, do not lose heart. The God who permits the trial is also merciful; He walks with us throughout the journey. Let’s trust Him to accomplish His good purpose for our lives.

Daniel Su
COM President

06/11/2026

New Balance

Beth and I were once hiking on a rocky trail here in Pennsylvania when I noticed that each time we stepped onto a new rock, there was a brief moment of wobbling, and we struggled to find new balance. The rocky trail required constant adjustment.

As I reflected on that experience, it occurred to me that life often works the same way.

The shoe company New Balance built its name around the idea of helping people achieve better balance. Spiritually speaking, every new season of life requires us to find new balance. A job change, retirement, a health challenge, an unexpected discovery, or a change in family circumstances can leave us feeling unsteady. What worked for us yesterday may not work today. We are suddenly facing a new reality.

Yet, as in hiking, we cannot move forward in life without first accepting and adapting to new circumstances. Growth requires change, and change often requires new balance. The good news is that God walks with us through every transition.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." —Joshua 1:9

To transition is not a sign of weakness; it is evidence that we are moving forward and embracing the future. Understandably, each step into a new season may bring a moment of uncertainty, but God is with us in each step we take.

A pair of New Balance shoes may provide more cushion, but only God walks with us through life's twists and turns. He is there for us when the path is smooth and when it becomes rocky.

So, if you find yourself wobbling a bit today, could it be that God is leading you to a new place, helping you find new balance for the journey ahead? If yes, let’s trust him with your next step, and he will provide the footing you need.


Daniel Su
COM President

05/27/2026

Fruit or Nut?

For years, I thought almonds were nuts. Most people do. Then one day, our doctor explained to us that almonds are technically the seed of a fruit from the almond tree.

This wasn't an academic exercise for us. Because our younger son has a life-threatening nut allergy, the "fruit or nut" question was far from trivial. Yet there we were one evening, nervously opening a jar of almond butter.

As our son took his first bite, the room went dead silent. EpiPen in hand, I stared at him like an anxious scientist examining a high-stakes lab result. Seconds ticked by. Then, he smiled. No allergic reaction! He was completely fine! In that moment, we marveled at the irony: the very thing we had spent years avoiding as a deadly nut turned out to be a delicious fruit.

That experience made me think about Christians. I began to wonder, if people knew us well enough, would they describe us as fruit … or as nuts?

Scripture speaks highly of fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is Christlike character demonstrated through love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Fruit nourishes people and gives life. Fruit is attractive because it reflects healthy roots.

Nuts, on the other hand, are hard with tough shells. Difficult to crack. Often dry. And unfortunately, even Christians can become that way too.

It is possible to spend years around the church and slowly become rigid, defensive, overly serious, and defined more by our opinions than by our life in Christ. We may know doctrine well and still struggle to show gentleness or humility. We may defend truth while lacking love and compassion. We may become more committed to sounding theologically correct than to growing more Christlike.

Would a harsh and joyless Christianity draw people to Christ? I’m afraid not. No wonder the Bible speaks so favorably about bearing good fruit. Jesus taught that people are recognized “by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16–20). The world is waiting to see the character of Christ through us—not merely our religious correctness.

So as followers of Christ, let's ask ourselves: Are we becoming more fruitful? When interacting with people around us, do they see Christ in us?

Let us humbly draw close to Christ. And by His grace, may we become a little more fruity and a little less nutty.

Daniel Su
COM President

03/30/2026

Faithful in Small Things?

I read about a powerful commencement speech by Admiral William H. McRaven at the University of Texas years ago. I was intrigued, so I watched it recently online. He shared a foundational lesson from his 36 years as a Navy SEAL. I wanted to share it with you because I think his perspectives have significant implications for our ministry.

The most memorable line of Admiral McRaven’s talk was this: "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed!" He explained that, practically speaking, this first task provides a sense of pride and momentum at the beginning of a day. What’s more important is his statement that "If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never do the big things right."

For those of us serving Chinese students on campuses, ministry often feels like a series of “little things”—picking up students at the airport, answering questions about the Bible, or responding to everyday curiosities like, “Why do Americans drive on parkways and park on driveways?” or deeper questions such as, “Is the U.S. functioning and acting like a Christian nation today, if it ever was?”

In the rush of ministry, such little things can feel insignificant and small. Yet in God’s kingdom, nothing is truly small. As the Bible reminds us in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” These quiet, everyday acts are not distractions from ministry—they are part of it!

Experience shows that Chinese students often remember how we live and conduct ourselves far more vividly than what we say. In this way, the Gospel is not only taught—it is caught through the integrity of our daily lives. When we are faithful in small things, we practice a quiet stewardship that others observe, even when we are unaware.

