A church in north China’s Shanxi Province reopened after an eight-month lockdown, hosting a baptism and communion service.
Believers from other areas gathered in Yaodu District Church, Linfen City, which was the first church that resumed onsite services in the district on August 7. Following the COVID-19 protocols, they were seated under the guidance of the usher.
Preparations were made for the baptism in the basement. In addition to registering relevant information, catechumens were undergoing a test demonstrating their faith, sharing their faith story, their knowledge about Jesus, and the reason for baptism. The elder who inquired told them, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved."
After the congregation recited the Apostles' Creed with hymns from the choir, Pastor Wang Shuai delivered a sermon titled "New Life", citing 2 Corinthians 5:17. He explained that a new believer should be a new creation who accepted, forgave, and loved one another like Jesus Christ to show His beauty.
Before the communion service, 11 male members and 31 female seekers were baptized.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
