In the streets of Flushing, New York, stands a solemn Mazu temple—a sacred place for worshippers seeking peace and safety. It serves as a bridge for both the Mazu culture and its spirit of charity. Behind this initiative is Dr. Rongbin Zhu, whose unwavering faith and mission have brought Mazu culture from China to the U.S., and through the Mazu Foundation of America, he promotes the values of Mazu around the world, fostering cultural connection and philanthropy.
Dr. Rongbin Zhu’s Belief and Mission: From Fujian to New York
Dr. Rongbin Zhu was born in Xianyou, Putian, Fujian—the origin of Mazu culture. Growing up influenced by Mazu’s teachings, the principles of “virtue, charity, and great love” became the cornerstone of his life. In 1989, Dr. Zhu came to the U.S. to develop a medical career but never forgot his cultural roots. He recognized that Mazu’s spirit is not just a Chinese cultural treasure but a universal value that brings charity and peace worldwide. In 2014, he founded the Mazu Foundation of America in Flushing, New York, and brought Mazu’s divine presence from Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple to symbolize the official establishment of Mazu culture in the U.S.
Commitment and Dissemination: From Charity to Cultural Globalization
As a firm believer and cultural inheritor, Dr. Zhu leads the Mazu Foundation of America not only to promote Mazu culture but also to instill its charitable spirit into communities. The Mazu festivals he organizes attract thousands of followers and visitors each year, promoting Chinese culture through festive events. The Foundation is also active in charitable work, providing free healthcare services to seniors and low-income families, hosting health lectures, and organizing community clinics. These efforts embody the “great love” of Mazu and allow more people to experience the warmth and strength of philanthropy.
During the pandemic, the Foundation took swift action, donating protective supplies and organizing volunteers to support the community. These concrete actions transcend religious boundaries, making the spirit of Mazu a shared value for humanity. Under Dr. Zhu’s leadership, the Foundation’s charity work and cultural promotion have expanded across the U.S., with an impact reaching globally.
World Mazu Cultural Alliance: A Bridge for International Cooperation
To further expand the influence of Mazu culture, Dr. Zhu has also played a role in promoting the establishment of the World Mazu Cultural Alliance. This alliance aims to promote global peace and cooperation through cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange. As a key member of the Alliance, the Mazu Foundation of America works closely with Mazu temples and Tianhou Palaces worldwide to foster international cultural interaction. Through these efforts, Mazu culture has transcended borders and become part of the world’s diverse cultural heritage.
In the journey of promoting global Mazu culture, there is a noteworthy supporter, Li Wenqi. From the village of Xinqian in Putian, Jiangkou Town, China, known affectionately as “Qi Ge,” Li is a devoted Mazu follower like Dr. Zhu. While not formally part of the Mazu Foundation of America, as a major initiator of the World Mazu Cultural Alliance, Li has played a critical role in promoting the digitalization of Mazu culture globally. Generously supporting the construction of a digital network for Mazu culture, Li ensures that Mazu temples and palaces worldwide can connect through the internet, enabling faith to cross borders and reach the world. To date, the World Mazu Cultural Alliance has spread Mazu culture to over 30 countries worldwide, covering more than 26 languages and reaching over 2.6 billion people. This modern technological approach has greatly expanded the global influence of Mazu culture, enabling more followers to participate in cultural interactions and pass on their faith online, further promoting the worldwide spread and development of Mazu spirit.
Transparent Operations: The Foundation of Trust
Dr. Rongbin Zhu, LAc always emphasizes the transparency of the Foundation’s operations, which is the foundation of public trust. The Mazu Foundation of America strictly follows financial management regulations, with all donations and fund allocations made openly available. The Foundation regularly publishes financial reports and provides updates on its charitable projects through its website and social media, ensuring that donors and supporters can see how their contributions are helping the community and advancing Mazu culture globally. This transparent and open management approach has encouraged more people to support the Foundation’s work.
Looking Forward: A Vision for Global Charity and Cultural Exchange
Through the joint efforts of the Mazu Foundation of America and the World Mazu Cultural Alliance, Mazu culture is gradually becoming a cultural bond that connects people worldwide. Dr. Zhu not only promotes philanthropy in the U.S. but also actively participates in international cultural exchanges, spreading Mazu culture globally. Looking to the future, Dr. Zhu plans to further expand the Foundation’s impact, especially on the international stage, by organizing more cultural events and forums to promote cultural integration and peaceful development worldwide.
A Call to Action: Building a Future of Culture and Charity Together
The success of the Mazu Foundation of America relies on the support of all sectors of society. Dr. Zhu and his team firmly believe that through collective global efforts, the “great love” spirit of Mazu can benefit more people and promote the integration of charity and culture worldwide. The Foundation warmly invites individuals and corporations to join this noble cultural and charitable cause. Every donation is a support for Mazu’s spirit and a contribution to global philanthropy and peace.
Let us work together to drive this journey of culture and charity, spreading Mazu’s spirit and bringing more love and hope to the world.
Editor: Bingbin Lin Reporting from New York. Please credit the original source and retain author information if republished.
