Five Christian leaders were recently arrested in Inner Mongolia, China. One of the leaders, a pastor named Jesse, was reportedly arrested for the "offense" of having 1,000 university students attend his church. Approximately 100 of the university students are also Bible school students who are taught by a VOM worker. Police have detained Pastor Jesse five times over the last year, and they had warned him that he was being kept under close watch. At last report, he and the four others were being held in a detention center where prisoners are usually kept for at least 30 days. It's not known whether he will be formally sentenced. A friend of Jesse's has said, "We sent some clothes [to Jesse] but were not able to meet and talk to him. Please pray. The situation here is so bad."
Pray Pastor Jesse and the other leaders will be released. Ask the Lord to encourage them as they suffer for serving Him. Pray the believers under their leadership will not grow weaker in faith, but that they will be emboldened and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Pray the Gospel message will continue to go forward in China, despite opposition.
Find out more about the plight of Chinese Christians at the China Country Report.
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