We give thanks to God for His grace and guidance as the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington (CCCGW) celebrates 66 years of blessings! The church traces its origins to a Bible study group formed by Christian students from Hong Kong and Taiwan. It was officially established on August 31, 1958, with the first Sunday worship service held at 5709 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C., under the name "Washington Mandarin Worship Hall"—the first Mandarin-speaking congregation in the greater Washington area. In 1969, the church acquired its current location, and by March 1971, the building was completed and renamed "Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington." Since then, the church has faithfully witnessed God's grace, served believers, and spread the gospel.
On Sunday, September 8, CCCGW celebrated its 66th anniversary with a special worship service filled with praise, prayer, and the preaching of God’s Word. This year also marks the 10th pastoral anniversary of Pastor Daniel Zhao of the Chinese congregation, adding even deeper significance to the event. Through Pastor Zhao’s decade of faithful ministry, the church has grown stronger in faith and continues to experience God’s abundant grace and blessings.
As we reflect on these 66 years, our hearts are full of gratitude. Despite the trials, challenges, and temptations the church has faced, God's grace has sustained us. His guiding hand has always been upon us, leading the church through difficult times. Together, the congregation has worked in unity to grow the ministry and expand outreach efforts. From airport pick-up services for Chinese students to various "Happiness Group" activities, the church has actively shared God’s love and truth. Through the selfless dedication of our brothers and sisters, the church has become a living testimony of Christ’s love, bringing the gospel into more lives. Over the years, whether through the expansion of church facilities, the development of pastoral care, or navigating societal changes, the church has remained steadfast in God’s Word and found joy in following His lead. As Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." Every step of the church’s journey has displayed God’s grace and faithfulness.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the church was forced to suspend in-person gatherings for over a year and a half. Traditional forms of worship and fellowship were heavily restricted, yet God’s face never turned away from us. His hand continued to bless us, and the hearts of the congregation remained fervent for Him. Through online Bible studies, worship services, devotionals, and prayer meetings, the church provided spiritual, emotional, and relational support during the pandemic. At the same time, we reached out to serve the vulnerable, demonstrating Christ’s love in tangible ways. Even in the most challenging times, the congregation remained united in faith and committed to spreading the gospel. By God’s grace, around 20 people have been baptized each year, showing the unstoppable growth of the gospel and the enduring faithfulness of our Lord. Since the resumption of in-person worship in August 2021, attendance has grown to nearly 200, and Bible study groups have gradually resumed in-person meetings, with some incorporating a hybrid format. Longtime member Marshall Lih shared with joy and gratitude: "Through online gatherings, we’ve been able to transcend distances and share the gospel with people around the world. God’s grace is truly amazing!"
As we commemorate the church’s 66th anniversary and Pastor Daniel Zhao’s 10th pastoral anniversary, the church has prepared a special celebration with abundant refreshments, a free Love Feast, and a custom-made anniversary cake to mark these two important milestones.
At this 66-year milestone, we are not only thankful for God’s blessings in the past, but also look forward to the future with hope. This year, the church has chosen the theme, "From Faith to Living Out Faith", encouraging us to continue finding joy in God, loving Him, others, the church, and actively advancing the gospel. The mission of the church remains clear: "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19). We pray that God will continue to help us remain steadfast in faith and become the light and salt of this generation, leading more people to know the salvation of Jesus Christ.
Sister Kelly Kong, who joined the church two years ago, shared her thoughts: "I thank the Lord for allowing someone as undeserving as me to partake in His glory and grace. Though I don’t know everything this church has been through in the past 66 years, I know that the pierced hands of Jesus have always upheld you, me, and everyone here. His Spirit has continually guided us to walk with Him."
To God be all the glory, forever and ever!