"We have been afforded an unprecedented opportunity to impact people for Christ," said Dallas Seminary President Dr. Mark Bailey speaking in the news release. "Chinese is the most spoken language in the world and the second most common language on the Internet. We can reach developing leaders in one of the largest countries in the world—and one with a rapidly growing Christian community."

What makes the program unique is its use of flash-based video in an interactive classroom setting. Dallas Seminary is the only American seminary to offer such a program, said Mark Yarbrough, executive director of communications and online education, commenting in the news release. Two courses are available for fall enrollment with five more coming online next spring. Eventually 20 classes will be offered, allowing the student to complete his or her Certificate of Graduate Studies, or the equivalent of the first year of any degree program at the seminary.

The classes are available in traditional and simplified Chinese scripting, Yarbrough said. Students may also alternate between Chinese and English which assists in gaining English proficiency. Students are required to meet the seminary's admission requirements and to agree with the Dallas Seminary doctrinal statement. Scholarships are available for those in need.

Additionally, Dr. Bailey said, small groups of Dallas Seminary professors have been traveling to China each semester to provide training on everything from leadership development to Christian education, worship and preaching.

"These are exciting days as we see God open the door to impact the future of tens of millions of Chinese Christians," Bailey said.

The 83-year-old Dallas Seminary is one of the largest non-denominational seminaries in the world, with more than 11,000 alumni serving in 96 countries.

For more information go to www.dts.edu

Jeremy Reynalds is a freelance writer and the founder and director of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org or http://www.christianity.com/joyjunction. He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Homeless in the City: A Call to Service." Additional details about "Homeless" are available at http://www.HomelessBook.com He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@comcast.net. Tel: (505) 877-6967 or (505) 400-7145. Note: A higher resolution JPEG picture of Jeremy Reynalds is available on request from Dan Wooding at danjuma1@aol.com.