As we switch our campaign focus for 2020 to China, we know that so many need our prayers: Pastor Wang Yi who boldly spoke out and now faces a nine-year sentence; Muslim families from the Uyghur ethnic group placed in ‘re-education’ camps in Xinjiang; Christian children banned from church or school.

As you pray, be inspired by the perseverance of Pastor Wang Yi, who wrote, ‘Separate me from my wife and children, ruin my reputation, destroy my life…. However, no one in this world can force me to renounce my faith.’ Find out more about China at csw.org.uk/china

Sunday 7 June

Thank God for the courage of Pastor Wang Yi, sentenced to nine years following a trial on Boxing Day 2019. Lift up him and his family today, praying that they’d know God’s presence and comfort.

Monday 8 June

Members of Pastor Wang Yi’s Early Rain Church, and Living Stone Church in Guizhou, are under severe pressure, including ongoing harassment from police. Thank God for their faith and ask that they’ll be able to continue to meet together in some way.

Tuesday 9 June

We have heard of several cases of parents who have been told they cannot take their children to church. Pray today that this will be reversed, so that children everywhere may attend church with their parents.

Wednesday 10 June

Over one million Uyghur people have been placed into ‘re-education camps’ in China without charge or trial, targeted because of their ethnicity and religion (they are predominantly Muslim). Pray that this huge injustice would end and these people would be set free.

Thursday 11 June

‘I am happy for you, you are safe there… Please stop calling me.’ These are the words of one Uyghur mother to her daughter living in Australia. She hasn’t heard from her family since that day. Pray for peace for all those living overseas with family in Xinjiang, and that they would receive word from their loved ones.

Friday 12 June

Our new China campaign is initially focusing on the UK Parliament. Please pray that so many people contact their MP, and request and share campaign cards, that it becomes a critical mass that MPs can’t ignore.

Saturday 13 June

God of all comfort, we thank you for the extraordinary bravery of pastors, human rights defenders, and many more in China. We pray for all those suffering this stranglehold on religious groups, that they would see justice and you would release them from oppression. Amen.

Download a printable copy of this week’s Prayer Diary.