The Mayflower Church

Start of a New Life

On May 26, 2023, the last remaining Mayflower family arrived in Dallas, Texas. The family of five was delayed due to the wife’s pregnancy coming to term. All 64 members of the church are now reunited in their new home! Even though they are safe in the USA, their journey is just beginning.

Background

Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church escaped harsh persecution, interrogations, and imprisonment at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Due to their journey to practice religious freedom, many in the international community refer to them as the Mayflower Church. Pastor Pan Yongguang led his 60 members to Jeju Island, South Korea, in late-2019.

From South Korea to Thailand

After exhausting their legal options in South Korea, they arrived in Thailand to apply for United Nations refugee status. However, it did not take long for Chinese operatives to harass them. Every day they waited for approval was another day the CCP could take them back to China.

From Thailand to the USA

On March 30, Thailand authorities arrested them in Pattaya, where there stayed and waited for their UN refugee status. All 63 members were detained in Thailand’s Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) for overstaying their visas. All hope seemed lost, until the US government intervened, giving the church humanitarian status. Most of the families arrived in Texas on Good Friday, 2023.

Building A Home In Midland Texas

In late December 2023, after living in Tyler Texas, the Mayflower Church moved to Midland/Odessa Texas to build a permanent home.

Since the start of 2024, First Baptist Church Midland has opened up worship space for the Mayflower to use. Church members are working hard learning English, securing employment, and watching their kids start school. 

What you can do to help

The church escaped the clutches of Communism, but they need help resettling in America. Consider adopting a Mayflower Family to cover some of their costs. Email them directly with encouragement as they adjust to American life. 

Photo: Pastor Pan's family in Tyler, TX (Freedom Seekers International)
Photo: Mayflower family welcomed to the US (ChinaAId)

Updates

Catch up on the latest reports about the exiled Christians and follow their story of religious freedom

Featured
Bob Fu and Pastor of the Mayflower Church in DC to discuss China

(Washington DC) Pastor Pan Yongguang of the Mayflower Church and Bob Fu of ChinaAid will attend an interfaith meeting on Capitol Hill. Prominent religious leaders …

Religious Freedom
Final Mayflower Church family arrives safely in Texas
Featured
A Great Good Friday Reunion— Mayflower Church lands in Texas
Breaking News
Mayflower Church in the USA
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