Pray for the persecuted church in China
China’s tariff war with the United States is attracting news headlines daily. But something more important in the spiritual realm is going on in the Asian capital.
Ten years ago I visited Beijing with 11 other leaders from across America to petition the Chinese government to curtail the persecution of Christians. The Lord used a maverick Beijing missionary/lawyer to miraculously open doors, and we were able to meet with several high-ranking Chinese leaders.
Afterward, Elaine Chao, then U.S. Labor Secretary, saw our pictures and expressed amazement that we had gained an audience with such influential Communist officials.
Clear conflict
We appointed Max Lucado, popular author and speaker, as our chief spokesman. It was obvious each of the government officials appreciated Max’s humble, gracious spirit.
We tried to communicate that Christianity did not pose a threat to their country, but would significantly strengthen it. We pointed out that Jesus encouraged His followers to care for the underprivileged, and how the Bible teaches ethical standards will benefit business. Although received graciously, there was no commitment to increase religious freedom there.
Ever since that visit, I have prayed for the church in China and followed news about the treatment of the estimated 75 million Chinese Christians—which constitutes about 5 percent of their population.
Most meet in underground churches, which are not sanctioned by the state. A primary reason thousands refuse to register is the government dictates what can be taught, while church shepherds are determined to follow Scripture.
Latest reports are that the Chinese government has introduced a five-year plan to make Christianity more compatible with socialism. Their plan features a “rewrite” of the Bible to “reflect Chinese ethics of Confucianism and socialism.”
Crackdown on religion
No wonder one underground church pastor told us he really envied the kind of religious freedom we enjoy in America. In spite of our visit, sanctions against the church and persecution against Christians have intensified, especially in the past two years.
In a campaign to eradicate religion from their country, China’s Communist Party is now removing crosses and forbidding evangelism on college campuses. Recently, it even prohibited churches from offering humanitarian aid following an earthquake because their kindness would promote Christianity.
In late March, I was grieved to read this headline in the Christian Post, “China bans 1,000-member church in Beijing, demands members vow not to attend.” The article began: “An influential house church in Beijing was shut down Saturday after 20 government and police officials raided Bible classes at two different locations, changed the locks and demanded congregants vow never to worship as a congregation again. Beijing’s Shouwang Church is one of the most prominent among thousands of unregistered house churches in the city . . . ”
It went on to tell of 34 house churches in Beijing signing a joint statement decrying what they called an ongoing and worsening crackdown against believers. During a trip to Hong Kong earlier in March, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback said he believes the Chinese government “is at war with faith.”
Gina Goh, the regional manager for International Christian Concern said in a release that China’s disregard of religious freedom “is deplorable.” Goh commented: “Even official churches face increasing pressure to exalt the Communist Party over God. The international community should continue to press China over its human rights abuses . . .”
Intercession needed
Bob Fu, a Chinese American pastor, recently warned the U.S. Congress: “Religious freedom in China has reached the worst level that has not been seen since the beginning of the Cultural Revolution by Chairman Mao [Zedong] in the 1960s.”
Pastors should lead the way in prayers for persecuted Christians in China. These courageous brothers and sisters are really suffering for their faith. Pray that:
- Believers will stand strong amidst tightening religious restrictions.
- The Chinese government would enter into constructive dialogue with local churches and understand that Christian values can be a positive influence in Chinese society.
- That Christians in America would appreciate our religious freedom and courageously speak out against all current efforts to limit it.
- Remind their members that, as Hebrews 13:3 says, we should “continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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