Greater Boston Chinese Church Is Growing as Part of God’s Plan, Pastor Says

It has been nine months since Yibing Haung, pastor of the Greater Boston Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Church, left China and came to the United States. “Though we’ve faced many challenges and felt the difficulties of living and serving in a foreign land, we have also experienced abundant grace in the Lord,” Haung shared. Last May about 70 church members and seekers gathered at Camp Winnekeag Youth Camp in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, United States, for a weekend filled with unforgettable moments and heartfelt gratitude, organizers reported.

The event was full of rich and meaningful activities, including a special Mother’s Day celebration. “Each mother received warm blessings from the younger generation, and many were moved to tears—tears that expressed respect, appreciation, and the deep touch of God’s love,” they reported.

Participants also celebrated the first graduation of the church’s emotional wellness program, the Lift Project. During the past few months attendees learned practical psychological insights for daily life and were nurtured in mind, body, and spirit. “The closing ceremony provided an opportunity to share reflections, testimonies, laughter, and renewed personal commitments to healthier emotional living,” they said.

According to organizers, one of the highlights of the weekend was the baptism ceremony on Sabbath afternoon. Five individuals publicly declared their faith in Jesus, choosing to follow Him and become part of the Seventh-day Adventist family. As each one entered the water and emerged again, the congregation rejoiced with clapping, cheers, and tears of joy. “The baptism was more than just a personal milestone for them,” Haung said. “It was a moment of celebration and honor for the entire church. It was a living testimony of how God is at work among us—transforming hearts and renewing lives.”

Remarkably, the outdoor baptism took place after heavy rainfall that morning. After many earnest prayers the skies cleared as the time for baptism came, and the sun came out. “It felt as though God’s glory was present with us,” Haung said.

Organizers shared how during those sacred moments by the lake, the group experienced the beauty of nature, the warmth of fellowship, and the real and powerful love of Jesus moving among them. “We witnessed people being drawn to Him, changed by Him, and healed through Him. We saw a church being united, built up, and stirred to rise in love,” Haung said.

“None of this happened by chance—it was all part of the Lord’s gracious plan,” Haung said. “My prayer is that we always remember this Sabbath at the beautiful Camp Winnekeag, and may we carry the heaven-sent love and mission as we continue to run the race ahead.”

The original version of this story was posted on Atlantic Union Gleaner.