How did a group of Chinese emigrants create a church in Italy? The story of Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Cinese a Milano is a testament to faith. It shows community and the bridging of cultures.
The Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Cinese in Italia has humble beginnings. In the 1970s China began economic reforms. This led to increased emigration. Many waited for visas at Beijing’s DaShanLan Hotel. Among them were future founders of the church.
In 1981 a church formed in Rome. It gathered for Bible studies. In 1983 they rejoiced at news of a preacher coming from China. Mr Pan Xizheng from Wenzhou arrived in Livorno in 1983. He then led the group in biblical study.
March 1984 saw the first official service in Rome. Pan Xizheng led it. The second service followed in May. September that year marked the founding of the Chinese church in Pisa. Members of the Italian Chinese Christian Church gathered there.
The chosen name was Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Cinese in Italia. They decided to celebrate Christmas on December 25 1985 in Pisa. A significant milestone occurred in August 1985. The first preaching event for Chinese Christians in Italy took place.
The Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Cinese di Milano started differently. In 1984 Taiwanese students in Italy formed a diaspora. They initially met at the Tai family home on Saturdays. On Sundays they attended services at the Italian church on Via Pinamonte. The group decided to form a church. It would evangelize Mandarin speakers of all nationalities.
In 1992 Pastor Wong was invited to Milan. This was with the help of UCEBI. In August the community joined UCEBI. By the end of 1992 they held their own Sunday service. It was in a space on Via Ponchielli. The Chiesa Evangelica Cinese di Milano was officially founded on January 2 1994.
Today the Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Cinese a Milano shares its place of worship. It is on Via Pinamonte. They share with Italian Latin American and Romanian churches. This reflects the church’s guiding verse Colossians 3:11. It states that Christ is all and in all regardless of background.
The Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Cinese a Milano continues to evolve. It welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and seeks unity in Christ.