Church Overview

Mandarin Grace Mandarin Church (国语颂恩堂) is affiliated with the British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. It is located in North Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, about 20 km from downtown Vancouver. The church currently holds regular Sunday worship services, cell groups, prayer meetings, and Sunday school, along with several home-based Bible study groups in the Burnaby and Coquitlam areas. Our desire is to be a spiritual lighthouse for Burnaby and the Tri-Cities.

Origins of the Church

Mandarin Grace Mandarin Church was planted from its mother church, Grace Mennonite Church in Port Moody (a Cantonese-speaking congregation). In 1997, a group of devoted Mandarin-speaking brothers and sisters first formed a Mandarin fellowship, which later grew into a Mandarin Sunday worship service. By God’s grace and guidance, Mandarin Grace Mandarin Church became an independently administered church in July 2000.

Since April 4, 2004, the church has met at 380 Hythe Avenue, Burnaby, with Sunday worship services held at 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., allowing more brothers, sisters, and friends to take part.

The Establishment and Growth of the Maple Ridge Branch Church

Starting from nothing, and relying entirely on God’s grace, Mandarin Grace Mandarin Church gradually established its own church building and went on to launch the church-planting ministry of its Maple Ridge branch.

• The Vision Begins: A brother was moved by God to donate the space of his company in Coquitlam Port to be used for the Maple Ridge church-planting team’s meetings and preparatory ministry work.
• October 1, 2006: The Maple Ridge branch held its first worship service, marking the official launch of the church-planting ministry.
• The Church Extension Department of the BC Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches provided significant support throughout this development.
• January 7, 2007: The Maple Ridge branch of Mandarin Grace Mandarin Church was officially established, meeting in the rented hall of Maple Ridge Community Church. Worship services were set for 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, with Sunday school following at 4:00 p.m.

The establishment of the Maple Ridge branch was a significant milestone in Mandarin Grace Mandarin Church’s outreach from its Burnaby mother church, and a response to God’s calling. It also stands as a testimony to how God, through the offerings and dedication of His people, has continued to expand His kingdom step by step.

The Launch of the English Ministry

On September 4, 2011, the English ministry officially began meeting at Mandarin Grace Mandarin Church (Burnaby), with services held on Sundays at 10:00 a.m., further enriching the church’s community of service and responding to the needs of congregants from different language backgrounds.

Conclusion

From the founding of the Mandarin fellowship in 1997, to becoming an independent church in 2000, and to the establishment of the Maple Ridge branch in 2006 and 2007, Mandarin Grace Mandarin Church has continually witnessed God’s faithful guidance. The church remains committed to its mission in Burnaby and the Tri-Cities — building up believers and spreading the Gospel far and wide.