How I Prayed For Instruction

Editor’s note: This month, CP has been praying for instruction. Many Chinese are concerned about instructing the next generation of believers to follow Christ. While these column is heavily focused on children’s educational issues, instruction is not merely for children. It is also a deep need for new and untaught believers, as well as those exploring the Christian faith. As you remember the Chinese church in prayer, please pray for all these types of instruction.


This month’s prayer topic, instruction, is particularly near my mother’s heart. Although I did not originally intend to homeschool and my kids started out in the local school, I have now been teaching them at home for several years. My family has been deeply blessed by the rhythms of this life, and the time to develop deeper relationships has changed our relational dynamics. I am grateful for God’s patient leading of our family.

When I hear from Chinese Christians, many are struggling with educational issues. Education is regularly at the top of the list of things Chinese Christians are concerned with. How will they raise the next generation to love and follow God when they face so many restrictions? Because I have experienced the stress of making hard decisions about my children’s education, I deeply sympathize with these believers who laboring to raise their children in “the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” When I hear of the troubles that so many parents are facing as they attempt to do this, my heart breaks.

This is a way to tighten the control of ideology and dictatorship over education. As long as there are people who want to be educated, it is up to the state to decide which kind of education they will receive.

The Chinese educational system is harsh, and many families – not just Christians – are frustrated with the high-pressure demands it places on young children (and their parents). In addition, the educational system explicitly teaches children, in Karl Marx’s words, that “religion is the opiate of the masses,” and is superstitious and backward. These things make it hard for many Chinese Christians to feel confident about placing their children in local public schools.

Yet there is not much space for them to make other choices. Those who opt out of public schools are unable to send their children to Chinese universities, and overseas college is generally quite expensive. Despite the obstacles, many Chinese have opted for Christian schools or even homeschool.

But in recent years, the Christian school movement has been heavily pressured. Recently, a teacher at a Chinese Christian schools told me the government is beginning to investigate all sorts of educational and training institutions, and is shutting down those that don’t meet standards. In that teacher’s opinion, “This is a way to tighten the control of ideology and dictatorship over education. As long as there are people who want to be educated, it is up to the state to decide which kind of education they will receive.” The educator went on to compare these educational requirements to demands that house churches register with the government and receive religious direction from secular officials.

The teacher I spoke with longs for their students to have quiet desks so they can study without fear and hiding. But at the same time, they are grateful for each day they have to spend with the children.

Churches regularly address the issue as well. A recent, fairly typical, prayer update from Early Rain Covenant Church included this specific request for Christian education: “Father God, please take care of the education of Christian children…In recent years, Christian education has been a key target of this atheistic regime. Many churches, Christian schools, and home education institutions have been persecuted. Many preachers, Christian teachers, and heads of institutions have been arrested. Many schools are suffering eviction and harassment. But in the midst of adversity, you have still determined that your people should teach their children according to the teachings of the Bible.”

Christian schools, like the one where the teacher mentioned above serves, are classified as illegal. In Chinese Christian circles, word of raids on other Christian schools is circulating. The teacher I spoke with longs for their students to have quiet desks so they can study without fear and hiding. But at the same time, they are grateful for each day they have to spend with the children. They said, “One of our teachers likes to count the days [we have managed to continue our school] – from the beginning to the present day. Of course, the purpose is not to finish the semester, but to count our graces, and learn to rely on God. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love him.”

Father, you are using persecution to carry out Christian education, so that the cross of Christ is engraved on the hearts of every child. This is the essence of your education.

Although we long for ease and rage against oppression, God does not always smooth the path his children must walk. Somehow, he uses even injustice and difficulty to accomplish his purposes.

Another part of the Early Rain prayer request said: “Father, you are using persecution to carry out Christian education, so that the cross of Christ is engraved on the hearts of every child. This is the essence of your education.”


E.F. Gregory is a mom of three. She lives in the San Gabriel Valley on the border of East Los Angeles, where her husband pastors a small PCA church. 

FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION

Pray for Chinese believers trying to follow God as they educate and raise up a new generation of Christians.

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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

About Shenyang

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 Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

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About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

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About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

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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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About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

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About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

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About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

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About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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