Praying For The Persecuted Church: China

China is quickly on its way to becoming the #1 nation with the most Christians - 85 million of the 1.37 billion population, the faith is on the rise and is expected to reach this number by 2030. We give thanks that the kingdom of God is growing in China, but usually it comes as a result of the persecution at hand.

With such a quick increase in number, the government has been feeling threatened and they've been doing anything and everything they can to regain power and control over their nation. With so many Christians, it has been found that they are all making their way into the different holes of society - from businesses to the government - which is so cool and awesome! I hope we are all also making our ways into the different sectors of society and being a light there for those around us.

As a result, in March 2013, a three year campaign known as the "Three Rectifications and One Demolition" was established to get rid of "inappropriate structures". Shortly after, it became quite clear that churches were being targeted. From tearing down crosses to demolishing churches - the government was trying to get everyone to submit to the communist party. They wanted the nation to be the head of the church, not Christ - and so, even flags were expected to be raised higher than the cross. These occurrences have also lead to the beating and torment of church leaders and elders.

It's very interesting to see how the government tries to do all it can to take control. It parallels our lives doesn't it? How often do we try to do whatever it takes to be in control, to make things go our way - whether if its small or something significant - we just love to play God. But Proverbs 19:21 tells us that "many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand", Psalm 33:10 says that "The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purpose of the peoples." We have no need to fear - God, the God Almighty, the God of all, China, Richmond Hill - He is using every one of these situations for His glory and the building of His kingdom! Continue to keep this nation in prayer!

Prayer Requests

1. pray for the growth of new believers, especially those who may have come from other religions such as buddhism. 
2. pray for opportunities for Christians to continue reaching out to the lost and that those who hear it will have ears to hear and a heart to understand the Word of God
3. pray that the government will come to know Christ - and would rather embrace that be threatened by Him - that they would conduct and lead in a way where a healthy fear of God is present.

References:

• https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/china/
• http://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/global/christian-persecution-china-even-worse-you-thought
• http://www.christiantoday.com/article/why.are.churches.still.being.demolished.in.china/62650.htm
• http://www.cecc.gov/publications/commission-analysis/zhejiang-government-launches-demolition-campaign-targets-christian
• http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/life/Seven_Fold_Rise_In_Persecution_Of_Christians_In_China_Since_2008/58332/p1/