Church Stands Firm Despite Hostility

Believers meeting outside - Photo: ChinaAid www.chinaaid.org
Photo: ChinaAid

Only a few years ago, many churches in China featured crosses atop their large buildings and multi-campus congregations. Even though these churches were not officially recognized by the government, there was a measure of leniency. However, with the officials' recently implemented strategy to close every non-registered church -- resulting in the arrests of numerous Christians and the destruction of their buildings -- the realization has become clear that the true church is comprised of God's people.

When a VOM Korea representative recently met with a pastor in Beijing, he witnessed the faithfulness of a church that had gathered outdoors for worship in small groups throughout the city, regardless of the weather conditions. If one of these small groups was forced to stop meeting, then countless others continued with their gatherings.

Another Chinese church utilizes secure software which allows its congregants to meet online in small groups. Even though their church building has been shut down, this alternative allows them to continue meeting together for worship and Bible study. The perseverance of today's church is tangible evidence that many followers of Christ in persecuted nations of the world are indeed fulfilling the surety of His promise: "I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18 ESV).

Praise God for His unfailing presence and strength which are empowering His church to rise above today's challenges. Thankfully, they are utilizing innovative ways such as technology, in obedience to His admonition to not forsake assembling themselves together (Hebrews 10:25). Pray for the congregation members of each church group affected by the closures that they will continue to encourage and build each other up in the Christian faith.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    The Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues to help distribute Bibles to Christians in the country, making it possible for them to have their own printed version of God's Word. Additionally, VOMC works with various mission partners to facilitate a Biblical understanding of persecution and discipleship, while presenting ways to effectively respond and minister within the context of hostility.

    Project Funds: Underground Church, Bible, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    1,413,142,846 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Han Chinese (91.1), ethnic minorities (8.9 - includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.)

    Religion (%)
    Folk religion (21.9), Buddhist (18.2), Christian (5.1), Muslim (1.8), Hindu (< 0.1), Jewish (< 0.1), other (0.7 - includes Daoist [Taoist]), unaffiliated (52.1) (2021 est.)

    Leader
    President Xi Jinping (2013)

    Government type
    Communist party-led state

    Legal system
    Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for China

    Pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed throughout China without government interference so many more names can be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life." May there also be a spirit of unity demonstrated among the country's growing churches, further strengthening existing believers and spurring them on in their ministry service and evangelistic outreach within the country's numerous communities.

China News

  • Bible Study Meeting Raided in Inner Mongolia
    Believers are singing hymns at the Xuan'en Church.
    Xuan'en Church
    Photo: ChinaAid

    On the morning of July 17th, several Christians from the Xuan'en Church in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, were gathered for a Bible study when the meeting was suddenly interrupted by a raid. The intruding officials, who were sent by multiple agencies, recorded the names and phone numbers of the attending Christians and ordered them to end the meeting – based on the grounds that they are not part of the government-sanctioned Three-Self church. Since this was considered a first offence, the believers were issued a warning.