On October 13, 2024, Tianjin CC&TSPM called on all 16 churches and church-affiliated fellowships in Tianjin to conduct thanksgiving services in honor of and to show respect to senior people. Around 500 people over the age of 80 attended the services. The elderly were given boutonnieres to wear and presented with festive gifts.

Rev. Mao Yajun, Chairperson of Tianjin TSPM, officiated the thanksgiving service at the affiliated Shanxi Road Church. Rev. Mao shared a message titled “You Are My Dependence”, encouraging all to express gratitude to God constantly, cherish and reflect on every moment in our lives given by God, and particularly give thanks and praise to God for the grace-filled lives of the elderly.

Later, Rev. Mao extended heartfelt gratitude and blessings to the elderly people present at the service for all they had done for their church and families. Rev. Mao expected that these senior Christians could continue to shine as lights in church and families, bear good testimonies for the Lord, keep watch for the church and pass down their faith. Rev. Mao also prayed: “May the channel of God’s blessings be like the olive trees that can bear abundant fruit.”

The Chongyang Festival thanksgiving services not only promoted the traditional Chinese virtues of honoring and respecting senior people, but also extolled the message of Exodus 20:12. “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” For us Christians, it is necessary to obey the biblical teaching, set good examples of respecting the elderly, honor God and benefit the people. and bear good witness to the Lord.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng