January 2005

CHINA (The Australian) On Christmas Eve, police in Beijing canceled a gathering of Christian activists. Hua Huiqi said he and others planned to have a party Friday night at a restaurant to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Two Christians were not allowed to leave their homes, and the restaurant owner was forced not to rent the place out, so the activity was canceled. Christmas is increasingly being celebrated as a major holiday in China as businesses try to capitalize on the commercial aspects of the holiday while many people also seek spiritual guidance to help them cope with a rapidly changing society. The government, however, maintains tight control over churches, banning proselytizing, despite recently passing a new regulation on religion protecting the right to worship. Pray God will protect Christians who continue to meet secretly to worship and study His Word. Pray those seeking spiritual guidance will find the Savior. Pray government officials will abide by their regulations and allow everyone to worship freely.

TATARSTAN (Charisma News) Rafis Nabiullin, the pastor of a small church in this mostly Muslim country, was recently threatened by a security official. He was told to halt the church's activity and leave the town of Aznakayevo, Forum 18 News Service reported. He was also threatened in the summer of 2003 for allegedly inviting children to services without the permission of their parents. He said Protestant churches often cannot rent public buildings or show evangelistic films. Pray God will strengthen the faith of these believers. Pray this controversy will cause Muslims to inquire about Jesus. Pray the Lord will soften the hearts of the authorities to allow this little fellowship to continue meeting.

2004: Tragedy & Triumph For Persecuted Christians