A megachurch in Shanxi Province held a birthday celebration and service for more than 50 senior believers over 80.
On October 13th, a senior fellowship of Yaodu District Church in Linfen City conducted a collective birthday celebration.
During the ceremony, Rev. Geng Fuqin preached a sermon titled “Follow the Lord Wholeheartedly," citing Joshua 14:6–12. Drawing from Caleb's faith, she presented a great example of serving as a senior believer. From his youth to his old age, being filled with faith, Caleb followed and obeyed the Lord, leading his whole family to serve the Lord and making a dedicated vow, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Rev. Geng expressed gratitude to these elderly believers for their dedication to society, churches, and families all the years, exhorting them to preach the gospel as always, even in old age, and fight a good fight of faith for the Lord.
Following the sermon, Lan Jiao’e, leader of the senior fellowship, introduced the founder of the fellowship, elder deacon Yang Meiguang, who is nearing 90, and her husband, Doctor Shangguan Yan, who is 93 years old. Ms. Lan also mentioned that since its establishment, centered around the elderly community, the fellowship has arranged gathering events on a weekly basis, including Bible reading, prayer meetings, and Bible study. In addition to joining the prayer service, they also organized the Ruth Choir, contributing to the church's Sunday worship services. Moreover, the senior fellowship would regularly pay visits to local believers’ homes, especially during the COVID-19 period. Every year, on the occasion of the traditional Double Ninth Festival, they would assist the church in organizing events for the elderly.
Subsequently, being the elderly believers’ representative, Zhang Baogui, who is 82 years old, shared his themed testimony, “My Relationship with God Is All About Gratitude.” As a cancer patient for over 20 years, by God’s grace, he was saved and protected through twice unconsciousness. His wife, children, and grandchildren all came to faith and engaged in service, establishing an altar of prayer for his family.
After the testimony, Rev. Yang Senlin delivered a blessing prayer. And then, believers performed dances, solos, and three sentences and a half (a traditional Chinese folk art performance form).
(The article is originally published by the Gospel Times and the author reported in Linfen, Shanxi.)
- Translated by Poppy Chan
