The visit began in Baltimore, where church staff members hosted Desmond for breakfast. The morning was filled with deep conversation as the staff listened to Desmond share his aspirations, his dreams, and the moving story of his journey to Christ.

Desmond’s testimony centers on a “crisis of faith” he experienced nearly a year ago. During a period of intense spiritual dryness, he prayed for a sign of God’s presence. It was in that pivotal moment on his campus that he met Chrystal, an encounter that would eventually lead him to his current walk with God.

“It was very touching to hear his testimony,” shared one of the church staff members. “Hearing how he felt so dry and how God answered his prayer by bringing Chrystal into his life on campus was incredible. Listening to him made me realize once again the power of our living God, who truly works through all things.”

For Desmond, the highlight of the trip was the opportunity to step inside the physical walls of DC Bethel Church. While he is a regular participant in church life through online broadcasts, this visit allowed him to experience the sanctuary and community in person for the first time.

During his short stay, Desmond met with Pastor Michelle Mu, along with several other church leaders and members, strengthening the bonds between the DC-based congregation and its growing mission outposts.

As Desmond returns to his studies in North Carolina, the DC Bethel community is calling for continued prayer. Leaders are asking the congregation to support Desmond’s ongoing spiritual growth and to remain in prayer for the flourishing of the mission field in North Carolina.

Pastor Michelle delivered the sermon based on John 21, highlighting its significance as a later addition to the Gospel, written around A.D. 100 to address pressing issues in the early church. At that time, believers were facing challenges symbolized by “empty nets” and confusion about the end times. Through this passage, the message brought clarity-not only to the early church but also to Christians today.

The sermon emphasized that a church empowered by the resurrection, and believers who have encountered the risen Lord, are called to both mission and shepherding. With a right understanding of the end times, they are to faithfully “feed the Lord’s sheep” and carry out the Great Commission.

Throughout Easter retreat, many members experienced spiritual renewal and personal transformation. They would come to more deeply understand the Lord’s unconditional love, then they would love His sheep willingly and faithfully carry out the ministries entrusted to them.

Looking ahead, DC Bethel Church will continue to be empowered by the Holy Spirit and press forward toward Pentecost, and bear abundant fruit for the glory of God.

Easter Sunday Service: The Power of the Resurrection

The morning began at 9:00 AM at the AM Fellowship Center with an atmosphere of profound joy. Victoria, representing the DC Jubilee Ministry, guided the congregation’s hearts into a state of vibrant worship. Her leadership in praise served as a collective declaration of faith, aligning the diverse group of families and students in a single spirit of gratitude for the resurrected Lord.

Following a moving intercessory prayer led by D.C. member John, the congregation turned their attention to the “resurrection chapter” of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 15.

The message dove deeply into three core pillars of faith:

• The Historic Resurrection of Jesus: Confirming the physical, historical reality of Christ rising from the dead.
• The Resurrection of Believers: Understanding our shared hope and future in Him.
• The Resurrection of the Body: Meditating on the transformation of the corruptible into the incorruptible.

The study challenged participants to see how the entirety of the Christian faith “makes or breaks” on this single historic event. Members came to see the deep truth of why the resurrection matters-not just as a past event, but as the present power that secures eternal life.

A Tale of Two Campuses: The UNC Chapel Hill Tour

Building on the grace received during Saturday’s tour of Duke University, Sunday’s program included a guided tour of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).

The tour was uniquely led by a registered AM member who is a current student at UNC. D.C. members expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to see both prestigious campuses through the eyes of the students themselves. Walking through the UNC grounds provided a vivid visual of the mission field where the “vivid gospel” is being shared with the next generation of leaders.

The Great Commission and Departure

The retreat concluded with a hearty fellowship meal at a local restaurant. Over lunch, members shared testimonies of the “abundant grace” received over the three-day weekend at the Chapel Hill center, reflecting on the transition from the suffering of the Cross to the glory of the Resurrection.

As the families and members departed for their respective homes, they did so with the Great Commission deeply engraved in their hearts. Entrusted by the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ to go and make disciples of all nations, the participants left North Carolina not just as observers of a holiday, but as messengers of a living hope.

