It has been nine months since Yibing Haung, pastor of the Greater Boston Chinese church, left China and came to the United States. “Though we’ve faced many challenges and felt the difficulties of living and serving in a foreign land, we have also experienced abundant grace in the Lord,” Haung reflected. On Sabbath, May 10, about 70 church members and seekers gathered at Camp Winnekeag for a weekend filled with unforgettable moments and heartfelt gratitude.
The event was full of rich and meaningful activities. Along with delicious food lovingly prepared by many families, attendees also held a special Mother’s Day celebration. Each mother received warm blessings from the younger generation, and many were moved to tears—tears that expressed respect, appreciation, and the deep touch of God’s love. 
Participants also celebrated the first graduation of the church’s emotional wellness program, the Lift Project. Over the past few months, attendees learned practical psychological insights for daily life and were nurtured in mind, body, and spirit. The closing ceremony provided an opportunity to share reflections, testimonies, laughter, and renewed personal commitments to healthier emotional living.
One of the most moving highlights of the weekend was the baptism ceremony on Sabbath afternoon. Five individuals publicly declared their faith in Jesus, choosing to follow Him and become part of the Seventh-day Adventist family. As each one entered the water and emerged again, the congregation rejoiced with clapping and cheers—many with tears of joy. “The baptism was more than just a personal milestone for them,” explains Haung. “It was a moment of celebration and honor for the entire church. It was a living testimony of how God is at work among us—transforming hearts and renewing lives.”
Remarkably, the baptism took place after heavy rainfall all morning. After many earnest prayers, the skies cleared as the time for baptism came, and sunlight shone down on the water. “It felt as though God’s glory was present with us,” said Haung.
During those sacred moments together by the lake, the group experienced the beauty of nature, the warmth of fellowship, and the real and powerful love of Jesus moving among them. “We witnessed people being drawn to Him, changed by Him, and healed through Him. We saw a church being united, built up, and stirred to rise in love,” reflects Haung.
“None of this happened by chance—it was all part of the Lord’s gracious plan,” concluded Haung. “My prayer is that we always remember this Sabbath at the beautiful Camp Winnekeag, and may we carry the heaven-sent love and mission as we continue to run the race ahead.”
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Communication, Greater Boston Chinese church
