Photo: ChinaAid
On the morning of October 20th, multiple branches of the Beijing Zion Church had gathered for their usual worship services when police and religious affairs officials simultaneously forced their way into the meetings. The identities of everyone present were recorded and 12 people, including pastors and church members, were taken into custody.
By eight o'clock that evening, most of the detained Christians had been released. However, Elder Qin Guoliang from the church's Guomao branch was kept in custody and given a 14-day administrative detention for "organizing illegal gatherings."
These raids are a continuation of the authorities' harassment towards the Beijing Zion Church and other unregistered places of worship in China. To learn more about the challenges encountered by our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ, see our previously published reports at our country profile.
Pray for the ongoing ministry of members belonging to the Beijing Zion Church and other believers who are encountering severe governmental opposition, asking the Lord to provide them encouragement, guidance and courage as they faithfully reach out to the people of their nation with the truth of God's Word. May He also greatly strengthen these oppressed Christians in China so they can victoriously overcome all the challenges they are experiencing; and, throughout the process, receive the wisdom they need to respond to their persecutors in a Christ-like manner. Continue to prayerfully remember the many believers who are presently serving time in Chinese prisons because of their faith.
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