The Stories
Even the stunning brightness of the Pacific sun cannot outshine the light of Christ that I have seen this week. We have talked to so many brothers in Christ, with so many unbelievable stories, that I don't even know where to begin.
One brother escaped authorities cracking down on his Christianity by running, as they shot at him. Another has spent multiple times in jail, because he was a house church pastor. And one was a young man, converted three years ago, and in spite of the fact that he is a self-proclaimed “baby in Christ,” he is ready to put everything on the line for his Savior.
China is a changing country. The economy is changing, the international eye is providing more scrutiny on the communist government. The summer Olympics are causing that government to brutally crack down on Christians. Just tonight, in fact, we got word of more house church raids!
But that is not all that is happening in China. Because there are those that are willing to put their lives on the line, the gospel is growing – growing by leaps and bounds. One brother told us about the revival that has not only started, but has blossomed into a full blown, if highly secret, movement on the mainland.
I questioned him on this revival, because I have read many stories about it, but never heard first-hand news. He spoke excitedly, his otherwise stoic face brightening in to a smile as he over and over used that exciting word - “revival.”
And then he said something that made me stop. I wasn't sure I had heard him right, so I asked a rather direct question: “Do you think that the revival is a result of the persecution that Christians have experienced?”
The answer was without hesitation, as he looked at me as if he was surprised I would even ask such a question.
Yes.
Pray for them. Pray that they stand strong, and that the light that shines so brightly here would illuminate the world's most populous nation with its glow.