Oppressive Measures

Posted on 19 December 2009.

According to Open Doors, in just four months last year, 178 incidents were reported of abuse against churches, human rights lawyers and believers in 14 provinces in China.

Then in early December, another major incident of persecution was reported. China sentenced five leaders of the Fushan Church in Linfen City, Shanxi Province, to two years in re-education labour camps. A few days before, another five leaders from the same church were sentenced to three to seven years in prison.

The imprisoned leaders were charged with "illegally occupying farmland" and "disturbing transportation order by gathering masses". The pastors had been on their way to Beijing to protest an attack on their church when they were arrested.

Back in September, "some 400 uniformed police and civilians bearing shovels, batons, bricks, iron hooks and other weapons had beaten members of the church who were sleeping at a nearly finished factory building used as a worship site... dozens of Christians were seriously injured" (Compass Direct). A church member's relative had apparently obtained a license to build a shoe factory and was allowing the group to meet there.

The five other leaders sentenced to labour camps were accused of "gathering people to disturb the public order" after they organised a prayer rally of 1,000 people. One leader "was seen being beaten severely during an interrogation," according to the China Aid Association. "Having had one of her front teeth knocked out during a beating, and fasting and praying during her detention, Ms. Yang is reported to look very fragile."

The incident has been described as "one of the most oppressive measures against Christians in recent years".

Continue to lift up our Christian brothers and sisters in China as they face severe restrictions on their freedom to live out their faith. Pray for the Lord's encouragement, strengthening and protection.

Pray for great wisdom for all those who are being watched, questioned or pressured by the local authorities. May they hold fast to the Lord and constantly walk in His ways.

Pray for all those in prisons or labour camps because of their faith. May they find peace and joy in the Lord, even in the midst of very difficult circumstances.

Pray for the authorities in China. May the light of the Lord break through into their lives and may they recognise the truth of His Word.