China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims has made mainstream media headlines recently. Yet, Uyghur Christians in the remote north-west corner of China are suffering even worse persecution – and their story remains largely untold.
Up to 1 million Uyghurs are reportedly detained in massive detention camps in Xinjiang where prisoners are submitted to 24-hour brainwashing and other torture.
There are reportedly only between 700 and 1,000 Christians in the Uyghur homeland that is Xinjiang province. And they are singled out for much harsher sentencing because they have converted from Islam.
Among the Christian Uyghurs behind bars is Alimujiang Yimiti (also known as Alimjan Yimit), a pastor with a Muslim background. His role in the church, it is assumed, is one of the reasons he was given a particularly harsh 15-year sentence in 2008.
He was convicted of “leaking state secrets” after two phone conversations he had with an American Christian friend were tapped. It’s understood that he shared no sensitive or secret information during those chats.
He has been held in a prison where inmates are made to wear earphones tuned to communist propaganda all day every day and are forced to memorise and repeat what they hear. Yet, Alimujiang’s faith remains strong, according to Bob Fu, Director of ChinaAid.
“[Alimujiang] told his family that he thanks God for sending him to that prison,” says Bob, “so that he can continue to share the Gospel and live out the Gospel in these dark prisons.”
Recently, his wife Gulinuer and their two sons have been banned from making their usual monthly visits to see Alimujiang in jail – because they are deemed to have become “uncooperative”. In other words, they have refused to deny Christ. Gulinuer is now being followed and monitored every day by security officials – but continues to raise her sons as Christians.
Sources: ChinaAid, Release International
- Thank the Lord for the way He has sustained the faith of Alimujiang after such a lengthy time in prison. Ask for the Lord’s protection to be upon his mind, body and spirit.
- Pray for Gulinuer and her two sons as they endure considerable difficulties.
- Ask the Lord to use Alimujiang mightily in prison. Pray he will be greatly encouraged as he sees the Lord at work in the prison.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I have said these things to you that you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.’ What wonderful and yet difficult words to cherish as we remember with thanksgiving our brother Alimujiang, his wife Gulinuer and their two sons. You, blessed Lord Jesus, spoke of the gift of your Spirit and of the fruitfulness and persecution your people would face. We praise you for the 700-1000 Uyghur believers but ask for your mercy to be shown as they suffer reportedly much harsher treatment under the Chinese regime. Assist them to be faithfully and powerfully your ambassadors even in the harshest of circumstances. Strengthen them if and when they’re separated from their loved ones. We commend them wholeheartedly to your sovereign care. ‘How long O Lord will you look on?’ (Psalm 35:17)
It frustrates me so much that wherever their is a Communist or Totalitarian State, their is violent abuse & discrimination against Christians especially but also against people of faith! I wonder why these all powerful states feel so intimidated by people of faith?