Questioned Christian in China pleads “Pray for us, please.”
Rose*, a believer from Northwest China, attended one of our persecution preparedness trainings a few months ago. Touched with tears, she couldn’t help but share the struggles of her church. This is her story, in her own words.
My church is in a quiet small county located in the northwest region on China. Suddenly, my town has become well known because of the recent persecution incidents of Christians.
“Our church has been suffering persecution since a few years ago. One time, the church was holding a worker’s meeting, some people broke in. They were the authorities. All workers, about 20, and ten other believers were caught and detained. This is a home church. The owner of the house was also detained with us. We had no idea how the people knew our meeting location and time so distinctly.
“During the detention, we were taken to different places. It was difficult. We were asked all kinds of questions, and we were threatened. I panicked at some point. Some of our co-workers were also frightened, they felt weak to their bones thinking about their children unable to take the college entrance examination, which was used by the local authorities to threaten them. I was also worried that future gatherings would not be held because all co-workers had been exposed.
“We were questioned:
“How did you come to know the church?”
“Who did you meet with?”
“Which area does the church belong to?”
“How do you get in touch with other members?”
“How did you get to know the church leaders?”
“However, while being questioned, I took it as an opportunity to share my testimony. I told them I was once seriously ill, and no one could cure me. But God healed me and made me whole, how could I not believe in Him?
“Thank God we were released the next day. But after a few days, all my other co-workers, except me, were detained for 15 days, one after another on charges of illegal gathering except me.
“Not long after this incident, the church faced another storm.
“About ten worship team members were gathering and learning about music. Suddenly, local authorities broke in and accused us of having an illegal gathering—again. Church members who were there defended themselves, saying that they were only learning how to sing, but the authorities insisted on why they should use the hymn books if they just want to learn how to sing. The hymns were the proof, they said.
“All the worship team members were taken away for detention. One lady was detained for a day while others were detained for five to fifteen days. They were fined RMB 500 (approx.70 USD), 700 and 1,000 depending on the number of days they were detained.
“After these two waves of incidents, it became more difficult for our church to carry out our ministry activities. After all, our co-workers have been exposed and we don’t dare hold gatherings like before. Some believers still support gatherings, and some believers were against them. Depending on the level of faith of the members, they were either supportive or against the gatherings.
“But the Bible tells us not to stop gathering. We insist on our faith, and we also need to gather. We are very cautious now when going out. Our members gather in different ways, doing our best to confuse the authorities.
“The situation is tense, and persecution still exists. Our church really needs you to raise your hands in prayer. I hope that one day too, you will come to visit us and encourage us.
Will you pray?
- Pray for God’s protection upon the church of Rose and the other home churches in China.
- Pray for the believers at Rose’s church – her friends, her congregation, and those who are persecuted to carry on in their faith.
- Pray for church leaders and co-workers who face this persecution to be bold and wise in dealing with authorities.
*Names changed for security reasons.
