Two memorial services were held for Pastor Zhang Guanru who died at the age of 97 on August 7 and 8, 2020. He was the fifth honorary president, the third honorary chairman of the Shaanxi CC&TSPM, and the former deputy president of Shaanxi Bible School.
His remains were placed among the flowers in the Dongguan Church in Sanyuan County, China's western Shaanxi Province, according to Shaanxi CC&TSPM. On the table under the cross on the wall in the front of the church, his portrait stood. In front of the portrait was the Bible that the old pastor loved to read.
In the morning memorial ceremony on August 7, the whole world grieved, and there were tears in heaven to say farewell to Pastor Zhang, the servant of God. Both the old and new buildings of Dongguan Church were full, and the courtyard was also full of people who were using umbrellas.
Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of the CCC&TSPM, gave a sermon entitled "The Way of the Righteous Becomes Wider and Brighter." Pastor Xu recalled the wonderful moments he had contact with Pastor Zhang in his work and life. He described him as a sage who had completed his righteous life and left many beautiful and unforgettable footprints for everyone to follow. He said, "Pastor Zhang was someone we all can imitate, a light shining at the dawn of day, shining brighter and brighter."
Afterward, Elder Zhang Fangquan, daughter of Pastor Zhang from the Dongguan Church in Sanyuan County, delivered a speech of thanks on behalf of the family, commemorating the life of her father's godly service. She shared his love for the Lord and people and expressed gratitude to all the leaders and colleagues who attended the farewell ceremony.
The second memorial service on August 8 was hosted by Pastor Wang Jun, president of the Shaanxi CC&TSPM. Pastor Xu delivered the remarks. Mr. Wang Yichuan, deputy minister of the United Front Work Department of Xianyang Municipal Committee and director of Xianyang Citizens' Religious Affairs Bureau, gave a speech. Pastor Zhang's daughter, Elder Zhang Fangquan also delivered a speech of thanks on behalf of the family.
-Translated by Abigail Wu
