Maximum Surveillance

The communist government has intensified its inventive harassment and repression of Protestant churches over the past four years. In particular, coronavirus measures have been used to tighten surveillance and restrictions on unwelcome minorities.
Any religious event that is not approved by the state is illegal. The activities and premises of churches are observed by agents and monitored by cameras. Our partners report arrests and interrogations, raids on churches, and large public book burnings in which confiscated Bibles, hymnals, and Christian literature are consumed by flames. Due to the confiscations, printed Bibles are in short supply, and resorting to online Bibles is very dangerous because of digital surveillance. In addition, Bible apps have been banned from online stores.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for Christians to remain undetected. They can only meet in small groups of no more than 15 people, never on the same day of the week and never in the same house. The growing number of meeting places is increasing the need for workers. However, pastors are becoming increasingly scarce because they are increasingly being charged with alleged economic crimes and other offenses. “Only a few of our leaders are trained theologians; most are Christians who rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” reports our contact in a branch of the underground church.

“God has called many Chinese Christians who are not afraid of death. They are willing to pay the price that serving Christ demands of them,” our partner continues. “They work reliably and faithfully and proclaim the pure Word of God, which is the foundation on which everything is based.” It is evident that persecution is bringing the Chinese church back to its roots. And that it is growing steadily.