The largest church in China dedicated

China (MNN) — While many un-registered churches face incredible hardship in China, a registered church is celebrating a beginning.

China Partner reports that the largest newly built church was last week in Hangzhou, Zhejiang which is located on the eastern seaboard of China. Marco Polo stated that this city is the most beautiful city of the world. The Chinese here say, In heaven there is paradise, on earth there is Hangzhou.

The new church can accommodate up to 5,000 people, however some 10,000 worshippers crowded into every space available at last week’s dedication. A huge cross on the magnificent structure can be seen from afar. The police had their hands full to control the crowds.

The President of China Partner Erik Burklin along with his father Werner Burklin witnessed this historic occasion as special guests from overseas.

A teaching team of China Partner will return to Hangzhou next month to conduct seminars at the theological seminary in this city. Due to the enormous growth of churches all across China, young emerging Christian leaders and pastors have to be trained to take on the ministry responsibilities presently being vacated by old pastors.

Since 1991 China Partner has conducted over 40 such short term training seminars in 16 theological institutions across the country. Among other activities, China Partner is also involved with legally shipping theological books and Bibles into China; helping to construct churches and other social facilities; and supporting Bible school students from impoverished areas in China.