This English version may have been machine-generated from the Chinese original and may not convey the original meaning accurately.
Please continue to pray for house churches in China
According to multiple reports, last week Grace Kim, daughter of Pastor Ming-Ri Kim who lives in the United States, received a text message from her father in China. In the message, her father asked her to specifically pray for another pastor in Shenzhen who had lost contact. It is reported that this pastor was taken away by the relevant authorities while there.
However, not long after, Grace received a call from her mother, learning that the family could no longer reach Pastor Kim. It was later understood that Pastor Kim himself had also lost contact during this operation targeting believers connected with the Zion Church. According to reports, several Christians associated with the Zion Church were taken away during the same period, drawing widespread attention from churches both at home and abroad.
Some who follow the state of religious freedom in China believe this may signal further increased pressure on house churches. In recent years, China has continuously adjusted its religious management policies, and as a result, some house churches face challenges in gathering, pastoral care, and evangelistic ministry.
Although Chinese law permits religious activities conducted in accordance with the law, many Christians choose to gather outside the official registration system, and consequently bear varying degrees of pressure. It is widely believed outside China that the officially published number of Christians mainly comes from registered churches, and that the actual number of believers may be far higher than the publicly reported figures.
As Christians, we do not wish to respond to pressure with hatred, nor to replace our witness with opposition. Scripture teaches us to pray for those in authority, and also to remember those who suffer for their faith. May the Lord grant faith, courage, and peace to the pastors and brothers and sisters undergoing trials, and may God preserve the church in China, so that it may faithfully proclaim the gospel in every circumstance.
"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:3)
May the Lord have mercy, may the gospel continue to spread widely, and may glory be given to God!
