On May 5, from overseas and inland China, over 5000 Christians, believers, and government officials attended the dedication service of Chongyi Church in Hongzhou province called "Life of Love".
The attendants include Chinese Christian Council Honorary President, TSPM Board of committee Honorary Chairman, National Political Affairs Vice Chairman Bishop Ding Guang-xun, National TSPM Chairman Elder Ji Jian-hong, the inquiry committee director, Han Wan Zao, of the two parties of China Christianity, and many government officials from Jiangsu province and Hongzhou province.
Chongyi Church was build originally in 1866. But during the time, where industrial reform was popular in 1958, the church and its surrounding were made into hospitals and residential areas.
The newly built church is approximately 11,000 square feet, including the chapel, which is 7,000 square feet and can fit up to 5000 people as its maximum capacity.
Recently, China authorities have openly announced the total number of Christians to be 25 millions. Based on the estimation that includes house churches of overseas mission organizations, the number of Christians in China is approximately 50 million to 70 million. According China Partner, from 1985 till 1995, the believers in Jiansu province has increased by seven times more, reaching 90 million.
Currently, China really needs to increase pastoral workers and number of churches to meet the needs of the growing number of believers.
