2023 Year in Review

At least once each month, reports have revealed the various ways in which officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempt to control the church in China and further their socialist agenda. By implementing the policy of "Sinicization," the country's political leadership demands that all teachings be presented within a Chinese context, as defined by the CCP. These messages must reflect the CCP's political stance and the values of President Xi Jinping.

Religious symbols are forbidden from being posted outdoors, yet the Chinese flag and a photo of President Xi must be displayed in a prominent place of each church. The government's agenda has also been infiltrating the homes of its citizens, for children are not allowed to be taught about the Christian faith. Multiple arrests of believers have taken place relating to the education of their children.

Pastors and other leaders from house churches have been particularly targeted, resulting in government surveillance, arrest, interrogation, imprisonment, and other forms of harassment. Sometimes those detained are interrogated and released; others are confined for months without trial. The charges against them range from "picking quarrels" to "illegal business practices" or "organizing illegal gatherings."

Some congregations have been subjected to repeated harassment, such as those affiliated with the Early Rain Covenant Church, the Golden Lampstand Church and the Ren'ai Reformed Church. The persecution may involve a violent raid during a worship service, as was experienced by congregants on March 12th (read more). While officers manhandled the worshippers, the church choir continued to sing the hymn, Near the Cross. Along with the arrests of attending members, there have also been increasing incidents in which landlords were pressured by the government to evict specifically targeted Christians, forcing them and their families to move from their homes.

In keeping with God's promises to even work through life's most difficult situations, imprisoned church leaders seized the ministry opportunities presented to them within the confines of their prison cells. One example of such dedication to the Lord's call to ministry was demonstrated by Pastor Geng Zejun, whose "congregation" included fellow inmates. During his incarceration, he gained the respect of both fellow prisoners and prison wardens who personally sought his counsel and ministry (see this report).

Thankfully, at least two pastors who served several years in prison were released during the spring of 2023. Alimujiang Yimiti, a pastor and member of the oppressed Uyghur people, was released after serving 15 years in prison! Another church leader, 68-year-old Hu Shigen, was released after more than seven years. And this was not the elderly leader's only incarceration. In total, Hu Shigen has endured over 24 years of imprisonment for his faithful Gospel work. These are just a few examples of the many reports received through our ministry partners. For more information, and/or to view a full list of reports, go to our country report.

Praise God for His ongoing work in the nation of China, where it has been clearly demonstrated that 'the gates of hell will not prevail against Christ's church' (Matthew 16:18). Please prayerfully uphold the many believers presently remaining in prison, and their loved ones, as they endure this difficult time of separation. Despite the government's opposition, may our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ continue with their ministry work – raising up disciples throughout the nation in the process – so that many others in China will hear the Gospel message and become an integral part of God's Kingdom.