A 16-second piece on the Fujian TV Economic Channel reported on the century-old Putian Church in Fujian, recalling that the renowned evangelist John Sung held rallies that led to a spiritual revival.
Many Chinese Christians were excited about the news, happy that Dr. Sung was finally recognized on secular TV.
The church was formerly the hall of Annual Hinghwa Conference of the Methodist Church and built in October 1915. In the 1930s, John Sung hosted retreats and organized evangelistic teams in the church. In 1986, when it reopened, the church organized the initial preaching teams in Fujian Province. It also carried out ministry tutoring classes, monthly communication with church parishes, and volunteer training and founded the magazine, the Voice of Shepherds.
However, the main reason why the church was mentioned was its active participation in social service. Apart from Sung, the news highlighted its efforts in social service and the sinicization of Christianity.
After its recongregating, the church established nursing homes and founded voluntary teams to offer locals free medical service, aiding lonely elderly people. It also donated money for disaster relief, receiving positive feedback from the local people and government.
- Translated by Karen Luo
