Marking the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the first Protestant missionary Robert Morrison in China, Ambassadors for Christ (AFC) is hosting Chinese Mission Convention (CMC) 2007.

Set on Dec. 26-30 next year, CMC 2007 is going to be held in the greater Philadelphia region with the theme "I cannot, but God can!" The triennial conference aims to "motivate and mobilize all Chinese and non-Chinese Christian of their calling as Ambassadors for Christ in all walks of life through instruction, inspiration, intercession, and involvement," stated AFC on its website.

There is a great significance for the 2007’s conference as it coincides with the 200th anniversary since the first Protestant missionary Robert Morrison arrived in Macau in 1807 to preach the Gospel to Chinese. The theme has taken a very famous quote from Morrison, which demonstrates his faith on his path of pioneering China.

According to AFC, during Morrison’s journey to China, a steamship captain jeered him as saying "You think you can change these people who are steeped in their own culture and religion for 4000 years!?" To which Morrison gave his now famous reply, "I cannot, but God can!"

Recalling the quote of Morrison, AFC wishes Chinese Christians today will inherit his faith. It desires to see "Chinese Christians as a vital missionary force for God’s Kingdom, rising up to fulfill the great commission in reaching Chinese, non-Chinese, and unreached people groups," AFC said in a statement.

The audience is expected to consist of three different groups: a growing number of young English speaking America born Chinese, Chinese speaking overseas born Chinese, and non-Chinese Christians who seek to reach Chinese for Christ.

Meanwhile, the CMC 2007 Planning Committee has already established with Elder Yu Muh-Chieh from Rutgers Community Christian Church in New Jersey as the chairman. James Hudson Taylor III, the great grand son of the founder of Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF), is invited as one of the key speakers. Dr Choong Chee Pang, Dr Philemon Choi, Rev Paul Shen, Zhiming Yuan, Dr.Ron Cline and Minister Michele Rickett are the other speakers.

AFC CMC plays a very important role in promoting the vision of world missions and encouraging believers to dedicate themselves to the Great commission among Chinese churches in North America. Every three years, around 1500 -2000 people attend the event. The last conference in 2004, 1500 participants came from 12 countries around the world and 33 states in the U.S. 70 young people dedicated themselves to the Lord and another 60 attendants responded to the Great Commission.