The Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington, D.C. convened its third congregational meeting of the year on the afternoon of October 27. During the meeting, pastors, elders, and deacons delivered comprehensive reports, reflecting on ministry accomplishments and presenting plans for the Chinese, English, youth, and children’s ministries. Key highlights are summarized below:

Chinese Ministry Report

Pastor Daniel Zhao provided updates on the progress of the Happiness Groups initiative, which tailors outreach to seekers from diverse backgrounds:

  • Youthful Vitality Group (led by Brother Jacob Jia): Celebrated the conversion of one seeker who accepted Jesus as his Savior.

  • Walking with God Hiking Group (led by Sister Yin Yin): Successfully hosted a hiking event that attracted new students.

  • Overcomers Happiness Group (led by Brother Xu Sihai): Welcomed 11 seekers to a seven-week gathering.

Gratefully, the Overcomers Happiness Group, also Mark Fellowship, witnessed 11 seekers make decisions for Christ, with most being baptized during the Thanksgiving Sunday service. Furthermore, a joint Bible study on Romans, conducted in partnership with the Friends of Genesis Fellowship, yielded abundant spiritual fruit, with 15 participants committing to Christ through online and in-person sessions.

Pastor Zhao also reported the following updates:

  • Monthly prayer meetings now regularly attract about 30 attendees.

  • He continues to visit elderly and ill members on a regular basis.

  • The recruitment process for deacon candidates for 2025 has been completed.

Pastor Zhao encouraged the congregation to engage in upcoming year-end activities, including the Sight & Sound theater performance and the Chinese Missions Convention (CMC). He also announced plans to launch a Sunday school discipleship training course in December.

As Mark Fellowship continues to grow, the elder and deacon boards have been discussing the need to expand meeting spaces. After careful deliberation, it was proposed to hold two to three monthly meetings at a local church while maintaining one to two family gatherings each month. St. James Episcopal Church has been identified as the top choice, offering a suitable time slot every Saturday evening from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, which will provide stable support for the fellowship's ongoing development.

Additionally, the deacon board approved the initiation of two practical community service ministries—Haircut Services and Basic Car Repair Services—demonstrating the church's commitment to loving and serving its neighbors.

Haircut Ministry: Led by skilled brothers and sisters, this ministry will primarily serve young professionals and students, addressing their practical needs while fostering connection and spiritual interaction within the community.

Car Repair Ministry: Headed by Brothers Kevin and Jerry, who bring extensive automotive repair experience from their time at Purdue University, this ministry will serve both the church and the surrounding community. The church's two-car garage will serve as the primary workspace, with preparations already underway to ensure its effective use.

These new ministries not only meet immediate practical needs but also create meaningful opportunities for the church to connect with the wider community, ultimately drawing more people to the gospel.

English Ministry Report

Pastor David Rim provided updates on ongoing initiatives within the English ministry:

  • Monthly Prayer Meetings: Held in members' homes during the last week of each month.

  • Women’s Group Gatherings: Regular meetings focused on sharing testimonies of Christian living.

  • Individual Meetings: Pastor Rim and/or his wife, Maria, continue to meet with members individually based on their needs.

Youth Ministry Report

Under Pastor Rim's leadership, the youth ministry holds weekly small group meetings focused on the theme of Joy in Christian Living. Monthly social activities, such as the pumpkin carving night in October, have been well-received. Future plans for the youth ministry include:

  • Hosting parent training sessions.

  • Collaborating with local churches to enhance the youth ministry.

  • Preparing for a winter retreat.

Elder Board Report

Pastor Zhao announced that the speakers for the 2025 Summer Retreat have been confirmed:

  • Chinese sessions: Rev. Yanguang Li, General Secretary of the Chinese Strategy Alliance.

  • English sessions: Keith McLaughlin, Vice President of Counseling for Healing Ministries in Ohio.

Additionally, the elder board has launched a new elder training program and formed a committee to search for a new Children’s Ministry Director. In the interim, Sister Grace Wei will continue serving as the acting director.

Deacon Board Report

Recent Activities:

  • Summer Retreat

  • University Students Airport Pickup and Caring

  • New Student Welcome Party

  • Apple Picking

  • Missions Conference

  • Sanctuary AC Unit Replacement

Upcoming Activities:

  • Thanksgiving Dinner and Sharing Night (November 29)

  • Sight & Sound Theater Trip (December 21)

  • Chinese Missions Convention (December 26-29)

  • 2025 Summer Retreat (July 18-20)

The 2025 deacon nomination list was also approved, including new nominees:

  • Vice Chair: Brother Sixun Yang

  • Secretary: Sister Grace Wang

  • Education Department: Brother Shu-peng Ho

  • Evangelism Department: Brother Jacob Jia

  • Missions Department: Brother Xuelong Wang

The remaining deacons will continue their service.

Conclusion

We thank God for His grace and guidance. As the church looks forward, we eagerly anticipate the abundant spiritual fruit these ministries will bear, all for His glory.