Dear brothers and sisters,

Grace and peace to you from God! 

Six miles south of Jerusalem sits the Church of the Nativity, which is considered the world’s oldest continually used place of Christian worship. Commissioned by the Roman Emperor Constantine and consecrated on May 31, 339, it has survived damage from countless revolts and natural disasters throughout centuries. Today, the Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and still offers three English worship services on Sunday mornings, at 8, 9, and 10:30am.

Compared to the 1,686-year-old Church of the Nativity, our church, which is only 67 years old, seems like a mere baby. While we did not live through wars, nor experienced severe natural disasters, we occasionally do fall sick, get injured, and feel growing pains - just like a developing baby. During the pandemic, we struggled to worship and fellowship in person. In recent years, we have not been immune from “the great dechurching” in America. Our proximity to the nation’s capital adds somewhat anxiety about the unprecedented challenges of an ever-changing political climate. Yet, by God’s amazing grace, we have persevered to bring people together in faith. 

Praise God for His sacrificial love through His only beloved son Jesus Christ that continues transforming individuals and communities and produces the large-scale growth of churches. Since 339, millions of churches have been planted by people with diverse backgrounds who share the same identity as God’s children in Christ. Every church has its unique history, yet all are testimony of God's abundant provision. Whether it’s the ancient church built on the site of Jesus’ birthplace or our young church founded by a group of Chinese students in Washington, DC, no church would be planted, let alone grow and bloom, without God’s grace.

God’s loving grace has indeed sustained our church over the past 67 years. Even in trying times, we have never run short of offering. Despite the pandemic, we did not abandon local evangelistic activities. We made sure our overseas missionaries received steady support. We welcomed every newcomer with open arms. We uplifted the spirits of many through worship. We took care of the sick and the weary. We touched hearts and changed lives through teaching and sharing. We taught, listened to, and prayed with our young kids. If you stopped by our church on a Saturday, you may see our flower team beautifying the sanctuary for Sunday services, deacons arriving early to discuss church businesses, classrooms being cleaned for Sunday School, or the kitchen fridge being stocked for the next day’s cooking. Countless Friday dinners, Sunday snacks and lunches continue to be prepared with love.

Many would agree that it is our gifted and dedicated brothers and sisters who bestow our church its vitality. Yet, if you asked them, they would say it is God’s grace that motivates and enables them to do it all. Perhaps that’s why the Apostle Paul frequently talked about God’s grace in his letters to the various churches in his ministry. For them and for us, the Lord’s grace is indeed the ultimate source of our joy in loving and serving each other.

As we count our blessings of the past 67 years, I invite you to remember our God’s goodness and all the amazing work He is doing through our brothers and sisters. This special edition of Living Spring features reflections of many on their love for our church, including brother Marshall Lih and his wife June who have been attending our church for six decades. It also includes messages of gratitude and wishes from our pastors, elders, brothers and sisters. In addition to our latest ministry reports, we hope you’ll be inspired by Sister Kelly Kong’s devotion and encouraged by brother Steve Lee’s testimony. May our children’s artworks also bring a smile to your face. 

On behalf of our Living Spring editorial team, we wish the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington DC a very happy 67th Birthday and many more years to testify to God's unfailing love. Glory and praise to the Lord!

In Christ,

Yin Yin