Christians around the world are living in hostile environments and are often beaten, arrested, and sometimes even killed for their faith.
Yet despite persecution, they continue to preach the Gospel and gather together even though it could cost them their lives.
And in China, a country hostile to Christianity, many Christians have been forced to operate underground to avoid detection. But when one home church was discovered and raided, you won’t believe what happened next.
The Chinese government demands all churches submit to the Chinese Communist Party. Christians are forced to register into a database and provide personal identifying information – and the Communist Party controls how they preach by altering the Bible!
But many Christians still worship undetected in underground churches, determined to preach the Gospel and share the love of Jesus Christ.
And because of the fruits of their labor, it’s estimated that there are nearly 60 million Christians living in China!
Praise God!
But according to Open Doors USA’s World Watch List, China is ranked one of the worst countries when it comes to persecuting Christians.
An Yankui knew this, but decided that hosting a Bible study in his home was worth the risk if it would help people develop a deeper relationship with Jesus.
But one day, local officials raided his home. They seized Christian books, choir robes, and detained Yankui and 5 of his church members.
“According to An’s wife, Yao Conya, nearly 40 people descended at their home and restricted the movement of the participants. They confiscated the choir robes and books that belong to the church, before taking away the preacher and five women. Since Yao had to take care of her child(ren), they left her alone.
China Aid reports that while the five female detainees were gradually released around midnight of New Year’s Eve, preacher An spent his New Year’s Eve in detention as he serves his 15-day administrative detention.”
But while the Chinese government may try and invoke fear and punishment on those who choose to worship Jesus, Chinese Christians have remained strong in their faith and still preach God’s Word no matter the cost.
May we all take a moment and pray for our Chinese brothers and sisters facing persecution simply for being a Christian.
Let us pray that God will give them the supernatural strength to remain strong even through the scariest of times and provide comfort and courage as they make His name known.
In addition, let us pray for a supernatural revival in China – that the oppressive regime will be crushed and changed by the power of Jesus Christ.
And while the Chinese government may use the pandemic as a chance to further exploit Christians, we know our God is stronger!
May His name be made known all throughout China for His glory.
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