By Gary Lane, Senior International Correspondent, CBN News
Rising economic pressures in China have led to a new wave of persecution against Christians.
The government is arresting pastors simply for collecting tithes and offerings, and foreign missionary activities are now restricted.
However, despite the latest crackdown by President Xi Jinping, Christianity continues to spread throughout the country.
“UNREST ON THE STREETS OF CHINA”
China is experiencing social unrest due to a slowing economy, thanks in part to increased tariffs on exports to the US
Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, believes that while the nation is approaching a tipping point, there is still hope.
“Masses are fed up. They are marching in the streets, especially the students.”
“Huge, huge rallies are going on, calling for democracy.”
“But when there is that pressure, when there is that pain, that’s when people feel the need,” said Mr. King.
“So, they’re looking to democracy, which could be a wonderful thing, but what they need is faith.”
CRACKING DOWN ON FOREIGN MISSIONARIES
As more Chinese citizens turn to Christianity, President Xi is responding with renewed crackdowns.
In May, his government imposed new restrictions on foreign missionaries.
“I know nearly every foreign Christian who is a missionary, but under the name of a business or even a student, and many, many other [names], even tent-making like medical, and even supporting orphanages,” revealed the president of the China Aid ministry, Bob Fu.
“Their services are totally being picked out, and they’re banned from serving and staying in China,” he added.
FOREIGNERS CONCEAL THEIR EVANGELISTIC ACTIVITIES
Foreigners can’t preach or teach without prior authorisation, which is rarely granted without Communist Party oversight.
This is why many missionaries there conceal their evangelistic activities.
Mr. King said, “For the most part, those who remain hidden will stay.“
“So they’ll probably stay until they are caught and thrown out.”
COMMUNIST ANTHEMS PART OF ‘OFFICIAL’ CHURCH SERVICES
The government is also demanding that hymns sung in China’s registered Three-Self Patriotic Churches be consistent with communist principles.
“Every Sunday, before they sing the doxology, they have to rise and sing the national communist anthem,” explained Mr. Fu.
“First, to sing the praises of the communist heroes, instead of worshiping the name of Lord Jesus Christ,.”
EXTENSIVE SURVEILLANCE MONITORS MEMBERS IN ‘OFFICIAL’ CHURCHES
Bob Fu detailed how the Communist Party monitors Christians through strategically placed cameras and facial recognition software.
“All four corners of the church, including the pulpit, have to install face recognition cameras to monitor all those who are attending their church worship service,” the China Aid head revealed.
“Even the tithing and offering which is called a foreign religious service now, is criminalised, especially in the house churches.”
CHINA CONSIDERS TITHING TO BE FRAUD
“So, many house church pastors are arrested just because they set out [to receive] the offering or tithing — in a box in the church.”
The charge against those pastors is business fraud.
Over two years ago, public security police arrested three pastors from the Linfen Covenant Church on these charges.
They went on trial in May.
PUNISHMENT FOR ACCEPTING A TITHE OR OFFERING
China Aid reports one pastor was sentenced to nearly two years in prison, and two others received more than three-and-a-half years.
“Simply for having their church with the Sunday school and with the offering box for tithing and offerings in their church,” Mr. Fu observed..
He and Mr. KIng both argue that despite Xi Jinping’s crackdown, Christianity is growing in China.
“PERSECUTION BREEDS CHURCH REVIVAL”
While their pastor, Wang Yi, serves a nine-year prison sentence, members of the Early Rain Covenant Church are igniting the fires of revival.
“Last year, they had planted two more churches under the heaviest persecution,” said Mr. Fu.
“So, we have seen many, many house churches experience revival.”
“CHINESE GOVERNMENT DOESN’T UNDERSTAND IMPACT OF PERSECUTION”
Mr. King believes the communist government does not understand the impact of persecution on the Christian faith.
“I can never understand how the Marxist leaders don’t get this: the more you press down, the more the church spreads.”
“Christians have a long history of dealing with chains and oppression, and nothing stops them.”
“It’s such a great story.”
The post China’s Crackdown On Christians Just Promotes Their Growth appeared first on Vision Christian Media.