Christianity is thriving in Asia right now. In China alone, there are an estimated 8-12,000 new believers a day! There are currently 200 million Christians in a population of 2.1 billion. But in a country that is threatened by such a faith, how do these brothers and sisters get fed, fellowship, survive?

The main problem in Vietnam and China is obviously the government. The countries are both strictly Communist, and they are very threatened by anything "western" right now. They have observed the opening up of Eastern European countries and are paranoid that they are next. Communism is all about the "good of the state," and doesn't really recognize the individual. If you asked the government if they believed in freedom of thought and freedom of religion, they would most likely say that they encourage it; but in reality things are quite different.

Christianity is about unity of Body, but it is also about the individual. Christ died for me, (enter your name here), a sinner- my life now has meaning and purpose. This is where the conflict lies.

There is a government-approved "Christian" church in China, called the Three-Self Church. This is made up of citizens (18 and older) who have registered with the government, and allowed to attend a church that is carefully controlled by the government. A pastor (sometimes a non-believer) is assigned to the church, and the sermon is screened and edited by a government official. Many topics in the Bible (i.e. Revelations- the Second Coming) are banned from being taught.

If a Chinese or Vietnamese believer wants real truth and freedom to fellowship, they must put their lives in danger to get it. Believers have created a system of cell groups, or "house churches" in order to be taught the Word of God. These groups meet secretly, and disclose their meeting location by word of mouth only. If the government finds out of a meeting, an official will show up and do any number of things: steal Bibles, fine the owner (from $8 to a life-debt), post a sign against meeting, interrogate members, and often take the pastor to prison. Since the government cannot imprison someone for religious reasons, they charge them with being "political activists" or plotting a revolt against the government. When thrown in prison, the government often hires non-believing prisoners to beat the Christians. There is no often no trial and their families must bring them food. During their sentence, the are encouraged to "register" into the Three-Self government church where they can be observed. These believers rely on memorized passages of scripture to sustain them through their stay, which can be anywhere from 3 days to 30 years. They continue to evangelize, and many prisoners and guards come to know Christ.

We went over to Asia to meet with some of these house-church pastors, and to experience this movement first-hand. We heard amazing stories of suffering and pain and loss. But louder than this, we heard faithful believers giving thanks to their faithful God. Their only desire is to stand firm for Christ, and for many to continue coming to Christ. Some of the pastors literally keep a bag packed in case they are taken to prison, where they will continue to minister. They are filled with joy because they see God's hand at work, and they laugh at the irony of the government's oppression yielding more believers! Our trip leader, Steve Haas, pointed out that if the book of Acts were still being written, these would be some of the main characters. They can truly say with Paul, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12, 13)

One brother we had the privilege of meeting was Pastor Li. About a month ago, the house where his church met was bricked up, and the doors welded shut. The woman who owned the house was fined more than she will make in her life. Li was taken to prison where his hands and feet were all chained to one shackle on the floor. He couldn't eat or sleep- he sat Indian style leaning forward and couldn't even rest his head on the concrete. He was spoon-fed rice with rocks in it, but didn't eat much because he couldn't go to the bathroom. After three days, his hands were unbound, and he was forced to assemble little white Christmas lights (the kind we put on our tree every year). If he didn't assemble at least 4,000 a day, he was beaten. Li was let out after two weeks, and is trying to communicate with the believers in his church and find a new place to meet. This was the 14th time Li had been imprisoned since last October. It was a huge honor to sit with Pastor Li and hear him retell his story of a faithful God who provides for His children. We had nothing to give to Li, but he was blessed that we came to listen to him, and he asked for our prayers for the persecuted Church in Asia. This was one story out of about 25-30 pastors we met with. One pastor was in prison for 20 years, and lost his wife two years before he was released. The only reason this man was imprisoned was for preaching the Gospel and holding church in his house.

I came home from the trip with a strong sense of the greater body of Christ. I felt like these believers were family, and though we don't have much in common, we are so unified in Christ. I see a great need to pray for our family in other parts of the world where there is little or no freedom to exercise your faith. The amazing thing is that they are already praying for us!

I am challenged and confused by the scriptures in regard to suffering. We are basically promised in scripture that we will suffer for our faith. Philemon 1:29, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.."

I Peter 4:12, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." I Peter 4:19, "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

I will leave you with this verse as a charge to pray for our family of believers who are persecuted for their faith in Christ: Hebrews 13:3, "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

Thanks for taking a few minutes to read this! If you are interested in this issue, there are a few good websites to check in on occassionally, to get updates and find out how to pray more specifically.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (www.persecutedchurch.org)
The Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com)

Here are some quotes from my journal that different pastors said in our meetings:
"We accept this burden of persecution on our shoulders as the Cross of Christ, until Jesus comes."
"God is good to us even in persecution."
"I was placed in solitary confinement where the Lord really met me."
"God used Psalm 91 to speak to me in prison. I thought I would die, but the Psalm was my food."
"Sometimes God uses the government officials to do His work."
"We sow in tears that we may reap a harvest of joy," quoting Psalm 126:5, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy."
"This is the way to Calvary" (Pastor Li)

Hope and joy,
Charlie Lowell