Day 17
China
Open Doors reports that the persecution of Christians is at its highest level in three decades. Of particular concern is the way China “is forging an international alliance to redefine human rights,” with more nations adopting China’s approach to centralized control of religious freedoms. Pray for Christian Believers in China that Father God may pass before them constantly proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (The Bible, Exodus 34:6).
Source: Persecution of Christians at highest point for three decades (The Tablet)
The world’s most populous country, China is also the world’s second-largest land area. With a focus on nationalism, the Communist government tries to maintain social order by prohibiting large meetings and some social media sites. Mission organizations say that the church is the largest social force in China not controlled by the Communist Party. Authorities have continued their harshest crackdown on Christianity since the Cultural Revolution. Many expatriate Christian workers have had to leave as a result. Even the Bible is being “rewritten” to better reflect the government’s communist worldview.
