On March 15, 2020, the Zhujiang Road meeting point in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi held the first Sunday worship after 50 days of suspension of the worship.
The same day Urumqi Christian churches received notices from various district and county United Front Religious Departments on the resumption of church meetings, according to the WeChat account named "Jianghe".
Due to the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia, all church sites in Urumqi had suspended their worship services and activities since January 24.
According to government requirements, before gatherings can resume, all sites need to be disinfected, sterilized, have a clean environment and undergo a safety inspection. When entering a meeting place, everyone must wear masks and have their temperature taken. During worship services everyone needs to practice social distancing.
This special Sunday worship service was hosted by Rev. Cui Hebin and the sermon was given by Rev. Fan Chenguang. Choir members had a short time to practice several songs, and with great enthusiasm they sang the hymn The Heavenly Father Will Watch Over You. Rev. Fan Chenguang read Romans 5: 1-11 and shared a sermon entitled "Through Him." He shared that through Christ we are reconciled to God; through Him we stand in grace by faith; through Him His divine love was made manifest in the world.
Rev. Fan expressed gratefulness as he said that since 2020, the steps of our country and each of us have been very heavy, but with Jesus Christ we have a beautiful hope and great love was poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. "To fight the epidemic, Love will win!" During the epidemic we have made progress in grace, and we have patience in waiting. In the epidemic, we have learned to love more, overcome difficulties, and get the victory! Sunday worship ended peacefully in gratitude. Brothers and sisters said goodbye to each other, and prepared to meet the next Sunday.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
