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Playing Church in China

Written By Timothy fish

Published 8/29/2008

As reported by the Baptist Press, Bob Fu of China Aid Association says that while President Bush was in China the Chinese staged a house church for the President to attend by replacing its members with members of the government. Many of those who have their eye on the situation believe that the increase in religious persecution seen during the Olympic Games is only an indication of what is to come. It is very ironic that in the many images we saw during the games, Beijing is a city of lights and yet China is one of the darkest places in the world today and it may grow even darker.

What can we do? We can send missionaries. As impossible as that sounds, the latest edition of The Gleaner reports of the return of some young missionaries the BMAA sent into China and the plan is to continue similar programs in the future. We can elect men and women who will promote the American ideals of freedom of religion and freedom of speech in China. Most importantly, we can pray. The people in China have a great need for God’s help in overcoming this current crisis, and I hope someday overthrowing the Communist government that oppresses them.

What can we expect? If the Lord doesn’t come back first, in time we can expect to see the doors of China thrown open to the gospel. We don’t know when that will happen, but historically, the more a government tries to squeeze out religion the more brightly the truth shines until it breaks those who wish to hide it. It is never safe to directly oppose the Lord. Our prayer should be that the Lord give the people of China the freedom they need sooner rather than later.