In Shenzhen, a city dominated by marketing and fast-paced lifestyles, the incense at Xixiang Beidi Ancient Temple has unexpectedly drawn large crowds. Word of mouth on social media has turned this centuries-old temple into a "spiritual recharge station" for young urbanites. For a modest fee of 10 yuan, visitors receive a fortune slip, attracting scores of people aged 20 to 40—especially young women. On weekends, hundreds line up, keeping fortune-tellers so busy that they barely have time to eat.
What are these young people seeking? Mostly career guidance and romantic fulfillment—two persistent pressures of contemporary urban life. They chase KPIs in office towers and look for stability in personal relationships. When stress mounts and confusion arises, they seek a place for answers and comfort. Some arrive with no material lack, yet still ask "how to live better," often leaving with a wish for health—a reflection of souls longing to be seen and soothed.
As a church pastor observing this trend, I am struck by the fact that when anxiety and uncertainty arrive, people instinctively look for an emotional refuge. This very human need is precisely what the church is called to address.
These young visitors are rarely seeking the literal fortunes on a slip. What they truly desire is certainty amid the unknown, guidance through confusion, and solace for weary hearts. They long to be understood—to have someone hear the struggles of office life, the uncertainties of relationships, and the restless desire to be "better." It is this yearning that faith can answer.
What can the church offer?
First, provide a welcoming space for listening. The goal is not immediate preaching, but patient, attentive presence. Within church walls, we can create corners where weary souls can drop their masks and speak openly, sharing work pressures and romantic uncertainties, knowing someone truly listens.
Second, share the enduring wisdom of faith. Unlike the fleeting reassurance of a fortune slip, faith provides lasting strength—calmness amid career fluctuations, confidence in navigating relationships, and understanding that "perfection" is not flawlessness but embracing life and oneself in God's grace. By communicating faith in relatable, everyday ways, young people can see that it is not a distant doctrine but a guiding presence in daily life.
Finally, cultivate a supportive community. Urban isolation often magnifies anxiety, and the church can become a bridge—connecting those with similar struggles, fostering encouragement, and reminding everyone that they are not facing life's challenges alone.
Incense may burn bright at the temple, and fortune slips may seem "accurate," but their comfort is temporary. Faith offers eternal hope—a steady home for wandering hearts.
May our churches become havens for today's youth, where souls searching amid uncertainty find true peace and direction.
(The article was originally published by the Gospel Times, and the author is a pastor in Guangdong.)
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
