On 11th August 2022, Elder You Guanhui of Beijing Shouwang Church was not allowed by the authorities to leave his home whilst three other church members were taken to the police station for questioning before being released. As a result of increasing challenges and being regularly forced out of their meeting place, the Beijing Shouwang Church decided in 2001 to conduct their worship services outdoors instead. And they have been meeting outdoors since then.
Then on 14 August, a branch of the Beijing Zion Church was raided by the authorities. Two computers were confiscated. Nine adults, including Pastor Yang, and two children were taken into custody. Pastor Yang was released the next day but another leading member of the church, Zong, was released four days later.
On the same day, a gathering of 50 to 60 believers from the Early Rain Covenant Church at a tea house was raided by the authorities. The believers were eventually permitted to leave.
Another church facing increasing challenges is the Wang Family Wedding Church in the Southern city of Zhuhai. In 2016, various members, including the pastor and her husband and a church staff, were arrested and later released after they paid a fine. Then in 2021, three of the church’s leaders were fined a total of about 36 million yuan (about SGD $7 mil).
Pray for the members of these churches and the many others who are experiencing ongoing persecution. Pray that they will be comforted by the presence of God, especially those who have been imprisoned or are facing penalties/restrictions due to their commitment to Christ. Pray that they will receive divine guidance, provision and direction from the Lord on what they should do in their given situation. Pray that their persecutors will ultimately discover the reality of Christ and come to faith in Him.
(Source & Photo : VOMC)
#Persecuted Church
