CHINA: In one of the biggest efforts to shut down underground Christian groups in recent years, Chinese authorities have officially arrested 18 leaders of the Beijing Zion Church, according to the Christian rights group ChinaAid. The members of this group had been held since early October during a large nationwide operation aimed at unregistered churches, a charge that could lead to a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Rights organizations claim that China is increasingly using this accusation to silence Christian leaders who do not comply with Communist Party regulations. The crackdown started on October 9 when police in Beihai, Guangxi, organized a coordinated operation across multiple provinces against Zion Church members. Within days, well-known pastor Mingri “Ezra” Jin and nearly 30 other pastors, ministers, and churchgoers were arrested throughout China, including in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. These arrests drew criticism from both the US State Department and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.
- Pray that God will strengthen the arrested pastors and church leaders, guard their hearts with peace, and protect them from harm, fear, and injustice while in detention. Ask the Holy Spirit to give them courage to remain faithful and comfort their families during this trial (The Holy Bible, Hebrews 13:3).
- Pray that God will intervene in China’s governance, soften the hearts of authorities, and open doors for the gospel to continue advancing despite persecution. Ask that attempts to silence the Church will instead lead to greater boldness, unity, and spiritual growth among believers (The Holy Bible, Acts 4:29).
News Source: NDTV
Image Source: Canva
