The number one request of persecuted Christians is "Pray for us."
The Nation
Peoples Republic of China, Asia – Restricted Nation Prevalent Religion: Non-religious
Fastest Growing Religion: Christianity
Major Sources of Persecution: The communist government
Chinese Believers
The Family Church: Also called the underground church, but preferred by Chinese Christians to be called the family church, is any church in China that is not a Three Self Patriotic Movement church, which is founded and sponsored by the communist government.
Strict new regulations by the religious affairs bureau went into effect earlier this year, requiring all places of worship, staff members and religious leaders to be registered and receive authorization by the government. Under these new regulations, the religious affairs bureau will tightly govern every move that is made in every religious meeting place and take total control of religion. Chinese religious groups are beginning to see the worst persecution since the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976). Pastors are going into hiding and 2/3rds of every Christian church in the nation is facing closing (that is 70,000,000 Christians not able to legally worship). Many churches have already voluntarily closed or have been forcibly closed, but continue to meet as small groups in homes.
Pray that Christians who are discouraged by the new regulations will stay strong and continue to boldly share the Gospel. Pray that God will provide training for younger generation Christians who do not know how to respond to this kind of persecution. Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring about a compromise to the new regulations, where churches will register, but will not be controlled by the communist government.
Major Sources of Persecution: The communist government
Chinese Believers
The Family Church: Also called the underground church, but preferred by Chinese Christians to be called the family church, is any church in China that is not a Three Self Patriotic Movement church, which is founded and sponsored by the communist government.
Strict new regulations by the religious affairs bureau went into effect earlier this year, requiring all places of worship, staff members and religious leaders to be registered and receive authorization by the government. Under these new regulations, the religious affairs bureau will tightly govern every move that is made in every religious meeting place and take total control of religion. Chinese religious groups are beginning to see the worst persecution since the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976). Pastors are going into hiding and 2/3rds of every Christian church in the nation is facing closing (that is 70,000,000 Christians not able to legally worship). Many churches have already voluntarily closed or have been forcibly closed, but continue to meet as small groups in homes.
Pray that Christians who are discouraged by the new regulations will stay strong and continue to boldly share the Gospel. Pray that God will provide training for younger generation Christians who do not know how to respond to this kind of persecution. Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring about a compromise to the new regulations, where churches will register, but will not be controlled by the communist government.
“I will not let my brothers and sisters suffer in silence. I will not let them serve alone.”
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