“Looking for a place where Cantonese is spoken and faith is shared?” That’s what many asked before discovering the San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church. This church stands as a testament to faith and community. It began with a vision to serve the Chinese community in San Francisco.
The story of the San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church starts in the early 1980s. Pastor Stephen Sai-fung Lee from Vancouver, Canada, had a vision. He wanted to build a Chinese church in San Francisco. He shared this with Joshua So. After prayers, Joshua accepted the invitation and the San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church was born.
November 9, 1980, marked their first Sunday worship. It was a day filled with thankfulness. Just a week later, the Conference planned to present the church with a certificate. But Joshua received difficult news. His grandmother in Hong Kong was seriously ill. His family wanted him to return. It was a tough decision. The new church needed him. He prayed and his church community prayed with him. Finally, Joshua decided to stay. He felt the church needed him more. Then his father told him that his grandma was no longer in a life-threatening condition.
The San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church first held services at 25 Lake St. This was on November 9, 1980. In the beginning, the congregation met in Joshua’s apartment. Later, they joined the Mennonite Conference.
In 2018, the San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church joined the Franconia Mennonite Conference. It is now known as the Mosaic Mennonite Conference. This was because the church believed the previous conference had drifted away from scriptural principles.
The San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church has many programs. These include Sunday worship, Sunday school, and prayer meetings. They also have Bible studies and small group fellowships. Special outreach events, holiday celebrations, and church retreats are common. The church also provides nursing home and hospital ministry. They also offer intergenerational care for church members. More than a dozen members serve in the hospital ministry. They do this with joy.
Recently, the San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church developed a new vision. They wanted to serve Chinese restaurant workers in San Francisco. The Chinese Restaurant Workers Fellowship was created. This ministry began on December 10. A Christmas celebration followed on December 24. The church recognized that no other church was serving this group. Restaurant workers often face emptiness, long hours, and bad habits. The church believed they needed Jesus the most.
The San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church continues to be a beacon of hope. It offers spiritual nourishment and a sense of belonging. It welcomes all who seek community and faith. Remember the dedication of its founders as you pass by this place. Consider their commitment to serving a community in need. The San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church stands as a symbol of faith. It shows community and unwavering dedication.