On September 6, Chongwenmen Church in Beijing hosted a nursing skills training session themed "Spreading the Love of Christ." More than 50 participants, including family caregivers of the elderly and sick, and volunteers, attended the session.
According to the church, at the opening, Mr. Zhang Chuhui, the event organizer, introduced the "Sunshine Guardian Initiative," a long-standing charity program of Chongwenmen Church, and reviewed its development over the past decade.
Two "nursing sisters" then shared their expertise. Young Sister Guo explained basic nursing knowledge and demonstrated practical techniques, noting, "It was Jesus' love that changed me, and now I want to use my professional skills to pass on that love." Experienced head nurse Sister Sun provided hands-on training in patient care, such as back-patting, turning bedridden elderly patients, and changing bedsheets. She also guided participants in practicing the "Seven-Step Handwashing Method."
An elderly woman in her seventies, who didn't sign up for the event, was so moved by the training that she stayed through the entire session. She said, "This kind of caregiving service really resonates with us. I, too, hope to learn these skills."
Concluding the event, Teacher Zhang quoted 1 Corinthians 13:1–3, emphasizing, "All actions without love (Jesus) lose their meaning."
Launched in September 2017, the Sunshine Guardian Initiative embodies the mission of "protecting life and helping others with love." Guided by the charitable principle of mutual support and the Christian teaching to "love your neighbor as yourself," it also aligns with the core socialist value of "friendship." Over the years, the project has contributed more than 30,000 yuan to education, over 300,000 yuan to community care, and more than 800,000 yuan to disaster relief. It has also mobilized 169 volunteers for blood donations, with 137 donors giving a total of 41,200 milliliters.
Chongwenmen Church in Beijing, originally named "Asbury Church," was founded in 1870 as the first church established by the American Methodist Episcopal Church in North China. With the growth of its congregation, the church underwent several expansions and reconstructions over time. In 1982, it resumed services and was renamed "Chongwenmen Church." Recognized for its historical significance and architectural value, the church has been designated a national key cultural heritage site. As one of the oldest Protestant churches in Beijing, it has received notable visitors including former U.S. Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as renowned evangelist Billy Graham, and is widely respected both domestically and internationally.
