China: Persecution Increases

On July 3, a house church was raided and eight Christians arrested in the A'Ler Tai area of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Two of the arrested believers have been released. At last report, four remained detained in an undisclosed location and the whereabouts of two arrested Chinese American missionaries were unknown. 

Two days later, officials raided a house church worship service in Dongyong city, Shandong province. Believers were accused of "disturbing social order" for organizing a religious service for more than 40 people in a home. 

Meanwhile on July 13, local police and security officers surrounded a youth camp in Hubin town, Tengzhou city, Shandong province and arrested 32 Christians, including youth and adult church workers. Property was confiscated from the Christians, including electronic equipment, Bibles and cell phones. Police told the Christian leaders, "It is forbidden for those under 18 to believe Christianity, and even those above 18 years old are not allowed to organize or participate in religious activities without permission." The Christian youth were taken to the police station where they were interrogated, threatened and beaten before they were released. At last report, the five Christians who organized the camp, including a 16 year old, remained in detention. On July 14, the five were given administrative detention sentences of up to 15 days for "engaging in illegal activities."

These recent persecution cases highlight an increase in the Chinese government’s crackdown on believers. VOM has supported persecuted believers in China for more than 30 years. VOM encourages you to pray for believers who are living under difficult conditions in China. Pray the Lord gives them strength t continue serving Christ in spirit and in truth.