Update on Chinese Persecution

A Chinese friend of mine whose church in China was raided by government officials has passed along the following note from a member of that church:

Hi, everyone

Please have a look at the following note.

May 11, Sunday morning, as we were about to start worshiping, some officials and policemen came, they claimed that our gathering was lawless, and tried to dismiss people and stop the worship. Very few people left, and the pastor, elder Christians and everyone present refused their request in a peaceable but firm way. The worship went on, with their photographing and videotaping. And after a short teaching, they requested us all to register the name, ID,working/studying place, address, phone number. Most Christians left the information.

I am so thankful to God that during this process, we indeed keep a quiet and steady heart, no panic, no fear, no furious clash with the officials. I think most of us, bold enough to leave our information,show a kind of publicity of the faith, for being a Christian is no shame, even in China.

The elders think there might be some pressure from the government afterwards. Yet no one knows what it will be. Sure the pastor and main workers in the church are under bigger stress, than us.

As you already knew, the next day, big earthquake happened in southwest China. Even in my working place, a 21 floor office in Beijing, the shake was apparent. Thousands of people have died in this calamity, lots of them, might never heard of the gospel. My dear friends, I hope you can pray for China with me, for the people in this tribulation, for gospel's preaching all over the land, for better environment to worship . I do believe, God's hand is working in this country, however stubborn the soil is, His will and His power are unconquerable.

Bless China!

Continue to pray for the endurance of the saints in China and the effectiveness of their witness.