How I Prayed for Fellowship

On Sunday morning, I woke up and refreshed my Instagram feed. An account I usually follow for picturesque photos of local life in China was instead posting protest videos. Young people screamed out for release, and some even openly demanded political change – something I never thought I would see. After years of Covid restrictions, Chinese citizens seem to have reached a breaking point. For the first time since 1989, mass protests have broken out in cities across China. Something seems to have snapped. There is little doubt the protests will be quelled and the participants punished, and it is possible harsh repercussions are in store for many people across China.

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“When the lives and words of believers show that God exists and speaks to the real pain and anger that many are experiencing, people pay attention.

How can I fellowship with Chinese believers from my comfortable and safe home in the States? What does it mean for Chinese Christians to fellowship with one another when they may have very different perspectives on how to respond when so many are locked in their own homes? What is Christian fellowship in an age of disconnection, dissension, and disaster?

An Opportunity for the Gospel

When people risk personal security to protest, it is because they are profoundly disillusioned with the status quo. Those who merely watch the protests are also likely frustrated and frightened. In a time of widespread dissatisfaction, Christians have solid hope. All believers, in both good times and disastrous ones, share in this hope. When the lives and words of believers show that God exists and speaks to the real pain and anger that many are experiencing, people pay attention.

Right now, lots of Chinese are feeling disappointed in society and worried about the future. Of course, not all Chinese feel this way. But some people are clearly seeing, perhaps for the first time, that the answers offered by the world are futile. If these people encounter the hope of Christ, which is true and solid in the midst of suffering, then their hearts may become tender to God. If these people see Christian community sacrificing themselves for the good of those outside of their families, they can’t help but be moved. And who better to offer this hope than Chinese Christians, so many of whom vividly understand that following Jesus does not result in a life of comfort and ease – yet it is worth it nonetheless.

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“This is a time of great opportunity for churches inside and outside of China. I pray the church around the globe is ready to share Christ’s kingdom, which stands secure, no matter how much earthly nations stagger.

There are many Chinese living outside of China, yet carefully watching events within their nation. These Chinese diaspora are likely experiencing many of the same emotions, and are searching for the same answers. This is a time of great opportunity for churches inside and outside of China. I pray the church around the globe is ready to share Christ’s kingdom, which stands secure, no matter how much earthly nations stagger.

A Dangerous Course to Navigate

There are, of course, many shoals around which Christians must steer in these times. In intense political times, many Christians will have different responses. Some will be tempted to put their hope in protest or in action, while others will want to disengage and avoid conflict. They may have completely different views on the righteous course of action. Perhaps the biggest danger for believers is that they will allow the arguments of the world to tear apart their Christian communities.

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“We do not know what the future will bring. But we know that God is with his people, and that none of his children follow him alone.

Yes, these issues affect every aspect of daily life and have the potential to end in serious consequences for believers and their families. But somehow, the church must find a way to show love to one another and to stand united in Christian fellowship, especially when there are a diversity of viewpoints in the same body. Christians need great amounts of wisdom to navigate these perilous waters. Pastors and leaders, in particular, must think carefully about how they shepherd their flocks to interact with the state and with their fellow citizens. In many ways, the church in the West has failed this test in recent years. But God himself never fails. I pray he will strengthen Chinese believers so they may bear “with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

I pray the Lord will grant those of us outside of the Chinese church the means to steadfastly stand with them in prayer. There is much we cannot do, but through prayer we can share in the joys and sorrows of the Chinese church.

We do not know what the future will bring. But we know that God is with his people, and that none of his children follow him alone.


E.F. Gregory is a mom of three young children. She lives in the San Gabriel Valley on the border of East Los Angeles, where her husband is a P.C.A. church planter.  

FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION

Pray that Christians inside and outside of China will experience the unity of the Spirit in these tumultuous times.

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Further Reading

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Guangzhou: "A Time for Testimony"
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A Peaceful World: The Story of An Ning, Part 2
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Guangzhou: "I Truly Love This City"
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

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ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

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Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

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Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

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About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

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About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

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