Dear Friend of the Persecuted Church—

            As Remember expands, we are privileged to come in contact with more and more faithful members of the Body of Christ.  It is an unbelievable blessing to see their lives, hear their stories, and see their undeniable examples of God’s faithfulness.  Each life is a powerful encouragement to us, and a reminder to pray for suffering saints worldwide.

            Christians in China, for instance, have been persecuted for decades.  It is a persecution that has been well-hidden by the Communist government doing the persecution.  Even the growth of Christianity itself has been well-hidden, as the official government numbers habitually understate the number of believers there.  But these propaganda attempts can’t stop the reality of what can only be called an underground revival.

            Remember does not currently have a work in China, but God may be opening the doors.  The need is there, and we are seeking God’s leading as we develop contacts and a plan to meet that need.  As we have sought His leading, we have found His people.  Their stories are nothing short of amazing.

            The history of the Chinese underground church reminds me of the stories of the Resistance in World War II Europe—except with Bible smuggling, hidden worship services, and evangelism, instead of sabotage and propaganda.  Through the faithful working of godly leaders, the constant persecution has only fueled the exponential growth of the Body of Christ.

            This faithful working is far more than a commitment to the labor of the gospel, though.  These Christians have sacrificed everything.  Being convicted of the crime of preaching Jesus Christ is punished by three years in prison—for the first time offense; subsequent convictions are given even harsher punishments.  And one by one, these pastors serve their time, step out of prison, and return to preaching Christ.

            One underground church elder, whose son was also a pastor and had been imprisoned multiple times, was asked what he thought of his son’s work.  The elder answered, “I am so grateful that my son has had the privilege of suffering for Jesus Christ.”

            What a perspective—the privilege of suffering.

            As you pray for the persecuted church this week, pray for these pastors, in China and all over the world, that have willingly and joyfully given so much to bring the message of salvation to a lost world.  And please pray for Remember’s doors of opportunity to minister to these needs!

Yours for the Body of Christ,

Gabriel J. Waddell
Executive Director

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This Week in the Persecuted Church

Courageous Team Returns to Village

A Pastor, His Family, and Church Members Beaten Up

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