People of China

CHINA.  Visa issues continue to challenge Christian workers as authorities clamp down on foreigners living in China.  Although the new regulations are expected to last only until the Olympics have ended, they still pose great inconveniences for many.  Pray that all who are effected by the changes will have grace to respond appropriately to authorities, and will be able to make arrangements that will enable them to continue residence inside. 

CHINA.  It’s hard for an American family to imagine not having ready access to a Bible.  But many Chinese people have never seen one, held one, or read one.  A bright Chinese university student could barely contain her enthusiasm when she recently saw a Bible for the first time.  “I had heard about it, but I had never seen one,” she said.  Pray that adequate Bibles can be made available for every China man, woman, and child who desires to read the Word of God. 

CHINA.  Suffering is an ongoing theme for Christians in China, many of whom pay dearly for their commitment to Christ.  Many view persecution as a probability, rather than a remote possibility.  Reading back through the annals of early Chinese Christians and Christian workers in China, one is reminded that today’s workers are sowing seeds in soils that have been watered by the bloods of martyrs.  Praise God for those who suffered willingly for the cause of Christ in generations past, and for those who suffer willingly even today. 

CHINA.  All over China there are young American couples who are beginning their families far away from their blood relatives.  Most would say that only the call of God could cause them to leave the U.S. at this stage in their lives and sustain them during the long months and years away from their home country, culture, and family.  Yet, having received and responded to that call, they can’t envision being anywhere else.  Praise God for these committed young families and pray that He will continue to uphold them and use them for His glory. 

CHINA.  There are literally dozens of China cities with more than one million residents and only a proportionate handful of believers.  Prayer advocates, volunteer workers, and long-term personnel are needed to establish a concerted Christian witness in those cities.  Pray that as the God calls individuals and churches into the harvest, they will hear and respond with obedience.