On the early morning of August 18, 2025, as golden sunlight spreading across the campus, all the students and faculty members of Heilongjiang Theological Seminary gathered at the Arch Chapel, attending the solemn opening ceremony to welcome the new semester. President of the Seminary Rev. Lv Dezhi, Executive Vice President Rev. Li Meilan, together with the senior pastors from districts of Harbin City, were also present at the ceremony.

Rev. Shao Shan, secretary of the President’s Office Meeting, officiated the opening service. All the students and faculty members sang “Jesus Bids Us Shine”. Academic Dean Rev. Liu Xiaolu led a devout prayer. Rev. Lu Xiangdan, director of the Student’s Office, Rev. Sun Yufeng, director of the General Office, Rev. Han Qiujie, chaplain of devotion, read the Scriptures respectively, using the words of God to nourish the hearts and souls of the audience.

The seminary’s choir performed “I Surrender All”, expressing the commitment to wholeheartedly dedicating their lives. Rev. Chen Bin quoted Matthew 6:22-23 to preach a sermon titled “Grow as God’s Insightful Servant”, encouraging all to seek spiritual insight in the new semester, let the light of truth guide their path of service, and become workers of God’s kingdom needed in the contemporary era.

Finally, Rev. Li Meilan offered a benediction to all the students and faculty. The opening ceremony concluded with the singing of “Amen”.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng