Photo: ChinaAid
Several Christians were gathered on the morning of August 22nd for a Bible study at the Beijing Holy Love Fellowship church when multiple police officers suddenly entered the facility. After demanding to see the believers' identification cards, the authorities recorded the personal details of all those who were present. At the time of publishing this report, no official statement or charges have been issued by the Beijing police.
The Beijing Holy Love Fellowship, which happens to be one of the most prominent house churches in China's capital region, was clearly under the scrutiny of city officials prior to the raid. The recent invasion follows a series of other incidents in which several church members were previously detained and sentenced for their involvement in religious or human rights activities.
Unregistered churches in China continue to encounter surveillance, interference and legal threats. In addition, church members are frequently charged with offenses such as "disturbing social order" or conducting "illegal business operations." These accusations are often used by Communist officials to suppress religious gatherings and intimidate those who attend them. To learn more about Christian persecution in China, go to our country profile.
- Prayerfully uphold the members of this thriving church as they face potential repercussions for their participation in Christian activities, asking the Lord to provide each one ongoing strength, encouragement and protection.
- Pray that the authorities involved in the disruption of Christian gatherings will personally encounter the profound life-changing love of Christ through the witness of His followers and, as a result, become receptive to the truth of the Gospel.
- Please also remember the many Chinese followers of Jesus who are currently being detained because of their faith, asking the Lord to give them endurance, hope and divinely appointed opportunities to share the Gospel while awaiting their release from imprisonment.
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