Several members from the Bergthal Mennonite Church left their own place of worship in Didsbury, Alta., on Aug. 28, 2016, to join with their Chin brothers and sisters in worship at Calgary Chin Christian Church.
Recognizing the coming shift in the structure of Mennonite Church Canada, the members of Bergthal felt that it was important to extend the hand of fellowship beyond their own community, to those congregations that are relatively new and finding their place within MC Alberta.
Bergthal brought the sermon and shared a special song with the congregation in a joint service filled with great enthusiasm, joy, laughter and praise to God. Calgary Chin Christian Church was founded in January 2011.
The 100 members of the young, growing congregation come from the Chin state in Myanmar. The Chin church’s vision is to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ and to equip spiritual parents for the next generation. Evangelism and missions are a priority. Rev. Leng Nawn Thang explained that, after much research into various denominations, the group identified with Mennonites because of their history of persecution. Finding historical and theological compatibility with MC Alberta, the Chin chose to become members of the area church on March 22, 2013.
See more about Chin Mennonites:
‘We want to be Anabaptist’
Chin Christians receive Mennonite teaching with joy
Pizza lessons
See also “Extending the table.”
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