Prerequisite Attitudes: Humility and Secrecy

In his lecture, Mr. Michael emphasized that progress in a “constant prayer life” requires specific prerequisites. Drawing from Matthew 6:1-6, he identified two pillars of the prayerful life: humility and secrecy.

• Humility as Reality: Mr. Michael described prayer as a “humble admission that we need [God’s] help” and a realization that we are incapable of accomplishing anything on our own.
• The Model of Leadership: He challenged spiritual leaders to embody this humility by being “accessible, easy to approach,” and “the kind of spiritual leader who would wash the feet of their followers”.
• The Power of Secrecy: Rather than performing for “Oscars” or seeking public praise, believers were encouraged to seek the “secret place”. This privacy prevents the temptation of using “colorful phrases” or “dramatic tones” to impress others, creating instead an environment of internal peace.

“God likely doesn’t care about the display… there is no Oscar for best performance by a prayer leader”.

The Balance of Private and Corporate Prayer

Addressing the upcoming time of group intercession, Mr. Michael clarified that there is no conflict between private and corporate prayer. While the “vast majority” of a believer’s prayer life occurs alone-often totaling only 7 to 10 hours of group prayer per week-corporate prayer serves a vital purpose: it cures the “tunnel vision” of personal pride.

“Corporate prayer redirects us away from our own individual problems to a collective worship of God,” he noted, adding that much of this collective work happens through the powerful medium of corporate singing.

Transformation Against the Grain

The lecture took a counter-cultural turn as Mr. Michael discussed how prayer transforms the individual. Citing author Frederica Matthews Green, he warned that Christ does not transform believers into the “rugged individuals” or “macho” heroes admired by American culture. Instead, prayer molds people into those whom “our culture doesn’t even notice,” defined by vulnerability and selfless service rather than power and control.

A Community in Intercession

Following the lecture, the congregation entered the “secret place” together to pray for eight specific topics:

1. Repentance and Gratitude: Reaffirming the humility discussed in the lecture.
2. Leadership & Missions: For the Senior Pastor’s health and the Asia mission trip.
3. Education: For the school fund and campus development.
4. Local Church Growth: Covering missionary recruitment, Baltimore church insurance inspections, and renovations.
5. Media & Administration: Seeking breakthroughs in media and business administration.
6. Economic & Spiritual Health: Praying for business profit goals, cash flow, and the virtues of faith, patience, and love.
7. Campus Support: For teachers and general school development.
8. Physical Healing: Specific petitions for Pengfei, Nancy, and Yenyi.

“Why Would You Love Me?”

The evening concluded with a moving original poem by Brother Avery. Titled “Why Would You Love Me?”, the poem used the metaphor of a wayward bride to illustrate the unconditional grace of God. It served as a final reminder that God does not look for “worthiness” or “perfection,” but simply a willingness to be redeemed.

“Show up imperfect that I would be with you and mold you to perfection,” Brother Avery recited, echoing Mr. Michael’s earlier call to stand before God’s altar rather than the world’s stage.

Pursuing the Ultimate Prize

The sermon centered on Philippians 3:12-14, where the Apostle Paul speaks of forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what is ahead. Pastor Hu noted that while Paul never criticized the Philippian church-a community that supported him financially even during his house arrest-he used his own life as a testimony to show that knowing Christ is more precious than any worldly achievement.

“Everything Paul had as a Pharisee, he considered a waste just to gain Christ,” Pastor Hu stated. She compared the struggle of letting go of worldly desires to a child reluctant to give up candy until they are shown a much larger bag. “If we give up many things to follow Christ but don’t actually obtain Christ, life becomes painful. But when we realize what we have gained is eternal, everything else feels like a loss.”

A Call to Authentic Faith

Pastor Hu touched on the sacrifices made by the immigrant community, noting that many left their families and careers in Asia to seek a better life or deeper faith in the United States. She cautioned the congregation against losing their “initial heart” and becoming distracted by material status symbols like houses, cars, or visa statuses.

Reflecting on her own family, she shared a poignant moment of prayer for her children. “There is a Chinese saying that you bring nothing when you come into this world and nothing when you leave,” she said. “But there is one thing we can bring to the next life: our relationship with God. That is what we must pass down.”

