On March 5, 2025, Jiangxi Bible School held an Ash Wednesday service in the small chapel, attended by more than 70 faculty and students.

The choir’s performance of “Forty Days and Forty Nights” filled the hall with harmonious melodies and a solemn atmosphere, guiding the congregation into a state of reflection and contemplation. President of the school Rev. Li Yungen quoted Mathews 6:16-18 to illustrate the importance of repentance, prayer and fasting. Rev. Li noted that during the special period of Lent, believers should humble themselves and deeply reflect on personal faith and life through fasting and prayer, seeking God’s guidance and forgiveness.

After the sermon, Rev. Li imposed ashes on the forehead of each participant. The mark of the holy ash symbolized repentance and the transient nature of life, reminding everyone that “for dust you are and to dust you will return”, and encouraging them to stay away from sin and remain faithful to Christ.

On the same day, Guangdong Union Theological Seminary held an Ash Wednesday worship service, officially marking the beginning of Lent.

The service began with the congregation singing “From the Sinful Ash to the Living Water”, a hymn that expresses their praise and appeal for God’s grace to lead them from the ashes of sin to the living water of life.

Rev. Cai Jianwei delivered a sermon titled “Repentance and Fasting”, emphasizing the importance of these two practices for the spiritual growth of Christians. Rev. Cai encouraged all to sincerely repent during Lent, to express gratitude to God through fasting, good deeds and prayer, and to come closer to God. Afterward, the Imposition of Ashes was conducted to remind the congregation of the limitations of life and the grace of God.

In the evening of March 5, Shaanxi Bible School held an Ash Wednesday service in the small chapel on the fourth floor. During the Liturgy of the Word, Rev. Chen Dingliang, vice president of the school, shared a message based on Psalm 51, highlighting that “a broken and contrite heart is the vessel for God to reshape life”. Later, all faculty and students with repentant hearts came forward in turn to receive the Holy communion and the imposition of ashes.

The service concluded with the Liturgy of Commissioning led by Rev. Jia Haiguang, who called upon all to pray, fast and donate. Rev. Jia also encouraged faculty and students to shun sin and emulate Christ to live out a pious life that loves neighbor as yourself.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng