The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Acts 5:41
The world has often looked to China for one reason or another. This potential ‘superpower’, formerly the largest country in the world, just surpassed by India this past April, continues to boast the third largest land mass and great military strength.
With a once worldwide economic influence, this country is now facing new challenges as it recovers from the pandemic, feels the effects of the one child policy set in the 1980’s, and deals with the reality of its’ aging workforce. Its current president, elected for life, is happy for the country to return to the ‘good ole days’ of Chairman Mao. The world continues to follow them with concern as the threat to gain control of Taiwan looms in the realm of possibility.
While powerful in many worldly senses, we are all so aware of the powerful unseen Church in China. The great growth in Christianity after the missionaries were forced to leave the country in the early 1900’s led to a house church movement that has been unstoppable. The underground church continues to grow in the face of tremendous opposition.
There is a little glimmer of relief as Christians in the urban areas now have greater access to Christian resources with the English language opening opportunities for them to grow in their faith. Language is no longer a barrier as these Christians have access to many resources through the internet – sermons from Christian leaders around the world, videos and podcasts. They also have access to the Bible and other reading materials. Unfortunately, Bibles and other materials are generally out of their reach for the average villager due to educational and financial challenges.
There is no doubt the Church in China is a powerful force for the Kingdom of God. Praise God for the level of maturity in these churches that has empowered them as a missionary sending force to reach other countries with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Praise:
The strength of the Chinese Church under the intense persecution that have suffered over the last 100 years.
Access of materials in English for the educated Chinese believers.
Marriages restored, freedom from suicide, hopelessness and the demonic strongholds worshiped in the business sector.
Churches planted through DCPI training before the pandemic.
Prayer:
Peace in the face of this growing impotence for more power.
Perseverance for the Christians that still face extreme persecution and hardship for the sake of the Gospel.
Intentionality of believers to share the Gospel with those around them.
An increased vision for global missions. May they be like the Church in Acts that could not help but go to new areas that need the Good News of Jesus.