It started with a map in her mind.
During prayer at a Chinese Christian spiritual retreat, God put a map of Bradford, Ontario in Ester’s mind and on her heart.
Even though there are up to 4,000 Chinese people living in the Bradford area and is one of the fastest developing communities in Ontario, there are 17 churches but no Chinese churches.
So Ester and Ted prayed and began to dream of planting a Chinese church.
Church planting is a big career change for former research chemists but their desire for others to know Jesus moved them onward.
Ester and Ted started with a cell group gathering.
Then they held a Chinese New Year’s Celebration with dumpling making and traditional dance performances.
People wore traditional Chinese outfits and children carried baskets for candy and lucky prizes.
They looked for rental space and talked to many pastors.
The Lord led them to a friendly local pastor with a big Kingdom perspective.
The pastor said, “Our purpose is to make Jesus famous.”
He offered rental space to the Bradford Chinese Church at a very reasonable rate and supported them as they began the church plant.
Sometimes the two congregations come together for joint worship services as the bigger family of God.
VMC helped Bradford Chinese Church officially become a new registered church in December 2025.
Pray for Ted and Ester as they find creative ways to let people know about the church and as the church introduces people to Jesus for the first time.
Seeds are being planted and growth is evident!