Extreme Devotion: Extreme Readiness
In recent weeks I have been praying and thinking about our brothers and sisters in China who are facing increased persecution as the Olympics get closer. When I watch the main stream media coverage of the final preparations for the Olympics, the news reports are dominated with stories about pollution, whether Beijing is ready for the athletes and tourists and the “fascinating” historical sights of China. I cannot help but prayerfully wish there were some stories about our courageous Christian brothers and sisters who are increasingly persecuted by the Chinese Communist government because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
It would be better to hear about the lack of religious freedom in China. For example, stories about courageous believers like house church leader Pastor Hua Huiqi and his family who have faced constant harassment from China’s Public Security (PSB) police officers. Pastor Hua’s mother, Shuang Shuying is serving a two-year prison sentence in a medical center because her health has deteriorated. Pastor Hua and his mother were arrested in January 2007, while walking near an Olympic hotel site in Beijing. They were kicked to the ground and later taken to the Olympic police station for questioning. Hua’s mother was later sentenced to two years in prison. I believe the accelerated prayers of Christians around the world, leading up to and after the Olympics will make a great difference. We are standing with our brothers and sisters like Pastor Hua and his mother. I believe Christians in China will sense the prayers of saints around the world and most importantly, they will be encouraged by knowing they are loved and valued by the Body of Christ.
While reading the book Extreme Devotion, written by The Voice of the Martyrs, I came across a devotion that portrays the challenges believers face in China, and the courage God gives them to withstand the persecution. I encourage you to continue praying for our brothers and sisters in China.
Extreme Readiness: China: Pastor Li Dexian (p.3)
“Just as Pastor Li Dexian began his sermon, the doors of the house church burst open. Armed officers of the Chinese Public Security Bureau poured into the room, threatening everyone present and grabbing Li to arrest him. ‘Wait; please allow me to grab my bag.’ As always, the pastor’s tone with the officers was polite yet firm.
“The officers were surprised at the request. ‘What’s in there?’ they demanded, grabbing the black zippered bag Li held and ripping it open. The bag contained a blanket and a spare change of clothes, Li told them, because he had been expecting to be arrested that day.
‘Pastor Li had been arrested many times. Twice, police had beaten him to the point that he vomited blood, and one time Li’s face was beaten with his own Bible. Li was warned that police were watching the village where he held his Tuesday meetings. He knew if he showed up to preach, he would be imprisoned. Today, Chinese citizens can be sent to labor camps for up to three years without a formal trial.”
To purchase Extreme Devotion go to www.vombooks.com
Order your China Olympic Prayer Band at www.persecution.com/china today, to remind others to pray for persecuted Chinese Christians.