Gangwashi Church in Beijing holds a Bible reading and prayer fellowship every Friday morning. As attendance steadily grew, the church organized a review and summary session last Friday at the request of participants.
According to the church, the gathering on September 5 featured chapter reviews, four-dimensional thematic discussions, a quiz with prizes, and a welcome for new members. Pastor Tang Wenxiu opened the session with a concise summary of 1 Samuel chapters 1–12, reinforcing participants' understanding through scripture review.
Group discussions then commenced. Seven group leaders guided discussions on seven previously identified topics, focusing on four key dimensions: "Knowing God, the Church, Future Generations, and Individuals." After 45 minutes, discussions remained interactive.
The meeting concluded with a special quiz on the first 12 chapters of 1 Samuel, with prizes awarded to participants. Beginning next week, the church will continue its prayer reading of 1 Samuel 13 and encourage more believers to join.
Founded by the London Missionary Society in 1863, Gangwashi Church is one of the earliest Protestant churches in Beijing. Initially serving both as a hospital and a place of worship, the church was destroyed during the Boxer Rebellion and rebuilt in 1903. It joined the Church of Christ in China in 1922, embracing self-support and integrating church, hospital, and school ministries. Forced to close during the Cultural Revolution, the church resumed worship in 1980, becoming one of the first to reopen in the capital. Today, it has over 5,000 members and holds four Sunday services. It has also welcomed foreign dignitaries, including U.S. President George W. Bush and two Secretaries of State.
