Two churches in Fujian have taken measures to care for both full-time pastors and the disabled.
On the morning of January 12, a group of 14 staff members from Jianxin Church in Fuzhou went to Sanming to visit its full-time pastors.
At the symposium in Meilie Church, Rev. Shi Haihong of Xinjian Church explained why they care for pastors from mountainous churches, especially for those suffering from poor economic conditions. Though these pastors silently shepherd the flock, they seem least cared for. At the same time, many churches receive support from a great number of believers and brother congregations for the construction and repair of church buildings.
It is reported that on the day when the new Jianxin Church was completed, the funds for its construction were still insufficient. The guests nevertheless came to Sanming to visit all 47 full-time pastors of the region. The guests distributed 2,000 yuan to each of these pastors for a total of 94,000 yuan. This occurred for the first time in the history of Sanming Church.
Rev. Fang Yusong, president of the Sanming CC&TSPM, shared on the situation of churches in mountainous areas after the recent, three-year-long epidemic. Factors include the lack of high-quality pastors, the need to improve pastors' salaries, and the general stagnation of spiritual work. He also introduced the visitors to the development of Sanming Church, the pastoral staff team, and its pastoral fund.
Together with Tongling Town Disabled Persons’ Federation, the charity association of Wenfeng Church in Dongshan County, Zhangzhou, carried out public welfare activities on January 15th, said the church.
During the event, the believers of the charity association gave New Year gift packages to 100 impoverished and disabled families, each package worth about 300 RMB, totaling 30,000 RMB. For eight years now, the charity association has taken practical action to care for the poor and disabled.
- Translated by Livingstones
