Sophisticated surveillance tracks Christians, and churches are shut down.
bottom“When I was in solitary confinement… I could do nothing. Nothing except get to know God.”
– Wang Ming-Dao, formerly imprisoned evangelist
Surveillance in China is among the most oppressive and sophisticated in the world. Church attendance is rigorously monitored, and many churches are being shut down—whether they are independent or belong to the officially state-sanctioned Protestant church.
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to attend church. All venues had to close during the COVID-19 crisis, but some churches were forced to remain closed once restrictions began to lift and were quietly phased out.
Christian leaders are generally the main target of government surveillance, and a very small number have been abducted. An Open Doors source said, “They are simply snatched away, only to appear months later in a kind of house arrest, where they get re-educated.”
Converts from a Muslim or Buddhist background from minority ethnic groups arguably face the most severe violations of religious freedom, because they are persecuted not only by the authorities but also by their families and communities.
– Pray that despite surveillance, faith will flourish, and more people will discover Jesus’ love.
– Pray that local partners will be able to reach vulnerable Christians with Christian training and fellowship.
– Pray for God to soften the hearts of the Chinese authorities so they will allow the church to gather.
