Established in 1968, the Chinese Christian Fellowship at Waterloo began as informal gatherings at the home of Professor David and Rose Pei. At that time Chinese churches did not exist, nor were there many Chinese in Waterloo; but as we all know, Chinese people congregate. So the Chinese Christians did, with the express purpose of studying the Word of God, and inviting others to join them as well.
Terrance Lau, a Christian through student Bible studies, came across literature testifying of how God was working on campuses through Bible study groups while studying his undergrad. When he moved to Waterloo for graduate studies, he began looking for a bible study group and asking God “What can you do through me?”. God quickly answered his prayers in the summer of 1970 by putting him in touch with Professor Pei and family and sending Reverend Arthur and Margaret Louis from Winnipeg Alliance to Waterloo. Together they worked with other Chinese students and local workers to develop the Chinese Christian Fellowship. This year also brought about the move in locations to the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (now Sir Wilfred Laurier University).
The next couple years brought in many Cantonese speaking people. While none of them were Canadian born Chinese, English remained the official language of the fellowship. The first student winter conference in eastern Canada took place shortly after, serving as a major force that shaped the fellowship-body dynamics to fervently study His word and share it with others who wished to hear it.
The change in immigration policy in 1967 made it easier for Chinese people to immigrate. Gradually the demographics changed to what we have today.
Five of the early fellowshippers are now full time ministers at Chinese churches within the Greater Toronto Area. One of them, Dr. Terrance Lau, challenges us to maintain the Bible study ministry and pray that God would raise up spiritually mature believers to impact the lives of others around. Faith integrated into life through interaction (eg. discussion) shape the spiritually of the fellowship.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
reference: CCF Handbook, released Fall 2005
CCF through the ages!
2006 Winter Retreat:
2008 Fall Retreat:
2009 Winter Retreat:
2009 Fall Retreat:
2010 Winter Retreat:
2010 Grads:
