God Opens Doors in China – Part 4
China has changed much since the 1975 ‘Love
China’ congress that Brother Andrew, along with others, organized. Back
then, the Bible was strictly forbidden and few Christians were
biblically educated. Those who were zealous for Jesus received long jail
sentences. Now, the Bible is widely available, except for certain poor
areas.
Many urban Chinese churches have taken on the responsibility to bring the Bible to Christians living in rural areas. Lack of training also is not the case anymore. Most house church networks now have equipped pastors to teach new leaders at their own ‘Bible schools.’
A few Christians are still behind bars for their faith, but the new generation of Christians has not experienced persecution. Today, Christians in Tibet and those living in Muslim communities are the most severely persecuted groups in China. Among Muslim minority group there are only a few thousand believers; among Tibetans, even less. They find themselves trapped between the restrictions of the Chinese and local governments, and the prejudices of their communities and their families.
Many urban Chinese churches have taken on the responsibility to bring the Bible to Christians living in rural areas. Lack of training also is not the case anymore. Most house church networks now have equipped pastors to teach new leaders at their own ‘Bible schools.’
A few Christians are still behind bars for their faith, but the new generation of Christians has not experienced persecution. Today, Christians in Tibet and those living in Muslim communities are the most severely persecuted groups in China. Among Muslim minority group there are only a few thousand believers; among Tibetans, even less. They find themselves trapped between the restrictions of the Chinese and local governments, and the prejudices of their communities and their families.
“The area is very closed, and the church is
small and immature. The environment is hostile for any Christian who
wants to live out his faith. Finding ways to strengthen the Church is
going to be difficult,” shares an Open Doors worker in China.
One With Them
Brother Andrew has a word of encouragement for Chinese Christians. “China has changed considerably since my first visit in 1965.The country was as closed as an oyster. Now the doors are wide open for the gospel. God has used our work to fuel one of the greatest revivals in human history. Searching for the most persecuted and helping them is not easy. There will be resistance. But if you pray in China, and we will pray in our countries, God will make it happen.”
Brother Andrew has a word of encouragement for Chinese Christians. “China has changed considerably since my first visit in 1965.The country was as closed as an oyster. Now the doors are wide open for the gospel. God has used our work to fuel one of the greatest revivals in human history. Searching for the most persecuted and helping them is not easy. There will be resistance. But if you pray in China, and we will pray in our countries, God will make it happen.”
One With Them CHALLENGE
Prayerfully consider joining in the spiritual battle with those suffering for Christ. Open Doors offers weekly prayer alerts, as a means for you to stay connected with all those around the world who, like you, are children of the One True King.
Prayerfully consider joining in the spiritual battle with those suffering for Christ. Open Doors offers weekly prayer alerts, as a means for you to stay connected with all those around the world who, like you, are children of the One True King.
2013.06.05
Therefore we ourselves boast about you in
the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your
persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
(2 Thessalonians 1:4)
(2 Thessalonians 1:4)
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