These disciplines can become the foundation for lasting spiritual impact. What is done in private, seen fully by God, shapes an authentic witness that can gently guide someone on their journey to faith in Christ. So let us be faithful in the small things, trusting that God uses them for far greater purposes than we can see.

Daniel Su
COM President

02/17/2026

What Do You See When
Punxsutawney Phil
Sees Only His Shadow?

On February 2, 2026, thousands of brave souls gathered in the freezing cold at Gobbler’s K**b in western Pennsylvania to consult one of America’s most famous “prophets”: Punxsutawney Phil. With great ceremony, Phil was lifted from his burrow. He glanced around, and—according to his handlers—saw his shadow. The verdict? Six more weeks of winter!

I have a soft spot for this tradition. About twenty years ago, I was actually in Punxsutawney myself speaking in a church there. I remember walking down a street corner and seeing Phil—not in the spotlight, not surrounded by fans—but sitting alone quietly behind the window. Just a groundhog going about his ordinary day. It was a humorous reminder of how much meaning we place on something never meant to bear that weight.

As charming as Phil is, the truth is his predictions are famously unreliable. His accuracy rate hovers around 35–39%, worse than a coin toss. Yet every year, people still hope he’ll tell them what’s coming next.

If we’re honest, we do the same. We long for signs, forecasts, and guarantees—especially in seasons of uncertainty. Many of us face real questions about health, finances, jobs, relationships, and so on. We want clarity.

Scripture points us to a better foundation:
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

God does not read shadows. He does not guess. He knows the future because He holds the future—and He holds us in His hands.

Whatever your circumstances, life itself is full of uncertainties. You are not simply lucky or unlucky—this is true for all of us in our shared human experience. As followers of Christ, we want to trust Him, even when the path ahead feels unclear. Our confidence is in the faithful God who walks with us into whatever comes next.

And that’s far better news than any groundhog could ever deliver.


Daniel Su
COM President

01/19/2026

The Road Not Planned

Do you hate detours? Love them? Honestly—who does? Detours interrupt our plans and take us places we didn’t choose. Most of us would rather stay on our planned route. And yet, as the new year begins, I am reminded that detours can sometimes become blessings in disguise.

Beth and I were once traveling with a clear destination in mind when an unexpected road closure forced us to take a detour. Reluctantly, we followed the signs. Along the way, we noticed a small park and decided to stop briefly. We found ourselves enjoying a peaceful river view, and we hiked along the river. Nearby stood a quiet little church with a simple plaque telling the story of its founding—a testimony of faith, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness through its ups and downs. What began as an inconvenience became an adventure.

As I reflect on this detour, I realize that by nature, we resist detours in life. We prefer control and our own plans. Yet life does not always respect our preferences, and God seems to have his own ideas. For us followers of Christ, we need to follow him, regardless of the path he chooses. That means giving him room to interrupt our routes and redirect our steps. Faith allows God to lead us to places and experiences we did not plan for. One day when we look back, we will recognize the detour he leads us on is what’s meant to be.

Scripture reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8–9).


As we enter this new year, may we trust God enough to follow him and embrace the unexpected—even when he takes us on a detour—believing that his ways, though different and puzzling, will turn out to be always higher and always good.

Daniel Su
COM President

12/17/2025

The Christmas Story
That Still Sends Us Today

At this time of year, we often find ourselves busy—shopping for gifts, rushing through crowded malls, and hearing songs like “Here Comes Santa Claus” playing in the background. In the midst of the noise and activity, it is fair to wonder: at Christmas, where is Christ? Sometimes He can be pushed to the edges, even during the season that bears His name. Scripture reminds us of the central message of Christmas: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Christmas calls us back to the moment when God entered history in humility. The birth of Jesus was not a sentimental event meant only to create warm feelings. It was the decisive beginning of God’s rescue mission. The child laid in a manger was born with a clear purpose: to save His people from their sins.

As followers of Christ, the message we carry today is the same message first announced to shepherds in the fields—good news of great joy for all people. God has not changed His plan; in fact, He has called us to be part of His plan.

As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that our work flows directly from that holy night. The world is still in darkness, yet the Light has already come. Our task is not to create a new message, but to faithfully proclaim the One whose mission began at the very first Christmas.

We continue the mission for which Christ was born—“Go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.”

Daniel Su
COM President

Address

555 Gettysburg Pike, Ste A200
Mechanicsburg, PA
17055

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

(717) 591-3500

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