Guangzhou: “God Has Been Gracious”

Editor’s note: As we continue to pray for Guangzhou, today we are sharing prayer requests from those in the area. They asked for prayer for pastors, who are trying to shepherd their flocks through a difficult season. Many of the pastors mentioned the struggles of discipling children and young people, and talked about how important it is to pass the faith to the next generation. Pray for God to make a way for young people to come to him. One church leader talked about his imprisonment over the past year, and shared how God had used that time to work in his heart in a mighty way. Praise the Lord that he uses even difficulties to draw his people to himself! Finally, pray for pastors and believers who are considering emigrating from the Guangzhou area. Pray for God’s clear leading and direction to them.


“It’s Not Easy”

China Partnership: How can we be praying for your city and for Christians in your city? How can we be praying for your churches and families?

Wong Meijing: Pray for all the pastors. It’s not easy for anyone. Pray that pastors will be devoted to Christ and his kingdom. We are easily influenced by our environment.

Also, pray for campus ministries. Now, many young people go to temples. They are searching for peace in their soul, looking for a resting place. Don’t think badly of them, they are lost and confused. Pray that college students can receive the gospel. When AI comes, there will be a complete departure from the past. How can young people face the future? They need faith! You must be rooted in Christ to face the world. Student ministry is crucial.

Pray for all the pastors. It’s not easy for anyone.

Also pray for children’s education, and for parents. Parents’ attitudes towards their children’s education will affect their children’s spiritual growth. Parents focus more on academics than on raising their children to become soldiers of Christ.

For our own church, pray that brothers and sisters will learn to be disciples who pray. Pray for me, as pastor, to know how to take the next step. This is very practical! It’s hard to say I have a grand vision. The vision is God’s kingdom, which he himself will ultimately accomplish. But how to take each step? How to continue discipleship training? This year, we need to till the soil and have good soil.

Blessed by Jail

Zu Jianyu: I’m incredibly thankful for the changes God brought into my life this past year [while I was in prison]. This change of environment led to reflection. I had many hard shells. God has graciously broken them down, especially emotionally. I used to be quite rational and rigid. My wife would say I was unable to consider other perspectives, especially the weaknesses of brothers and sisters. When I would visit people, I would think, “Such small matters, why are they always like this?” I was emotionally numb.

This past year, God has broken through that numbness and rigidity. Now, when I read letters from my wife or from brothers and sisters, I’m moved to tears. Even reading the psalms feels different. Before, it was just reading, nothing special. Now, many of the psalms deeply resonate with me. God knew my emotional numbness, and used the situation in jail to restore me.

God knew my emotional numbness, and used the situation in jail to restore me.

Interacting with people in the lower strata of society, those living in darkness, has given me much to reflect on: their values, their numbness, their dark and vulgar language. I’ve been able to witness to them, and to help some young people.

My interactions with prison guards also revealed the tragic and terrible aspects of the lives of these public servants. I had a good relationship with my guards, and things were relatively smooth in that area.

This experience [of being in prison] gave me a deeper understanding of young people in our society who lack education and opportunities. Now, I have a burden for these young people.

God has been gracious to us. When I talk with other co-workers in our church, we all realize God has given so much to each of us. This has been a time of refining. Through our difficulties, God allowed us to have miraculous, one-of-a-kind experiences. I am very grateful. I believe God allowed me to go through this season to help me better understand the people we serve in our church, because most people in our church are working class.

Understanding God’s Leading

Ran Wuliang: First, please pray that, during financial hardship and persecution, brothers and sisters in our church will continue to look to and rely on the Lord.

Second, many pastors and Christians we know have left China in the past few years. We often say it’s God’s leading, but we don’t always understand what that looks like for each person. If we truly understand God’s calling, maybe we’d be more cautious in our decisions. We don’t want to leave at the first sign of difficulty. Pray believers will discern God’s calling, and that he will work in the hearts of those considering these decisions.

God has been gracious to us. When I talk with other co-workers in our church, we all realize God has given so much to each of us. This has been a time of refining. Through our difficulties, God allowed us to have miraculous, one-of-a-kind experiences.

Pray for God to raise up more believers for service. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Church governance is a crucial need. We need not only brothers, but also sisters to be raised up.

As for children’s education, it’s about parental guidance and the strength of their faith. Losing young people is a serious concern. This is related to parental influence and home witness, as well as the resources available in the church. My church does not have resources in this area.

A growing number of people come to church because of their depression. Depression is affecting younger and younger people, even children. This is a significant portion of the congregation in many churches in this area. These people need ministry, but do we have the training and gifts to serve them? Pray for God to open the way for us.

Yan Qiangdong: Pray for parents in our churches to have wisdom in raising their children and teaching them about the gospel from a young age. Also pray for sisters in our church whose husbands oppose their faith.


Wong Meijing, Ran Wuliang, Jiang Aizhong, and Yang Qiangdong are Guangzhou area house church pastors. Zu Jianyu is an elder in a local house church.

Praise God that he uses times of trial to do good work in the hearts of his disciples. Pray for God to raise more pastors and leaders, and for parents trying to raise their children in the faith.

Share This Story

Further Reading

wei-zhao-H3x7NCFI2Yo-unsplash
Xiamen: Beautiful, Coastal... and Expensive
Read More
robert-bye-XiQvWmj37MM-unsplash
Guangzhou: Raising Gospel Soldiers
Read More
christine-roy-ir5MHI6rPg0-unsplash
Money, Power, and Sex
Read More

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

Videos

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.

Videos

Stories from Shenyang

About Qingdao

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.

Videos

Stories from Qingdao

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.

Videos

Stories from Xiamen

About Chongqing

Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Videos

Stories from Chongqing

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.

Videos

Stories from Nanjing

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.

Videos

Stories from Changchun

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.

Videos

Stories from Guangzhou

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.

Videos

Stories from Kunming

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.

Videos

Stories from Shenzhen

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. 

Videos

Stories from Chengdu

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.

Videos

Stories from Beijing

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.

Videos

Stories from Shanghai

give

A short message about partnering with us.