“The Amoy Mission” began in 1842. It started on an island called Gu-langyu in Fujian, China. We are standing before The Chinese Christian Church Of Amoy. But what does “Amoy” mean? Missionaries used “Amoy” to describe today’s Xiamen. It also referred to the dialect spoken there and in South Fujian.
The missionaries came from different groups. They were sent from the Dutch Reformed Church in America. Others came from the London Mission Society and the English Presbyterian Mission. Imagine these groups working together. They expanded God’s kingdom.
The first missionary was Dr. David Abeel III. He arrived in Xiamen in 1842. Before that, he prepared by learning Hokkien. He rented a small house in Gulangyu. His co-workers included Dr. William Jones Boone, Sr. and others. Abeel preached and distributed religious literature. After half a year, about fifty people listened on Sundays.
In 1898, a church was founded in Luohu District. The Rhenish Missionary Society founded it. It was rebuilt in 1949. During the Cultural Revolution in 1966, the church closed. Staff went home to work on farms.
The church reopened in 1984. This happened after Deng Xiaoping returned to politics. In 1998, the Shenzhen government provided land for a new church. It was in Meilin Huaguo Hill of Futian District.
The groundbreaking ceremony occurred in 1999. Construction finished in 2000. The new church opened on December 9, 2001. It cost 30 million yuan. Local believers donated most of the money. The church covers 8,265 square meters. It stands 28 meters tall.
Today, The Chinese Christian Church Of Amoy has three Sunday services. Weekday meetings take place from Tuesday to Saturday. People arrive by subway or bus. They come to worship in this modern space.
Consider the missionaries’ dedication. They weren’t perfect. But their love for God drove them. They sacrificed everything to share the Good News. They spent their lives for the people of Xiamen. The missionaries created a Romanization system. This helped people learn to read. The Iok Tek Amoy Girls’ School educated thousands. Many became teachers in the Philippines.
Remember the Amoy Mission. It reminds us to work together. Let’s share our faith.