“Try Your Best” vs. “Put Your Life on the Line”

In a memorable illustration, Pastor Hu recounted a story of a hunting dog chasing a wounded rabbit. The dog eventually gave up, telling the hunter he “tried his best.” The rabbit, however, escaped because he was “putting his life on the line.”

“Are we going to live a life of simply trying our best, or are we going to put our lives on the line for the Gospel?” she asked. She pointed to the example of the Senior Pastor and church leaders who fast and pray fervently before major church decisions as evidence of a life truly committed to the “upward call.”

A Community in Prayer

Following the sermon, the atmosphere shifted to one of collective intercession. The members of Bethel Presbyterian moved into a dedicated time of prayer, first addressing the church’s collective needs before praying for one another and personal requests.

According to the church’s prayer list for February 13, the congregation focused on several key areas:

• Spiritual Renewal: Repentance, gratitude, and a “Media Breakthrough” for the church’s outreach.
• Missions and Growth: Support for the Senior Pastor’s upcoming Asia mission trip and the recruitment of NC Missionaries.
• Local Projects: The Baltimore Church loan renewal, building renovations, and the 2026 Summer Pioneering Project.
• Education and Business: Development of the school fund, campus teachers, and achieving “Biz Profit Goals” through faith and patience.
• Healing: Specific prayers for the physical health of members, including the healing of Pengfei, Nancy, Yenyi, and the recovery of Baby Hudson.

The evening concluded with a shared commitment to “press on” toward the goal of Christ, leaving behind the distractions of the past to embrace the eternal prize.

While many students have returned to their hometowns for the break, a faithful number remain at the historically significant institution. It’s to these individuals that Brother Jermaine has prayerfully directed his evangelistic outreach. With intentionality and a heart full of the love of Christ, he can be seen walking the university grounds, engaging students in conversation, sharing Scripture, and fostering meaningful dialogues about Jesus Christ. His unwavering approach reflects a deep trust that God will prepare and open hearts in His perfect timing.

Brother Jermaine’s commitment echoes the apostle Paul’s timeless charge in 2 Timothy 4:2, which exhorts believers to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.” He views the quieter summer months not as an obstacle to his mission, but as a unique opportunity to connect with students on a more personal level. His motivation isn’t driven by large numbers, but by the intrinsic value he places on each individual soul.

As the Holy Spirit guides his steps, Brother Jermaine continues to sow seeds of truth and hope. He remains confident that, as promised in Scripture, God will ultimately grant the increase in due time. The campus community and broader spiritual network are encouraged to uphold Brother Jermaine in prayer as he continues his dedicated labor, serving with faith, boldness, and joy in the Gospel at Howard University.

Written by Jermaine Johnson

The retreat commenced on Friday evening with a special opening service, setting a reverent tone for the spiritual journey ahead. On Saturday, the congregation transitioned to a vibrant outdoor event at a local strawberry farm. Cell groups gathered for a joyous time of fellowship, connecting amidst nature’s bounty. The day featured an engaging Bible study focusing on the transformative events of Acts 2, bringing the historical significance of Pentecost to life. Participants also enjoyed the unique experience of harvesting fresh strawberries, blending spiritual nourishment with tangible communal joy.

The culmination of the retreat unfolded on Sunday with a powerful Pentecost Sunday service. Members united in worship and praise, culminating in a deeply moving closing message. The preacher delved into 2 Corinthians 13:14, exploring the Trinitarian benediction – a farewell greeting originally penned for the Corinthians. The message meticulously unpacked each facet of this profound blessing: the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the unwavering love of God, and the unifying fellowship of the Holy Spirit. This rich exploration provided a profound understanding of the meaning of Pentecost and the indispensable reason for the Holy Spirit’s arrival.

Following the inspiring service, the church family transitioned into joyful table fellowship. Members broke both physical and spiritual bread together, sharing a meal and rejoicing in the immeasurable gift of the Holy Spirit. Laughter and heartfelt conversations filled the air as the community celebrated their shared faith.

The retreat concluded with a jubilant praise session led by the Jubilee worship band. Victoria, leading the musicians, guided the congregation in lifting their voices to God in a powerful sacrifice of praise. Notably, a new vocal talent was added to the Jubilee worship band for this Pentecost retreat, bringing an even greater diversity and dynamic power to the worship experience.

