A joint prayer network in Beijing has been disbanded by the local government. Many pastors within the network were summoned and asked to shut down their churches.
The Beijing Ministerial Joint Prayer Network (BMJPN) was founded in 2004 by Pastor Jin Mingri from one of the largest house churches in Beijing, Shouwang Church. He has gathered dozens of pastors to regularly pray for church revival and missions. While it started in Beijing, now there are pastors from different provinces who are actively involved in BMJPN.
Recently the authorities have summoned many pastors who are part of the BMJPN to the local religious affairs bureau to receive interrogation. They informed the pastors that BMJPN has not registered with the government, so its activities are considered “illegal religious activities.” They should be banned from preaching online and they were asked to dismiss their churches.
A pastor told Gospel Herald (Hong Kong) that he will not dismiss the BMJPN. He is also prepared to see churches forcibly shut down by the authorities. Many churches have been gathering in smaller groups these days, both due to the pandemic and the increased crackdown.
During the pandemic, China has further tightened its grip on house churches; it first used the excuse of COVID-19 to stop in-person gathering, now not only does it pressure the church to stay closed, it is also clamping down on online services and gatherings.
Source: International Christian Concern
- Thank the Lord for the courage of the believers in China. Pray they will remain faithful as they face escalating opposition.
- Pray these prayer network members will see the Lord at work in these difficult times and rejoice, even in the midst of their sufferings.
- Pray for those in authority who oppose the Gospel, that they will experience the new-found hope and joy found through a relationship with Christ.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Lord I pray for all the dear brothers and sisters in China, I ask that you would be with them and strengthen them in the faith! May the persecution draw them closer to you, may your kingdom come and your will be done!
What an example these Chinese prayer warriors are to us in the West. Please give us the same kind of endurance the Chinese Christians have under persecution.
I praise you the prayer network will not close in difficult times but will rejoice even though sufferings continue.
For Chinese government authorities, bring conviction of their need for Jesus and draw them to the hope of Jesus who is alive.
Gracious Father, I thank You for the courage and faithfulness of our Chinese brothers and sisters, their tenacity is admirable. Keep them faithful in spite of escalating opposition in Jesus Name. I lift them up into the light of Your love and into the power of Your Presence and ask that You would help these network members to see You at work through these difficult times and rejoice and sing even in the midst of suffering when one least feels like singing, to sing to the song the Holy Spirit gives in their hearts. I pray for those in authority who oppose the Gospel, please take the veil from their eyes, unstop their ears and soften their hearts. Cause them to ask themselves, “What is the purpose of my life?” “What will become of me when I die?” in Jesus Name I pray..
Great prayer Jean to which we can say Amen and Amen! Thank you
Lord teach us to pray. God of the nations you sent your Son into this hostile rebellious world to bring life, to save us from a Christless eternity. Blessed Lord Jesus, you are our great High Priest; You have opened a new and living way that we as sinful people can approach you with boldness and confidence. We pray for China’s leadership especially Xi Jinping (The President) and Li Keqiang (The Premier). May their hearts of stone become hearts of flesh under the direct influence of your Spirit and the Gospel of Christ. You have said in the scriptures, “…holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus… our apostle and high priest.” Have mercy on suffering believers particularly Pastor Jin Mingri and his colleagues from Churches in different regions and the The Beijing Ministerial Joint Prayer Network (BMJPN). We ask you to help them by your Spirit to focus on Jesus and bring their lives daily to Him. We especially pray for endurance, wisdom, patience and grace as they face interrogation, intimidation and dispossession by the Chinese Government officials. Help them to cherish the greatness of your Son, the sufficiency of His person and sacrifice, and the effectiveness of His intercession for them. Blessed are those who are persecuted for your name’s sake. There is no one like you Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. We plead for all your people in China. Deliver them from the work of the evil one and give them courage and discernment that they might continue to serve you and bring glory to your name. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus Amen.