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Christians in Mianzhu, China, may never again worship in their historic church building, but they are praising God nonetheless.

The sanctuary, built 85 years ago by British missionaries, was severely damaged in the May 12 earthquake that devastated Sichuan province. The walls cracked, tons of black bricks toppled down, and terracotta tiles slid off the rafters to leave gaping holes in the roof. The building was beyond repair and dangerous to enter.

That, however, was the least of their concerns. Most lost their homes and are living in makeshift tents. Many are grieving. Mianzhu lost more people than any other city, 11,000 from a population of half a million, including two church members.

Before the earthquake, services drew about 200 people to the 400-seat sanctuary. The following Sunday, about 100 gathered in the churchyard to thank God for His protection and ask for His help.

Their prayers were answered. Aid came from Chinese Christians and international organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse. God not only met their needs but has also given them abundant opportunities to share His love.

“Instead of complaining about what they lost, they went out and helped others,” assistant pastor Ziao Yi Xun said. “Brothers and sisters from other parts of China brought us rice, noodles, and water. We got more than enough, so we helped distribute things to other churches and also to non-believers. As we passed this love to other people, we told them the Gospel.”

Sunday crowds grew to 500 in the weeks following the quake. Now, the church is making plans to build a 1,000-seat sanctuary. Samaritan’s Purse has donated funds to help rebuild churches in the earthquake zone, in addition to our emergency relief work that is providing thousands of families with water and shelter.

“We feel very thankful to God,” Ziao said. “He cares for His church this way through Samaritan’s Purse and the donations of other churches. We’re very appreciative. Great things are happening with the church here.”