[Today’s Prayer] Chinese police raid church baptism, arrest elderly believers

Pastor John Cao of China was taken away by police on October 15 after visiting evangelist Chang Hao in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan Province, and baptizing new believers.

“Upon arriving at the police station, the police left the frail and elderly believers in a corner. They had to ask for a glass of water and a piece of bread several times from morning to night. It was too much physical pain for the elderly believers to endure,” said Hyun Sook Polly.

Meanwhile, police destroyed the meeting venue and projector, and confiscated Bibles and other equipment. Pastor John Cao, who was charged with “organizing others to illegally cross the border,” was sentenced to seven years in prison in March 2018 for preaching and establishing schools in impoverished areas along the China-Myanmar border, benefiting more than 2,000 local students. He was released in March 2024.

This was the 20th time that Pastor Chang Hao had been administratively detained. Each time, Pastor Chang Hao was detained for the same reason: illegal preaching.

Hyun Sook Polli, the representative, said, “Evangelist Chang Hao suffered severe burns on his hands in a factory fire when he was young, rendering him unable to hold objects, and is recognized by the state as a person with a disability. The Zhenxiong County Public Security Bureau is not only violating his religious freedom, but is also ruthlessly denying him the opportunity to make a living.”

Source: Christian Today

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. (Hebrews 2:9-10)

Amen. Praise Jesus, who has already triumphed in the glory of His suffering.

We hear the news of a Chinese church pastor who was detained for baptizing new believers in God.

We see the heartbreaking reality in China where churches are being destroyed and Bibles confiscated for worshiping and sharing God's Word.

Jesus, too, was crowned with glory and honor by being made lower than the angels for a short time, suffering and dying.

He became the perfect savior through suffering to save people.

Lord, please help the Chinese church to look at Jesus in this way.

Do not allow them to lose their faith in the midst of physical and mental suffering, and allow them look only to Jesus, who suffered for all!

Through the persecution of the Church in China, we believe that even souls who do not know and believe in Jesus will be raised up as disciples of Jesus who do not fear death!

Through the Chinese Church, let the land of China be renewed, and let all nations come to Your glory!

Let us march forward in victory along the path of the crucified Jesus!

Rise up, all Chinese churches, with faith that overcomes suffering and persecution!

Rise up, one million missionaries of the Chinese Church!