“Today was a dream come true for me,” says Kanchana Sukachevin (pictured above), one of the 54 founding-members of the Capital Chinese church in Silver Spring, Md. More than 150 people, including early church leaders, distinguished guests and state officials attended the celebration this past Sabbath.
A Chinese Sabbath School class began in 1987, when 10 Chinese families from Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md., decided to start a program in their own language. This group developed into a company, and, in 1994, was officially organized as a church.
Pastors Ebenezer Samuel, Joseph Jiao, Akira Chang and Oliver Koh receive orchids as a small token of appreciation for their dedicated service and commitment to the church.
“Twenty-five years is a milestone. It is an occasion to celebrate and an opportunity to look back and reflect on God’s leading,” said Ebenezer Samuel, current pastor, during the service.
The church, recognized for its outreach in the surrounding community, conducts annual evangelistic meetings and health seminars. “For 25 years you have been doing a work of upmost importance—helping people to know Jesus,” preached Ted Wilson (pictured), president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “Thank you for being loving and caring for people—that is probably one of the greatest missionary characteristics you can have.”
Ted Wilson, General Conference President, attended the celebration and thanked the congregation for their work.
Another characteristic the church is known for is their weekly Sabbath potlucks. With a membership that includes more than 20 nationalities, some say they should receive the “Best Potluck” award. Other visitors note there isn’t a more warm and welcoming church in the area.
“I started attending the church because my cousins were members there. Sadly, they moved away, but I felt like I was already integrated and part of the [church] family, so I decided to stay,” says 23-year-old Wright Makambi, originally from Kenya.
The day concluded with an afternoon program that included various special music performances and reflections from charter and current members.
“Today we have come to celebrate, to honor, to remember, to reflect, to reconnect and to fellowship,” says Samuel. “Most importantly, we have come to worship God and give Him glory for the things He has done.”
-Written by Ricardo Bacchus
-Photos by San Suvankham
