They embody resilience and faith.
A Texas church has opened its doors to a persecuted Chinese congregation that recently obtained asylum in the United States after a prolonged and arduous process. Known as the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, or the “Mayflower Church,” this congregation held its inaugural worship service at the campus of the First Baptist Church of Midland on a Sunday.
The Chinese members of the Mayflower Church convened at the youth center of the First Baptist Church, where they will now have regular access to the property for worship three times a week, as reported by the Baptist Standard.
Pastor Darin Wood of FBC Midland expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support the persecuted congregation, stating that his church has a longstanding commitment to missions and views this as an extension of their mission work.
Witnessing the youth center being offered to them for worship, members of the Mayflower Church were deeply moved, some even shedding tears at the sight of having a dedicated space for worship for the first time.
The journey of the Mayflower Church, named in homage to the historic ship that brought Pilgrims to America, has been fraught with persecution and challenges. Originally fleeing persecution in China, the congregation sought refuge in South Korea in 2019 but faced rejection. They then attempted to establish a new community in Bangkok, Thailand, but were detained after their visas expired.
Through the collaborative efforts of the U.S. government, the United Nations, and the Thai government, the members of the church were eventually resettled in the United States. The final members of the Mayflower Church arrived in Dallas last May, following a delay due to childbirth.
The successful resettlement was hailed as a testament to international cooperation by ChinaAid CEO Chad Bullard, who expressed gratitude to various entities, including U.S. government agencies, diplomatic offices, and congressional leaders.
Freedom Seekers International, a Texas-based Christian organization dedicated to assisting persecuted refugees, played a pivotal role in facilitating the relocation and resettlement process for the Mayflower Church. Their support extended beyond physical resettlement to include assistance with language acquisition, employment opportunities, and integration into the Midland community.