1/28/2017 China (UCA News) As China begins implementing stricter religious limitations and forcing more churches to align with the state-run churches, many believe the persecution of Christians is about to get worse. Churches that are forced to join the state-run church will also be forced to preach only the state’s agenda, and those that do not agree to do so will possibly be arrested. The purpose behind these changes is government’s attempt to force Christianity to conform to the Communist Party’s ideologies. Please pray… Pray for the churches that will be affected by these changes; pray that they would know how to react to such an agenda. Pray for those who are currently detained unfairly due to religious oppression, that the Lord will sustain, encourage, and comfort them, and use them to witness to their oppressors. Pray that God would provide those who are detained with legal advocates on their behalf.

12/29/2016 China (Christian Today) China Aid has reported that numerous arrests and detainments have been made since October and November as extra attention has been turned towards those who are involved in “evil cults.” Apparently, this accusation is being used to target Christians. Authorities allege that Christians “brainwash” children and that they are attempting to undermine the law with their cultish practices. Many Christians and human rights activists have been arrested. Let’s pray… Pray for those who have been arrested or detained unfairly, that God’s presence would bring them peace even in the midst of their very difficult circumstances. Pray for authorities’ hearts to be softened towards the Gospel and Christians. Pray for the release of those who should not be in prison.

11/24/2016 China (ABC News) According to two Canadian lawyers, an estimated 60,000 – 100,000 organ transplants are performed in China every year, and it is assumed that this is only possible due to harvesting organs from executed Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian prisoners. There is no actual law against this practice, but China claims it stopped organ harvesting in 2015. A black market in China exists where people can sell their organs for transplants. Let’s pray… Pray that these practices, if true, would officially be put to an end. Pray for those in China who are oppressed under this government and imprisoned for practicing their faith. Pray that lives would be protected and valued in China.

11/24/2016 China (Reuters) On December 9, 2015, a church in China was raided and the pastor, known as Yang Hua, was jailed. During the raid, as Hua attempted to stop the authorities from taking his computer’s hard drive, he was arrested for “obstructing justice.” Although he was originally supposed to be released after a few days, he was instead blindfolded and driven away as his wife watched. After a year in prison he continues to send his wife encouraging and uplifting letters that are a clear testament to his faith. Let’s pray… Pray for Yang Hua’s health in prison as he has a liver disease. Pray for Hua and his wife, that they would both draw encouragement from the Holy Spirit and be sustained during this difficult time. Pray for Hua’s release.

10/25/2016 China (The Gospel Herald)  A Chinese church was forbidden to meet in its “illegal” building. This is common practice, and Christians are urged to join the state church, whereby they would agree to stop teaching Christianity to their children among other things. This particular church however has continued to meet at night or in undisclosed locations so as to avoid detection. Let’s pray… Pray for an increase in dedication and devotion among Christians everywhere, taking note of such churches as in this article. Pray that this church would have amazing heavenly encounters as God rewards them for diligently seeking Him. Pray for God to continue drawing many Chinese unto Him, for the glory of His name.

10/2/2016 China (Life Site News) Christians are continuously being persecuted by Chinese authorities, with new laws and regulations coming out frequently to try and curb the rapid growth of the Chinese Christian population. Churches get fined for crosses on their buildings, Christians are imprisoned when attempting to prevent demolition of crosses, and house churches are being dispersed. Other religious groups are affected too, but Christianity is in a great up-swing because instead of reacting violently or sinking into self-pity, Christians pray for their persecutors and continue to show Christ-likeness. Let’s pray… Pray for continued and increased boldness and love for all Christians facing persecution (and those who are not), so that the persecutors can be utterly convinced of the Gospel’s transforming power. Pray for even more Communist leaders to come to know Christ, not so persecution can end but so they are saved from destruction and eternal torment and get to know our good, good Father in Heaven. Pray for the 7% yearly increase in Christianity to increase to 14% by next year. To Him who is able to do exceedingly above and beyond anything we can ask or imagine, be all the glory. Amen.