Loma Linda Celebrates Chinese New Year

Many agree that the community of Loma Linda shares a richly diverse and service-oriented heart. On Sat. evening, Feb. 8, the Loma Linda Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Church held its annual Chinese New Year's Celebration, opening its doors to the entire community. The 300, or so, attendees celebrated the Year of the Horse with worship, Chinese cuisine, and other Chinese New Year's festivities, including a traditional lion dance accompanied by the music of a beating drum, cymbal, and gong. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune. Jenny Hung, chairperson for organizing the celebration, led the successful evening introducing and welcoming all involved. Immediately following Pastor Matthew Yuen’s prayer, Jenny Hung and Team, along with the church’s Gospel Praise Team, warmed the environment with worship and a bit of friendly humor. Lillian Guild was one of those present, wearing a white, traditional Chinese gown full of flower patterns. Guild, who spent 12 years with her husband as missionaries in Singapore, shared, "My heart is half Chinese. Chinese New Year's was one of the most fun times of the year in Singapore, but the celebration here in Loma Linda is just as exciting." "Don't miss the celebration next year!" Guild encouraged.