As one hundred Christians gathered to worship on Christmas Eve in Korla City, Xinjiang, six police officers raided their meeting and forced them to stop the service. The officers directed the people to go to a government-sanctioned church if they wanted to meet for worship. One church leader has informed China Aid that they intend to continue meeting even though they will have to find another location.
Also in Xinjiang, in Ma Na Si County, two hundred police officers and other officials raided a house church meeting in a rented facility on Christmas Day. Two hundred and ten believers had gathered to worship when the police entered with a search warrant and declared that the meeting was an "illegal religious gathering." Twelve church leaders were arrested and property was confiscated, including two vehicles, a piano, a video camera, eighty Bibles, 230 towels and all the Christmas food. Seven of the leaders were later released. Those still in custody at last report were Pastor Guo Xianyao (54), Ms. Lu Jianzhen (47), Ms. Wu Haifang (28), Ms. Wang Ximei (54) and Ms. Zhou Bin (50). According to one witness, Pastor Guo was physical beaten by the police.
Pray that those who have been arrested will soon be released. Ask God to give them patience and quietness of heart as they face their accusers. Pray that Pastor Guo will be able to maintain a consistent walk with God as he recovers from the beatings. Ask God to protect His people from bitterness and that they will have an undying love for those who continue to violate their basic human rights.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, click here. Video reports on China are available on www.vomcanada.com
Population
