A hidden Christmas
‘On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned’ Isaiah 9:2 We prepare to celebrate the coming of Immanuel. And not just us. All over the world, Christians celebrate (be it on different dates) the coming of Christ to earth. The persecuted church celebrates too. Often in secret. And when public festivities are allowed, there is
Continue ReadingA Battle for Souls
Our previous articles have highlighted renewed persecution in China, as well as the system of prison camps, where both Muslim minorities and Christians are being held without trail. But what is going on behind the scenes? Potential for repression This massive wave of religious persecution came unexpected for many, but looking back it was inevitable. When there is revival and
Continue ReadingCreating a Christian underclass
In countries where the church is persecuted, Christians are often poor, lower-class people. There are several reasons for this. In Pakistan for example, the Christian minority largely comes from lower caste Hindus who converted to Christianity while the country was under British rule. In modern Pakistan, they remain largely working class, with some groups working as virtual slaves in fields
Continue ReadingHard knocks for the Chinese Church
We have seen with great joy how in recent months God has continued to use Chinese missionaries all throughout the 10/40 window. However, things in China are changing fast. And BtJ’s work is facing major challenges as president Xi’s anti-Christian policies are being implemented more widely and consistently. Although it was quite clear from the start of president Xi’s rule
Continue Reading16 Pastors Imprisoned in Secret Cave
Twenty miles northeast of Brother Yun’s hometown of Nanyang is a secret cave that is being used to hold 16 Chinese pastors as prisoners. The reason why will surprise you. The mysterious mountains of Xixia are starting to get a wave of cold weather as winter closes in. The road leading up the mountain to Ran Deng Temple is often
Continue ReadingWho defends persecuted Muslims? (Spoiler: Not other Muslims)
Of those being persecuted for their faith around the world 80% are Christians. But what about the other 20%? Among them is a group that has received much media attention lately, the Uyghurs of China, a Muslim minority group. CNN published an article today with some surprising findings about what the world thinks about China’s treatment of them. It is
Continue ReadingPost-Christian bewilderment about the persecuted church
Not only Christian organisations worry about the increase of persecution world wide. An interesting report was published last week, as a result of an independent enquiry commissioned by Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign secretary. The main takeaway was that the persecution of Christians is a pressing human rights issue, and in many situations the UK government fails to recognise or
Continue ReadingChinese authorities remove cross from church on Easter day
Easter is the celebration of the ultimate victory of the Son of God over sin and death. No wonder it is also a target for forces that oppose him to try to intimidate the church. The terror attacks in Sri Lanka are one horrendous example. Another example is China’s continued efforts to erase visible signs of Christianity from the country.
Continue ReadingAsia Bibi free and reunited with family; a long journey ends
This week the joyful news finally came that Asia Bibi had been able to leave Pakistan and was granted asilum with her family in Canada. Asia Bibi’s case has gripped the attention of the world. Her story was full of twists and turns. The reason for her death sentence was bizarre, several of her defenders were murdered, her case was
Continue ReadingChristians Being Killed Every Day
On January 21 of this year, a bomb was detonated at a church on the island of Jolo in the Philippines, killing 20 and injuring 80. Hundreds of Christians have been killed in Nigeria since the beginning of 2019. Their churches burned, girls raped, and homes destroyed – all because they are Christian. On Easter Sunday, suicide bombers in at
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