Laotian Christians Stand Firm in Faith | 28

Fourteen Khmu Christian families in Laos are standing strong in their faith, despite the Communist government forcing them to relocate to another village and their homes and church building being destroyed, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. This is the second time they have been moved from their village. In spite of the hardship endured, and the Communist government treating them like second-class citizens, these families remain strong in their faith. Although their bamboo church had its roof tops ripped off, they are still holding worship three times a week with joyful hearts. “They love God and are willing to die for Him,” a VOM contacts said.

Source: Voice of the Martyrs

BIBLE STUDY: Romans 8:18-27

PRAISE: God for the humble faith of these Christians. Pray for these courageous families, that they may know God’s daily protection and provision.

China’s Communists “Get Religion” | 1 & 2

When China’s Communist Party members met recently at the National Congress in Beijing, President Hu Jintao did something that had never been done before. He added the word “religion” to the Communist Party constitution. President Hu called the move an historic moment and challenged the party to view religion as a source of economic and social stability. “The window in China is opening more and more,” said Zhao Xiao, a top Chinese economist. In 2002, Zhao went on assignment to the United States to discover the secret of America’s  economic success. The trip changed his life forever.

“After my trip I wrote an essay entitled, Market Economies with Churches and Market Economies without churches,” he explained. “I discovered that Christianity was the reason for America’s success.” Zhao was an atheist and a former Communist Party official when he wrote the paper. He later converted to Christianity after reading the Bible. His essay is one of the most widely read articles on economic reform. “I meet people in the upper echelons of government and I tell them that China will prosper and be a blessing to the world if it embraces the message of the cross,” Zhao said.

And there’s evidence that the government is taking a closer look at how Christianity and other religions can create what party officials call a more “harmonious society.” “So for example, the government knows that Christians are law-abiding citizens and can be good role models for society,” said Yu Xinli, who pastor’s one of the largest government-sanctioned churches in Beijing.

“We found that as many as one in two of the Chinese people consider religion important in their lives,” said Brian Grim, who is documenting the rise of spirituality in China. And the religious appeal stretches across all segments of society, including members of the political class. And it’s Christianity that’s experiencing the most dramatic growth, especially in the unregistered, so-called underground churches.

But let’s be clear: the government still maintains a tight grip on religion. Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton monitors religious abuses in China. He says the old Communist tactics of torture, arrests, imprisonment and beatings are still practiced, especially against Christians who are not registered with the government. Still, he’s encouraged by the government attempts to understand people of faith. “Is it a sign that all is good and wonderful with the Chinese church? No. The issue is still control but it is good that at least the Communist Party is recognizing that religion has a role to play in Chinese society, I think that is a positive development,” Nettleton said.

Source: George Thomas CBN News: Revival Media

Bible Study: Habakkuk 2:9-14

Day 1 – PRAISE: God for the businessmen, scientists and politicians who are becoming Christians.

Day 2 – PRAY: That the Chinese Church may begin to experience a time of peace and continued growth.