On an early autumn morning, after a drizzle, a small town awoke to the sound of birdsong. This county, nestled deep in the Luliang Mountains of southern Shanxi, is marked by a handful of high-rise buildings near an overpass leading to the county seat. Along the roadside, farmers displayed freshly harvested, dew-covered fruits and vegetables at simple stalls. In the nearby community park, crabapple trees that once dazzled in colorful spring blossoms now bore abundant fruit, while a group of middle-aged women danced gracefully to gentle music.
Beneath one of the tall buildings stood a two-story structure marked by a red cross, which is the county's church. Its front wall bore the words "Christian Church" in red iron letters beneath the cross, while the gray walls showed the weathered marks of wind and rain.
As the crimson sun rose in the east, casting light over the mountains, the town came alive with the hum of traffic and cheerful voices. It was a Sunday, and people, on foot and by bicycle, made their way into the church. Hymns of praise rang out across the mountains, while inside, the congregation's joyful smiles and the piano's accompaniment united in heartfelt worship of the Lord.
Afterward, the congregation entered into prayer. Many, with tears streaming down their faces, poured out their hearts in intimate communion with the Lord. From white-haired grandmothers to elderly men in straw hats, whether standing or seated, all bowed their heads and closed their eyes in silent devotion.
The service began at 9:30 a.m. Though without the solemn sacraments often seen in urban churches, it followed a formal order of worship, including greetings, the recitation of the Apostles' Creed, responsive Scripture readings, and intercessory prayers. A choir of nearly twenty members, dressed in white robes embroidered with crosses on their collars, lifted their voices in resounding song.
The sermon was delivered by a female pastor, who preached on the theme: "Christians should be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Rooted firmly in Scripture, her message was expressed in a distinctive local dialect and illustrated with relatable testimonies that resonated with the local congregation. During the hour-and-a-half sermon, few drifted into sleep.
The gathering drew more than one hundred participants, with local preachers invited to share. A local elder had recently held a thanksgiving gathering at his home. For the reason that his daughter, who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, experienced a miraculous recovery through united prayer. Thereby, the gospel spread throughout the community.
The female pastor, now in her forties, graduated from Yanjing Theological Seminary. After graduation, she committed herself to serving in this mountain church for over two decades, surviving on only a few hundred yuan a month while persevering in challenging circumstances. At first, she traveled on foot, later by motorcycle, reaching various villages. In her first year after graduation, she organized a spiritual retreat that proved remarkably fruitful. Though conditions were poor, with co-workers sleeping on the floor, their thirst for God's word was undiminished. When they returned, they established Christian activity sites in multiple locations, sparking the spread of the gospel. Many villagers heard of Jesus for the first time, confessed their sins, turned to Christ, and renounced their former idolatry, freeing themselves from the grip of false gods.
In the years that followed, two young women also passed the theological examinations. After graduation, they returned to serve in the church, later marrying and starting families. They were kept busy throughout the year with village gatherings, prayer meetings, and choir and orchestra activities, as well as weddings and funerals in the town. The elder pastors cared deeply for them and, to ensure they could serve with peace of mind, even arranged housing for them within the church. Over time, these women grew into independent leaders and became pillars of the church's ministry. With solid theological training, they applied their learning in practical ministry, integrating modern pastoral concepts into the practice of the sinicization of Christianity in China.
The church continued to flourish. A youth fellowship was established, the choir improved in both quality and spirit, a professional organist was appointed, and worship practices became more refined. The church also launched a Bible-copying initiative. After the service, one brother was seen diligently continuing his neatly written Bible notes, while several sisters prayed earnestly for newcomers to the faith.
On their way home, the congregants were filled with joy. Many remarked, "Do not be deceived by the mountainous terrain. God has not abandoned us. The church is a warm family. We have countless testimonies of thanksgiving, enough to share for days and nights. How could we not love God?"
Glancing back at the cross atop the church roof, it gleams like a golden lampstand in the sunlight, casting its light across the mountain paths. The ridges and hills, brimming with vitality, seemed to share in the radiance.
(The article was originally published by the Gospel Times, and the author is a church staff member in Shanxi.)
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
