This year we’ve seen new regulations that tighten state control over Chinese churches. Churches that aren’t officially registered with the government, as well as registered churches, have experienced increased harassment. Not only has this led to church closures and demolitions, but the forced removal of religious items from church buildings, and a ban on children attending services.

Sunday 19 August

In Henan Province authorities have been demolishing both Catholic and Protestant churches, as well as reportedly destroying religious materials and making congregations sing Communist songs. Pray that no further churches would be destroyed and that the congregations already displaced would find somewhere safe to worship.

Monday 20 August

In May Pastor Su of Living Stone Church was sentenced to one year in prison suspended for two years, with a further six months’ ‘residential surveillance’. He’s been under house arrest since December 2015. Today, join us in praying for Pastor Su to be released and the charges against him dismissed.

Tuesday 21 August

Living Stone Church has been the target for repeated harassment by the government since 2013. Another pastor, Pastor Yang Hua, is also in prison. A former deacon, Zhang Xiuhong, was released in August last year after two years in detention. Pray for God’s protection over the congregation of Living Stone Church, and for his Spirit to guide them.

Wednesday 22 August

The same authorities that are forcing congregations to sing Communist songs in churches and remove banners, posters and tiles with religious messages from their buildings, have also forbidden anyone under 18 from attending a church. Pray that this will change soon.

Thursday 23 August

In May 200 members of Early Rain Church in Chengdu were detained or removed to prevent them from holding a prayer vigil for victims of a 2008 earthquake. Pastor Wang Yi, who leads the church, was detained by police and accused of ‘picking quarrels and causing trouble’ on 11 May, then released the following night. Pray that Early Rain Church and Pastor Yi would experience no further harassment.

Friday 24 August

Our East Asia team is dedicated to promoting religious freedom in China, Burma, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and North Korea. They write reports and articles, visit the region to gather first-hand information, run training sessions and work tirelessly for freedom and human rights. Please ask God to bless their efforts and grant them even more wisdom and energy for their work.

Saturday 25 August

Lord, we lift the churches of Henan Province to you. Protect their congregations from further harassment, we pray, and guide them to safer places to worship you in peace. We pray for China’s new, tighter controls on religion to be lifted and for children to be allowed to attend church again. Amen.