In case you missed it, you can read Part 1 here.
03/11/2019 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – A member from Shouwang Church, a Beijing house church that used to be the largest before it was shut down in 2011, recently told me a story about a church leader who was placed under house arrest. After six months, he was fed up with his lack of freedom and the guards stationed outside of his home. One day, he stormed through the door to yell at the guards as he released his anguish. To his surprise, the guards flatly responded, “You people still have God. What do we have?” He was speechless and realized in that moment how blessed he is to be a Christian, whereas the faithless guards outside of his door were being used by the government as mere tools to oppress others.
He went home, cried for two hours, and repented of his sins. This experience not only helped him see the law enforcement officers from God’s perspective, but also reminded him how he ought to be a witness for Christ in the midst of persecution.
“We are joyful and not bitter about the situation,” the Shouwang Church member said. “In the past seven years, while our church was dispersed and we have been gathering in small group settings, we find it to be an enormous grace that God uses this event to edify us, the laypeople at church. Now, we not only connect deeper with our body in Christ, we are [ready for] every aspect of ministry. These good soldiers of Christ rose up to serve the church without having to depend on church leaders.”
God doesn’t choose the strongest to be His disciples. Rather, He uses man’s weakness for His glory. He strengthens the Church to withstand the enemies’ attacks. The tears, the fear, and the pain produce testimonies that bring life to unbelieving ears. Persecuted Chinese Christians exemplify 2 Corinthians 12:10 – “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
