Source:  www.csw.org.uk

Date:  May 20, 2023

‘For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’ (Matthew 18:20)

Jesus’s words remind us that the presence of God is with us always. We remember this truth this week as we think about a group of Christians in China.

Five Christians were released on bail by the authorities in China’s Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province on 7 May. 

Three men – Wang Shunping, Nu Sangdeng and San Luobo, and two women – Hua Xiuxia and Dong Mengru – had been detained in August 2022 for allegedly ‘organising and sponsoring an illegal gathering’. 

In reality this ‘illegal gathering’ consisted of prayer and free Bible and music lessons for young people.  

In summary, please pray:

  • For these Christians to be encouraged that despite their experiences, Jesus is always with them when they gather in his name.
  • That the young people who were receiving Bible and music lessons would not be disheartened, but would have opportunities to continue their studies with renewed faith and joy.
  • That the authorities in China would cease completely their practice of oppressing people who are gathering peacefully to practise their religion.