China (MNN) — The persecution barometer is approaching red, and the Chinese Church needs your prayers.
We spoke with the leader* of a Christian ministry operating in the country. He says restrictions put in place earlier this year and a new leader at China’s helm are the source of rising pressure.
“They are definitely putting more pressure on the local Church and far more persecution than we’ve seen in decades,” he says.
“Many groups won’t talk about it right now because lives are at stake.”
New reports surfaced throughout October of church shut-downs and government raids.
“The reports you do hear are not even giving the full story; they’re just a glimpse of what’s happening.”
Why is the government “cracking down” on Christians?
According to this description, the Chinese Church is the largest social community not controlled by the government.
While the distinction between government-registered and unregistered churches used to be a major factor in whether or not they were persecuted, this is no longer the case. All Christians are slandered, which seems to support the widely held belief that the Communist Party is banking on a unified Chinese cultural identity to maintain its power.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (Photo courtesy of Foreign and Commonwealth Office via Flickr under Creative Commons)
The Chinese government is acting primarily out of fear, says the leader we interviewed.
“Their biggest fear isn’t so much the Gospel as it is a political movement. They’re concerned about losing power, losing control.”
There are an estimated 97 million believers in China. Some groups expect it to hold the world’s largest Christian population by 2020.
“The Church of China is in a very delicate spot right now,” the leader observes. “They want to grow; they want to send missionaries…but the pressure’s on because there’s so much fear at the top, within the government.”
How to pray for the Chinese Church
Due to this situation’s “secretive” nature, the Christian leader says your prayers are essential. Ask the Lord to protect Chinese believers, and pray the Spirit will help them act in faith. Most importantly, pray for the leaders of China. Pray for their eyes to be opened and their mindsets changed.
“If you know Chinese leaders or if you know missionaries serving in China,” he adds, “do whatever you can to encourage them. Encouragement is a huge factor right now.”
He urges you to use caution, though. Messages sent through an insecure connection may be intercepted by the government and used in a negative way.
“It is important right now for people to pray. Pray for doors to open and avenues to remain available so that the global Church and the Chinese Church can work together for the sake of Christ.”
*— The name and ministry of this individual are withheld for security purposes.
