China
Source of persecution: Communist oppression/Organised corruption
The government is still wedded to a Communist ideology but no longer pays lip service to it. Unleashing market forces, whilst holding all the capital, have meant great economic growth, increased freedoms and rapid Westernisation for China, but super-power status has made its leaders more nationalistic and anti-Western. Four issues get the church into trouble: when they are perceived as too powerful, too political, too foreign, or a cult. However, for the foreseeable future, the new government is likely to use religion rather than exterminate it.
Pray:
For the Chinese government, which is getting harder to influence internationally – this has huge implications for advocacy work
For house churches treading warily through an unpredictable space of danger and opportunity
For Open Doors staff training and mentoring pastors and church workers.