Participants expressed receiving abundant power and encouragement throughout the Pentecost retreat. As the event adjourned, members were spiritually recharged and dispatched back to their homes, with the Holy Spirit powerfully guiding them to live boldly for the Kingdom of God and righteousness. The DC Church looks forward to carrying the renewed fervor and spiritual empowerment from this retreat into their ongoing ministry and daily lives.

The service, held in a peaceful sanctuary setting, invited congregants to pause from their busy routines and immerse themselves in the words and miracles of Jesus as recorded in John 5. This chapter, which recounts the healing at the pool of Bethesda and Jesus’ profound teachings on life and authority, served as the focal point for a time of listening and receiving the proclaimed message.

The message was delivered by Pastor Steven Du, who drew attention to Jesus’ statement that He works because His Father is always at work. Pastor Du emphasized that, just as Jesus identified Himself with the Father and relied on Him, Christians today are called to live not by their own strength but by depending on God through the Holy Spirit. He encouraged the congregation to find their identity in Christ and to approach daily life with a posture of reliance on God rather than self-sufficiency.

Leaders encouraged attendees to contemplate the themes of healing, faith, and the transformative power of Christ’s word. “John 5 challenges us to see beyond the surface and recognize the deeper work God is doing in our lives,” one church elder shared. “It’s a reminder that Christ’s compassion and authority extend to every part of our being—physical, spiritual, and communal.”

Following the service, church members came together to set up the new chairs that had recently arrived. With gratitude, they thanked God for providing this new furniture and expressed appreciation to the business team whose support made the purchase possible. The congregation joined in praising God for this tangible blessing, celebrating the new chairs as a sign of growth and provision for their church community.

The evening included time for quiet prayer, scriptural reading, and moments of guided meditation, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual attentiveness among participants. Many found the midweek pause an opportunity to reconnect with their faith and with one another.

The meeting, held in a spirit of encouragement and unity, focused on the foundational Christian doctrine of justification by faith. Drawing from Romans 4:5—“His faith is counted as righteousness”—the brothers discussed how Abraham, the patriarch of faith, was declared righteous not by his works, but by believing in the God who justifies the ungodly. The study highlighted that salvation is not earned through human effort, but is a gift of God’s grace through Christ.

Brother Ulysses, a newcomer to Bible study, and Brother Alvin, a seasoned student, both shared insights and questions, making the time in the Word both rich and convicting. Their discussion underscored the relevance of ancient truths in today’s world and the ongoing need for believers to anchor their hope in God’s promises.

The evening concluded with a shared meal, further strengthening the bonds of Christian love and community. The brothers agreed that their time together was a beautiful example of how doctrine and love work hand in hand within the body of Christ.

“To God alone be the glory,” they affirmed, grateful for the fellowship and the grace that unites them in faith.

Written by Jermaine Johnson

Central to the service was the remembrance and receiving of the “invisible bread” – the Word of God. Members reflected deeply on God’s love displayed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, emphasizing that the story didn’t end there but made way for new life and power through the risen Lord.

Drawing meditation from the entire chapter of John 21, the congregation was exhorted to seek and meet the risen Lord personally. The message encouraged attendees to respond to His love with humility and repentance, like the Apostle Peter, receiving God’s forgiveness and new commission with open hearts to “feed His lamb.” Attendees were also reminded to focus on their individual walk with Christ and look forward to His return with hope, rather than comparing their faith journey with others.

The service included several highlights celebrating new life in Christ. A significant moment was the baptism of Yingcui Xu, mother of church member John Zhang, who was welcomed into the church family through the sacrament before the witness of her brothers and sisters in Christ. Following the baptism, attendees partook in Holy Communion, sharing the “visible bread” and wine in remembrance of the Lord’s sacrifice, His love, and the new covenant established through His blood.

This Easter service also served as the closing gathering for the church’s successful three-day retreat. Afterward, members continued the celebration with joyful table fellowship, sharing a meal together and praising God for His work and presence throughout the retreat weekend. The Easter celebration provided a powerful culmination, reinforcing themes of resurrection life, community, and renewed commitment for the DC church members.

Following the conclusion of the retreat activities at the church, many members continued their joyful fellowship by visiting Terrapin Nature Park in Maryland, enjoying nature near the Chesapeake Bay and giving thanks to God together.