Central California Conference
Fresno Hmong members at the previously rented church facility.
in both Visalia and Fresno. By 2000, there were 30 families worshiping together. They formed a group and continued to grow. Lee fostered the collective unity of the people. By April 2015, the Fresno Hmong group had been voted as an official company with Lee as their pastor.
The Journey Continues
A church committee was formed to search for their future home. The property had many criteria that needed to be met. It must be in the southeast area of Fresno near the highest concentration of Hmong, be the right size, and have the right amenities to aid the growth and outreach plans, among others. After months of prayers, and one visit to the property, they knew God had led them. “After 40 years of the wilderness, here is the door to the promised land,” reflected Martha Vang, a member of the Hmong congregation.
we rejoice! They are a people with their own sanctuary, and the field is ripe. We look forward to the future with great anticipation, knowing that God will continue to bless this ministry.” Among other guests were Central’s Asian/Pacific director, Manuao Mauia, with a monetary gift from the Pacific Union, along with Hmong Adventists from Northern and Southern California conferences. Plans continue to develop for more effective ways to engage with the Hmong population,
including the continued production of a television show produced in Fresno in the Hmong language. Meanwhile, the church building will give local leaders a ministry center to facilitate all of these outreach ministries. “This is not an end of an accomplishment,“ concludes Kee Lee, Fresno Hmong company elder, “but the beginning of a journey.”
Sue Schramm
Looking Back and Forward
Nearly 140 people gathered for the ribbon cutting and inaugural service at the new church building. The divine service was complete with stories of the Hmong members’ journey, and the spiritual message presented by Ramiro Cano, president of the Central California Conference. “For so many years, the Hmong people lived without a country, and they worshipped Guests arrive in Hmong native dress to emphasize their heritage. without a church,” Cano explained. “And now July 2016
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