In late December Mennonite Men completed its fundraising for a $40,000 grant for Omaha Chin Christian Church in Omaha, Nebraska. With the release of these funds, the congregation will be able to move forward with their church building project on the outskirts of the city.
A member of Central Plains Mennonite Conference of MC USA, Omaha Chin Christian Church is one of an increasing number of Chin Christian communities in North America. These communities, who have roots in Myanmar, are finding their way into MC USA and MC Canada conferences.
This congregation is connected to a large population of Chin immigrants in Omaha and has a special ministry of assisting people navigate a challenging new life in North America and find a home in the Anabaptist family. Many folks in this population have come from refugee camps and have been marginalized or exiled from their country. As the congregation continues to grow and reach more Chin people in Omaha, the church facility they plan to acquire will not only provide a space of their own for worship but will also offer a place for community activities to honor and celebrate their culture.
"We previously met in a rented space and this has left the church feeling like they are not rooted," shared Ngun Lian Mawi, pastor of the 70-member congregation. Leaders hope that their own building will be a catalyst for unity growth, both numerically and spiritually.
Omaha Chin Christian Church is the 93rd congregation to receive a JoinHands grant from Mennonite Men. Nearly 2.5 million has been granted since the program begain in 1985. If you or your congregation are interested in contributing to our next campaign, visit mennonitemen.org/joinhands.
