| Persecution Increases, But Church Grows |
|
Missions News: Persecution
If there is a theme to the Christian news around the world this last week, it is probably this: Persecution is increasing, but the Church is growing! Or is it: persecution is increasing because the Church is growing? Or perhaps: the Church is growing because persecution is increasing? Take your pick...
India
Six states in India now have "anti-conversion laws," and two more are considering such provisions. Those that support these measures argue that they are not suppressing religious freedom. You are free to practice your religion, you are just not allowed to convert anyone else to your religion. Of course, if one of the central tenants of your religions is sharing it with others, you are out of luck.
Christians in India are reporting a tremendous amount of persecution in recent months, but observe that the increased persecution seems to be responsive to the increase in Christianity. And, as persecution increases, the gospel seems to spread even further.
China
In China, persecution is focused on those who participate in "house churches" -- unofficial, unregistered churches that do not have to follow the many burdensome rules that apply to official churches. China imprisons and tortures those that do not follow these rules or otherwise speak out for the Gospel.
The news this week from China has been dominated by the sad story of imprisoned Chinese Christian activist Hua Zaichen, who died in a Chinese Hospital shortly after his wife, who had also been imprisoned, was released to meet with him one last time (pictured above). The Chinese government waited so long to release her -- despite mounting International pressure -- that by the time she arrived her husband was unconscious, and he never regained consciousness before dying the next day. Zaichen's wife penned an open letter to the world detailing her torture while imprisoned by the Chinese government.
Despite heart wrenching stories like this, the gospel continues to spread in China, most recently in an area the government probably least expected -- business. CBN News is reporting that Christian businesses in China are soaring, with Christian businessmen openly dedicating their businesses to spreading the gospel. One business leader who runs a pharmaceutical business chose to use his business and position to spread the Gospel. He openly shares his faith with his colleagues and workers, many of whom have turned to Christ.
Vietnam
According to Mission Network News (MNN), persecution is increasing in Vietnam. For example, the Vietnamese government recently burned a prominent church to the ground. Persecution is particularly rampant in the rural areas, where there is less of a foreign presence.
Yet the Church is growing. President of Vision Beyond Borders explains his belief to MNN: "When persecution comes, it kind of 'cleans up' the church. People who are playing games, who aren't serious about the Lord, get out of the way. And then the ones who are really sold out go forward with the work."
Is persecution increasing because the gospel is spreading? Is the gospel spreading because of increased persecution?
One other theme in recent news is "need" -- the Christians in these countries need your help. They need your prayers and they need Bibles. For example, although China is becoming one of the top Bible manufacturers in the World, the Chinese themselves are desperate for Bibles, especially study Bibles. To help, visit Vision Beyond Borders by clicking here.
Read More: Links Vietnam church grows, despite oppression China For Christ In Post-Revolution Era Chinese Christian Activist Hua Zaichen Dies At 91 Laws Will Not Keep The Church From Growing
______________________________________________________________________________ The International Faith Telegraph
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Trackback(0)TrackBack URI for this entryComments (2)Write comment |
