Church History
The Melbourne Chinese Bible Study Group was established in 1984 by seven brothers and sisters. Most of the Bible studies were held on the Florida Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) campus and at the nearby Central Baptist Church. Initially, the participants were mainly students, but later on, they were mostly professionals. Despite being called a Bible study group, it gradually developed into an evangelistic church over the years.
During its growth, the Bible study group received countless care and support from other churches. For example, the Gainesville Chinese Christian Church (which was also a Bible study group at that time) sent hymn books, and Brother Ding from the Orlando Chinese Church and Pastor Guo from the Palm Beach Chinese Christian Church provided teaching and loving support. These contributions greatly helped the brothers and sisters grow spiritually.
Due to the high turnover of members, the church has always strived tirelessly in evangelism, especially at the beginning of each academic term, actively reaching out to new students and offering various kinds of assistance to make them feel less homesick. Over the years, many brothers and sisters have come to believe in the Lord, and many others have believed and served in other places after leaving.
In the late 1990s, many Chinese professionals settled in Brevard County, and Chinese students continued to come here to study. The work of the Holy Spirit was amazing, attracting these people with God’s love upon their first encounter with the gospel. Every year, many people were saved and baptized.
Seeing the importance of evangelism and missions, the Chinese Christians in Melbourne, after long prayers and seeking God’s guidance, joined the Christian and Missionary Alliance in March 2000, establishing the Melbourne Chinese Alliance Church. Currently, God has sent His servant Pastor Shilu Zhu and his wife among us to teach, support, care for, build up, and equip us, leading us to become messengers and soldiers of the gospel, working together to advance the gospel.
Praise and thank the Lord! May glory be to God, Amen.