Rivers Flowing in the Desert
The Story of Rhode Island, 2020
United in heart, looking up and trusting the Lord, together combating the pandemic and doing new things
In 2020, as the pandemic ravaged and threatened the lives of millions, destroying countless livelihoods, the Rhode Island Chinese Christian Church made an urgent decision on March 29 to cancel all in-person gatherings due to the state’s outbreak and instead hold Sunday worship online via Zoom. That day was originally the church’s 43rd anniversary—a time for longtime members, newcomers, and friends from various places to gather together—so this decision by the church leadership was very difficult. Looking back, this marked the beginning of the church uniting in heart to look up and trust the Lord, joining together to combat the pandemic and embrace new ways.
Thank God for His protection. Although we could not gather in the sanctuary, Sunday worship never stopped even once. By the third online gathering, on April 12—Easter Sunday—most of the congregation was able to attend worship online on time. After the sermon, many stayed online longer to greet and encourage one another. Seeing that online worship posed challenges for members not accustomed to electronic devices, especially elderly people living alone, the care ministry immediately mobilized brothers and sisters to form mutual support groups. In less than two months, whether by phone call or video on tablets, even elders over 90 years old were able to join Zoom to listen to the sermon and receive care.
Through the internet, our congregation members in the late stages of cancer not only had family by their side but were also able to say farewell online with brothers and sisters they normally met weekly, receiving unexpected peace and encouragement. Through the internet, family members from different places were able to attend the memorial service led by the pastor, and the gospel reached relatives and friends who did not yet know the Lord. Our fellowships and Sunday school never stopped; even more brothers and sisters participated in online fellowship and Bible study than before. By August, all church fellowships, including the seniors’ choir fellowship, had resumed online, and an online birthday blessing was held for an 88-year-old pastor.
The church pastors successively established four online care platforms, praying together with the congregation, offering encouragement through conversations, and promptly sharing information about online meetings from gospel organizations such as COC, Chinese Seminary, Messenger, and True Love via social media platforms, encouraging brothers and sisters to study God’s Word. In August 2020, the Evangelism and Fellowship departments jointly invited the congregation to participate in the “Jesus Loves the Whole City” gospel camp organized by the New York short-term mission team. As a result, our church had the largest number of participants in history.
How Beautiful It Is to Walk Together in Unity
What we did not expect was that the pandemic would not subside within one or two months as people had hoped, yet the brothers and sisters in the church did not lose heart. Because the Bible tells us:
“The Lord says: For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (Chinese Union Version)
Since we couldn’t hold face-to-face activities, the brothers and sisters, transformed by renewed hearts and teachings, learned to innovate and used the internet to carry out events. Although the pandemic caused us to miss the delicious food of our anniversary celebration, we faced the situation head-on with an online “Together Through the Pandemic: Food Sharing Festival” competition. The event was planned starting from Easter, with submissions collected and judged in early May. Organized by fellowships, this activity fostered care and connection among brothers and sisters. The creative and delicious dishes, along with written explanations, were not only about sharing recipes but also expressed gratitude and praise for God’s abundant provision. This allowed everyone to experience the joy and warmth of our church family. Though the pandemic brought fear and even job losses, the “love and peace” from God, like a spring breeze, was conveyed through the laughter and joy online to every member’s heart. How wonderful it is to walk together in unity through these challenging times!
At the end of June 2020, as the pandemic eased, Rhode Island rolled out its three-phase reopening plan. Consequently, the church was able to resume in-person worship on July 5. To protect the health of the congregation, in-person services strictly followed public health regulations and used a pre-registration system, accepting sign-ups via phone, website, or social media. At the same time, Zoom online worship was retained to allow elderly and vulnerable members to safely participate in Sunday services and learning from home. Those who registered to attend worship in person continued their weekly flower offerings as usual, and a meal team was organized so that brothers and sisters coming to church could share a love feast and encourage one another while maintaining adequate social distancing.
Thank the Lord for His protection. On July 26, the church held its baptism as scheduled. By Labor Day Sunday, the children’s and youth Sunday gatherings had safely resumed at the church for two months. Additionally, some fellowships—including youth groups—began holding outdoor meetings while observing social distancing guidelines. Together, they rejoiced in the beautiful nature God provided and praised the one true God who created heaven and earth, whom we trust and believe in.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15-16 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Although the brothers and sisters in the church have heard lamentations everywhere, under God’s protection and grace, and guided by His teaching, they responded to the community with love and action in gratitude: They cooked and distributed over 2,000 meals for the poor and homeless. They also joined with the Chinese community in Rhode Island to donate 200,000 medical masks to the state government and healthcare workers.
Starting from March 25, in order to promptly communicate accurate pandemic information and various government assistance resources, the church began publishing a weekly Chinese “Pandemic Response Brief.” This brief was distributed through social media platforms to the Chinese community, encouraging those in need to utilize the church’s resources. Throughout the pandemic, every member of the Rhode Island Chinese Christian Church has demonstrated the grace of rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn in many ways.
Renewed in mind and transformed, pioneering new ways during the pandemic
Because of the pandemic, we had to adopt new ways of meeting, which led to the creation of the "Love in Action" activity: a small group of brothers and sisters prepared selected dishes in the church kitchen, then others registered to pick up the food at designated times. They delivered the meals to fellow members they hadn't seen for a long time, or to the homes of their unsaved friends they cared about, wearing masks and offering blessings and prayers from a distance.
As the weather turned cooler and the pandemic grew more severe, the brothers and sisters’ love for the Lord burned even hotter. Approaching Thanksgiving, the church came up with a special celebration: a month in advance, through various fellowships, the church launched a “Gratitude in Life’s Details” creative contest, inviting stories of “joy amid hardship, love amid the pandemic.” One week before Thanksgiving, some brothers and sisters purchased and prepared gift packages—including Italian cakes, fruit, and fine teas. Then more brothers and sisters came to the church to pick up and distribute the packages. On Thanksgiving evening, November 26, the congregation opened their gift packages and shared the treats with their families, while joining an online church meeting to enjoy the award-winning stories of “joy amid hardship, love amid the pandemic.” This online connection allowed members and their families to savor together and deeply reflect on God’s manifold grace in their lives. Pastors and ministers offered encouragement and blessings, making it a spiritual feast shared by all online.
Blessed by God, the Rhode Island Chinese Christian Church’s 2020 was not marked by frustration due to the pandemic, but was filled everywhere with traces of God’s grace. Through both online and in-person Sunday worship, fellowships, and various activities, the congregation was able to practice scientific protection while fearlessly enjoying life, maintaining a renewed passion for living even in challenging and unconventional circumstances. In 2020, when COVID-19 struck, the church chose not to be stuck in the past or cling to old memories, but instead sought to understand how God wanted them to do new things. As Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” The brothers and sisters did not become discouraged or despair over present difficulties. Instead, during the pandemic, they loved God and others even more, spreading faith and care. Currently, in preparation for Christmas, the church is organizing an online new presentation called “The Source of Inspiration.” We look forward to the “Peace Beyond Suffering” Christmas Eve concert, hoping it will lead many more to God.
As winter arrives and the pandemic spreads, we thank the Lord that all the brothers and sisters have peace in their hearts. We know that the Lord is doing new things in us, that God’s gospel will be revived, and that in Him there is even more true love and joy. Amen!