Churches and Christian organizations across China launched various activities under the theme "Walking Together, Building Harmony" in celebration of the 2024 Christian Charity Day, held on the third weekend of October.
Tongzhou Church in Beijing held a two-day event, with around 60 participants, including pastors, key volunteers, and community residents, said Beijing CC&TSPM. During the event, Rev. Fan Guoxing and Rev. Wei Jia encouraged believers to love and support one another to make neighbors feel God's love. Professional healthcare workers were invited to provide medical knowledge and offer free health consultations and free clinics to congregants.
At Jingsi Road Church in Jinan, Shandong, Rev. Duan Guoshan, president of the Jinan Christian Council, led the event and offered prayers, said Jinan CC&TSPM. He urged believers to participate in the event in their own ways so that marginalized groups in society could feel the warmth of society and God's love.
Churches across the districts and counties of Jinan delivered sermons based on this theme and corresponding scripture.
Yuanfeng Church in Zhongshan, Guangdong, has carried out a series of charity activities since October, said Guangdong CC&TSPM. On October 11, during the Double Ninth Festival, Rev. Huang Lifeng led the church council members and key volunteers to visit Lianyuan Community, where they distributed money and gifts to 25 seniors over 90 years old and 20 impoverished families. At Tongxin Nursing Home, they also delivered money and gifts. They spent a total of 10,870 yuan that day.
Churches under the Guangzhou Christian Council delivered special sermons, citing John 15:12 and Luke 6:36, reported Guangdong CC&TSPM. Believers were encouraged to spread the message of love and hope, live harmoniously.
Union Church in Guangzhou held a charity sale on that day. Believers donated unused items such as books, clothing, handicrafts, and household appliances. The funds raised from the sale will be used to support medical consultation events this year.
The Ren’ai Service Centers affiliated with many Guangzhou churches organized elder care activities, including visits, free medical consultations, and charity haircuts.
Trinity International Church in Yunnan held a worship service as part of activities for the 2024 Christian Charity Day, said the church.
Churches in Suzhou organized charity sales, free medical consultations, and free haircuts, said Suzhou CC&TSPM.
The theological education team of Hubei CC&TSPM conducted preaching activities related to the theme in the Wuhan area. Church workers from Huangshi, Xianning, and other areas shared testimonies with believers at Glory Church in Wuhan, reported the church.
In 2016, CCC&TSPM introduced the Christian Charity Day initiative, encouraging churches across the country to observe this event annually on the third weekend of October. The aim is to promote the Christian principles of charity through sermons, encouraging both churches and believers to engage in charitable activities. The offerings collected on Christian Charity Day are dedicated to supporting the churches’ charitable projects.
